This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Show Review parkworld-online.com


clients from around the globe who are seeking world-class iconic attractions.”


“It was good for us,” smiled Chuck Bingham of Martin & Vleminckx Rides, “because we arrived fully booked for 2014. That gave us a more relaxed booth atmosphere. We’ve entertained our most recent customers and received other customers with whom we are now negotiating.” “This year’s show? It’s been very good for us,” acknowledged Mirko Schulze, CEO of Huss Park Attractions. “We have had very intense discussions with quality customers, with more park operators and fewer showmen. The third day seemed the busiest, but days one and two were strong, too.” “This show’s been great,” exclaimed Gary Goddard of Gary Goddard Entertainment. “We met many new clients from the Far East. We’ve already signed two contracts, which is rare for us in the design business, where contracts usually follow after the show.” “An awesome week, literally,” confirmed Kevin


Rowher, vice-president of sales & marketing for S&S- Sansei, which introduced its new 4D Free Spin coaster. “Before the show started we had the first two-and-a-half days booked with appointments. That was before IAAPA delivered 27,000 people the first day, a record. As soon as we started, day three was filled and half of day four. Never before have we received verbal commitments during the show, but in this show we’ve gotten three so far.”


Best in years “It’s been one of the best shows in years,” said Len Soled of Rides 4U. “Many people we haven’t seen in years were back, with enthusiasm. We’re very happy to see the abundance of attendees, both park and carnival owners.” “This has been one of our most successful IAAPA shows in years,” confirmed Augusto di Santi of the SBF/Visa Group, one of the European ride manufacturers represented by Soled. “We sold seven to eight units of the spinning coaster displayed on our booth to customers in North America, and three or four more around the world.” “There’s been lots of interest from the US, where we are represented by EnterAction in Branson, Missouri,” Olivier Vincent from the Belgian interactive attractions specialist Alterface informed us. “I think the economy is better over here at the moment than in Europe.” “After Euro Attractions Show in Paris, we were doubting whether we would send a ride vehicle to Orlando,” revealed Ruud Koppens of ETF Ride Systems from The Netherlands, displaying a trackless dark ride vehicle destined for Dubai. “I am glad we did; this has really been one of the better shows. The future looks promising, there are lots of projects coming up.” “It’s been really good,” added Adam Sandy of the Ride Entertainment Group. “For the North American market it was good to unveil the Dollywood wooden coaster car from Gerstlauer. It added a dynamic to the booth to have a car to exhibit.” “The show has been the best we’ve ever had,”


JANUARY 2014


Disney veterans Marty Sklar, Jack Lindquist and Lee Cockerell participated in this year’s Legends session


Award-winners Numerous park and attractions marketing, retail, food & beverage, entertainment and human resources teams were recognised at IAAPA Attractions Expo in the annual Brass Ring Awards. Several Expo exhibitors were also given awards for their innovative products and booth displays. Space prevents us listing them all, but allow us to highlight the new inductees into the IAAPA Hall of Fame. John Wood is credited with


reviving the appeal of dark rides during the rollercoaster heydays of the 1980s, by


introducing new technology, special effects and animatronics. Today his company, Sally


John Wood collects his Hall of Fame award


Pictured on the Simworx booth were Casse and Gino de-Gol, new recruit Ed Pawley, Terry Monkton and Rafael Smith


Jim Seay and Tom Sheehan were among those raising funds for Give Kids The World in Sunday’s charity bke ride


Pictured on the Maurer Söhne booth were Hermann Bockhorni, Theo Fesenmayr, new company CEO Dr Holger Krasmann, Ralf Reiffschert, new sales consultant Eckart Schulz, Wolfgang Brost and US agent Steve Boney


Corporation, has realised almost 60 dark rides in 14 countries, and has mastered the use of “black light” painting and interactive shooting. “I’ve had a great team behind me,” Wood said on receiving is award, “they love dark rides, and we have enjoyed bringing them back to where they’re a vital part of the industry.” Meanwhile twin brothers John and Jim Huish are considered the forefathers of modern-day family entertainment centres. In the 1957, while still at college, they built a small miniature golf course using packed sawdust for the fairways and green, going on to construct and operate a series of 20 mini golf courses across California, which evolved into the Huish Family Fun Centers chain. They later established go-kart supplier J&J Amusements. After Jim was killed in a construction accident in 1984, John forged ahead, acquiring and building a nationwide chain of waterparks and FECs as well as the Bullwinkle’s restaurant franchise. During the week in Orlando, three industry leaders and dedicated IAAPA committee men honoured with Service Awards from the association, namely Jim Seay from Premier Rides, Colombian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions founder Julio Vanegas and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s Doug Stagner.


23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52