Show Review
www.parkworld-online.com
directors. “Spend a few minutes walking the booths on our show floor and it’s easy to see why waterparks hold so much appeal – the designers continue to push the envelope with amazing, inventive products which move the industry forward in meaningful ways.” “The WWA show was excellent for us,” said Joel
Airhead inflatable tubes were available at the Kwik Tek booth
WWA around
the world WWA members from Europe and Asia are promised their own regional events from the WWA next spring/summer. The association will be reinstating its European Symposium on February 28 and 29 at The Time Capsule Waterpark in Coatbridge,
Scotland.After several years of Middle East Symposiums, the WWA moves to Hong Kong for its first Asian Symposium on June 5 and 6. The venue has yet to be announced, but it is being timed to coincide with IAAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo, which runs in the city from June 5 to 8. For details of these and the 32nd WWA Symposium/Trade Show in Las Vegas, see
waterparks.org/education
Gatemaster Systems is now offering point-of-sale and ticketing with waterproof hardware, as this demo proves
All your waterpark needs under one roof – a general view of this year’s trade show floor (featuring 325 exhibitors)
Schafer, Big Squirt! “This event provides a unique opportunity to spend quality, face-to-face time with our customers and new waterpark developers. No other show has as many qualified waterpark people. The attendees we spoke with are serious about their operations or new development. It’s a good environment to do business.” “It’s been a little slow,” observed Lesly Hudnell of Gatemaster Systems. “There doesn't seem to be as many people here as in the past, but we've really enjoyed reconnecting with our existing clients and getting to catch up and spend time with old friends.” “The show has been unbelievably slow, unfortunately,” said Julie Zakus of WhiteWater West. “We thought New Orleans would be a great draw, but for some reason people aren’t here.” “It’s been a good show,” believed Jenny Hefner of Splash Kingdom. “The networking has been very useful, and I’ve found a lot of new products. This is my first time in New Orleans, so I'm enjoying the city.” “It looks a little slow,” mused Dave Sizelove of Aquatherm Industries, “but this is our first time exhibiting so I’m not sure what to expect. We usually exhibit to the solar and pool industry trade and here we’re talking directly to end users, the park operators. I view our role here as educators. Waterpark
operators are generally unaware that solar heating is a viable option.”
Party Time
Thanks to a little help from Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World, the trade show floor transformed to a festive parade route at the end of day one, featuring a live jazz band, stilt walkers, walking heads, beads, beads and more beads. WWA chairman Glenn Davidson presided as king of the parade, followed by past chair Chris Swartz and vice-chair Jim Basala, all riding in floats towards WWA’s Annual Reunion Party. With a city motto of “Let the Good Times Roll,” there was never any doubt that WWA attendees were in for some memorable networking events in New Orleans. The association’s annual golf tournament and luncheon was hosted by TPC Louisiana, where more than 70 golfers came together on a gorgeous day for a little golf, a few prizes and a nice lunch. At both the Reunion Party and the New Orleans Party the following night at Generations Hall, WWA attendees kept the party going with extended networking time, music and good times. Generations Hall in particular provided a memorable backdrop, a warehouse venue turned into a nightclub for the night. The 32nd Annual World Waterpark Association Symposium and Trade Show will be held next year at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, from October 1 to 5. But before that two regional symposiums are planned in the UK and Hong Kong (see panel, left).
www.waterparks.org
34
NOVEMBER 2011
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