Show Reviews
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Sixth annual ScareCon screams into London
O
Some delegates just couldn’t wait until lunch
ver 220 attraction operators, suppliers and consultants, together with a handful of “home haunters” and enthusiasts, gathered last month in London for the latest edition of Europe’s original scare attraction conference and trade show.
Since its second event in 2008, ScareCon has moved to a different UK town or city each year, and it was back to the capital for 2013. Last time ScareCon was in London, the Magic Circle’s headquarters provided the backdrop, this time (20 June) it was the
atmospheric Islington Metalworks a mile or so down the road.
The intense seminar programme
included workshops on marketing, applying prosthetics and several case studies of Halloween and scare events from the UK and beyond. There were also stands and displays from such diverse companies as Haunted Lantern and Zombie Zed Events, creator of the Zombie Shopping Mall. After the education programme had drawn to a close, delegates from England, Wales, Ireland, Germany and Spain partied the night away at the Scare Ball with entertainment provided by a troop of “gorelesque” peformers. In the early hours, the very brave stayed over in the Metalworks’ allegedly haunted building to experience The Vigil. Using special effects, hidden actors and a barrage of unexplainable phenomena, guests were tricked into believing they were in the middle of a real ghost hunt. Organiser Michael Bolton and his team are already working on the 2014 event and full details will be announced shortly. In the meatime, enjoy these images courtesy of official ScareCon photographer Stephen Candy.
scarecon.org A bloody good time was had by all
A record-breaking 5,350 industry professionals participated in last month’s Asian Attractions Expo (AAE), the Asia Pacific region trade show and conference from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Park World toasts IAAPA’s success in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
Center – part of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort – from 4 to 7 June, the AAE venue was an attraction in itself with its stunning Skypark and 150m infinity pool overlooking the Singapore skyline. IAAPA sold out its MBS room block well in advance, giving those delegates and exhibitors lucky enough to stay there some first- class “R&R” when they were able to tear themselves away from the exhibition halls or events. Other plumped for more affordable options. The attendance figure quoted, which includes more than 3,600 buyers, is up slightly on last year in Hong Kong, nevertheless some of the 286 exhibitors observed that the halls did seem quieter. Maybe that is a reflection of how much this show has grown in recent years, now occupying 6,824 net square meters of space – the most expansive exhibition floor in AAE’s history. There was certainly a consensus among companies Park World talked to that they “had to be there.” “Asian Attractions Expo 2013’s success reflects the tremendous industry growth in the Asia-Pacific region and confirms it as the attractions industry’s leading event for industry professionals,” remarked IAAPA president and CEO, Paul Noland.
S IAAPA style
As has now become the case at all IAAPA trade shows, the event kicked off with a showbiz-style opening ceremony. In this case the production was overseen by the entertainment team from Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines, including a contribution from park owner and IAAPA vice-chairman Mario Mamon as Gangnam Style singer Psy, plus appearances by Sesame Street characters from Universal Studios Singapore.
Official AAE social events and networking opportunities included
Wednesday night’s party at Resorts World Sentosa’s (RWS) new Marine Life Park. Whilst the accompanying waterpark and aquarium tours were interesting, the backdrop for the event and the weather failed to live up to last year’s spectacular shindig at Ocean Park in Hong Kong. Many then returned to RWS the following night for the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) Party at Universal Studios. If anything there were probably too many events at RWS given its location. A number of tours were offered before, during and after the show, including a hop across the Singapore Straits to see Themed Attractions
taged at the Sands Expo and Convention
The Islington Metalworks provided atmospheric surroundings for the event 24
IAAPA executives (third vice-chair John McReynolds is pictured right) enjoy lunch at Lat’s Place during a tour of Malaysia’s Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park
JULY 2013
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