Water Park Forum

Roger has over 40 years’ experience in the Aquatic Leisure Industry. Currently he fronts the Water Technology projects in Europe and Euro Asia, also supporting the specialist design build projects delivered by Neuman Aqua Ltd, focusing on new-build developments and the rapidly growing expansion/retrofit sector. Roger served a 20-year career with Biwater Ltd, gaining experience in construction, operations and manufacturing within the worldwide water industry, before leaving to set up the aquatic leisure consultancy company, Royson Ltd in 1996. In 2005 he established his role with Aqua Leisure International, combining it with the formation of Neuman Aqua Ltd 2011. He is a regular international Speaker and a writer of industry articles and has sat on a number of Industry Standards advisory boards. Roger also served on the World Waterpark Associations Board of Directors 2004-2010. He is a member of the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers and also the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.

Peter left Deloitte and set up Hadron Consulting Ltd in 2014 with the aim of continuing his strong track record in Sport and Leisure Project Management and delivering projects in a more personal way.

Before setting up Hadron Consulting, Peter Curtis was a Director at Deloitte LLP responsible for delivering large scale, high value developments. He was also a strategic adviser and provided programme management services to high profile clients on multi billion pound projects, such as the Restoration and Renewal Programme for the Houses of Parliament.

His experience includes working with different client groups including sports clubs, hotel operators, local authorities, central government, universities, corporate occupiers, tech companies and developers.

John has more than 40 years experience in the Attractions Industry 30 years of which are in the Waterpark sector working in all positions from lifeguard to his present position as Managing Director at Sandcastle Waterpark. He has been a major part of the driving force behind the evolution of Sandcastle Waterpark from a leisure pool, to its current status as the UK’s Largest Indoor Waterpark. In addition to the introduction of many new attractions at the Waterpark, it has also been John’s vision to ensure the highest levels of Guest Service and Inclusion for All, including becoming a fully accessible venue that is at the vanguard of the tourism industry worldwide. To achieve this, John and his team have developed close relationships with local charities and community groups, the success of which has driven a 300%+ increase in visits from Guests with disabilities and additional needs in the last 5 years alone. John believes all organisations can become even more inclusive with their offering to their customers, helped by the employment of a diverse and well trained workforce, with disabled employees as an integral part of the workforce.

Ewelina Jędrysiak is Marketing & PR Specialist at the “Park of Poland” project where she is responsible for the Indoor Water Park “Suntago”. She has been connected with Global City Holdings and the “Park of Poland” project since 2011. Ewelina graduated from the University of Wrocław at the Faculty of Communication Design. She is passionate about modern architecture, photography and family travels. As big fan of sitcom “Friends”, she is addicted to coffee and in love with nice beaches and palm trees.

Anton Hoefter is CEO of Jodquellen AG, a resort development company, operating Alpamare waterparks, and hotels. The first Alpamare opened in Germany in 1970 as a unique combination of fun and Spa-based water attractions. Today we operate waterparks in Switzerland, UK, and Morcco. Alpamare has supported waterpark development and operations in Russia and Slovakia. Before joining the Alpamare, Anton Hoefter was COO for the European Fund Business of UK-based Aviva. Anton Hoefter also worked several years as project manager for McKinsey & Company. Anton Hoefter holds an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and a PhD in economics from the University of St.Gallen, Switzerland.

Gerro Vonk is CEO/owner of Hof van Saksen in the Netherlands. This large luxury resort that opened in 2007 has 3.300 beds and excellent central facilities. It has annually approx. 1 million guestnights and 85% occupancy. The premium resort is designed by famous architects. Quality of F&B is a strategic choice. One of the 6 restaurants had a Michelin star. Hof van Saksen has an award winning minimalistic designed indoor waterpark of 4.00m2. The waterpark opened in July 2017 a €7,5 mln. addition with 5 large waterslides, including Europe’s biggest indoor waterslide. Gerro is happily married, has 3 kids and holds an MBA from the Rotterdam School of management.

Stefaan has a background in engineering and has been the general manager of Bellewaerde since 8 years. Previously, he was technical director and production engineer in other industries.