2003 European Conference at Disneyland® Resort Paris Disneyland® Resort Paris was the site of the 2003 European Conference on October 9-10. Attendees from all over the continent gathered to discuss the conference’s focus: Attractions at a Crossroads: Amusement Facilities Operating in a Changing World. The event started with a bang, literally, as conference attendees enjoyed the Moteurs… Action!!! Stunt Show Spectacular®, which featured a car and motorcycle demonstration. This was the first of many opportunities guests had to enjoy the park during the conference. IAAPA Chairman of the Board John P.C. Collins and Lamberto Fresnillo, AEPA and moderator of the conference, welcomed everyone. The afternoon’s sessions started with presentations by Sophie Huberson, SNELAC; Angela Wright, Crealy Adventure Park; and Julie Clark, Price Waterhouse Coopers Strategy Group (mergers and acquisitions). Each speaker came to similar conclusions about issues and challenges in the European market. And they all discussed changes affecting the industry. Topping the list of topics was litigation and regulations, and the impact of health and safety issues, including SARS and Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The conference also discussed the aging population and its impact on the employment pool and visitor demographics. Rapidly advancing technology was also identified as a significant influence in the marketplace. Amusement parks and attractions compete for the same customers who want the latest, newest, highest, fastest, and most unique adventure to challenge, enrich, and enhance their leisure experience. The education program wrapped up with an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation by Yann Caillère, president and COO of Euro Disney S.A., and Carl Rhode from Signs of the Time—a virtual network of academic researchers who recently published a study titled Experience Economy, Next Generation. That evening attendees had an opportunity to network at the Hurricane, a Disney Village nightclub, and dinner was served at the Blue Lagoon Restaurant, located in the actual Pirates of the Caribbean ride. This event was hosted by Disneyland® Resort Paris. The next morning attendees listened to presentations by Antoine van Daele, Amersfoort Zoo; Lars Liebst, Tivoli International; Mark Germyn, Space Park Bremen, Pro Fun; and Aat Eerenberg and Alex van den Doel of AON Risk Services. Terry Stevens of Stevens and Associates closed the session with an eye-opening presentation on ways to look at the challenges and opportunities Europe tourism offers. Some of the overall issues discussed included insurance, the effects of weather, how to deal with change in general, and how facilities—zoos specifically—are enhancing their market appeal through educational programs and extending their seasons with special events surrounding holidays such as Halloween and Christmas. The program also made suggestions on how to stay competitive in a changing market, how to be open to change but loyal to your constituency, and, most of all, how to serve as the best getaway for your customers. FunExpo 2003 in Las Vegas This year’s expo was a nice mix of games, food, and family fun center products. With the AMOA and IALEI sharing the Las Vegas Convention Center, located adjacent to the Hilton and coinciding with the Global Gaming Expo next door, there was a real buzz about coin-op and games. Las Vegas seems an ideal location for this event. It is a good opportunity for people located on the West Coast to glimpse what products and services can be expected for the the upcoming year. For more information, please visit www.funexpo.com. Top Time Down Under Makes for a Memorable 2003 IAAPA Summer Meeting The Aussies may be known for their comical colloquial expressions, but when it comes to planning a fun-in-the-sun summer meeting, nobody does it better than the people who come from the land down under. AALARA’s conference, held in combination with IAAPA’s Summer Meeting, provided an unprecedented opportunity for organizers and delegates from both hemispheres to hear from internationally credentialed speakers. AALARA maximized the industry benefits in such a union by packing their conference program with the best of both worlds, adding a premium value for all attendees. And not coincidentally, Expo 2003 witnessed the largest gathering to date of international exhibitors from the Australian amusement industry. Also partnering with AALARA in the presentation of the summer meeting were the major Gold Coast theme parks: Sea World, Dreamworld, Warner Brothers Movie World, and Wet-n-Wild Water World. The opening event at this year’s meeting was a traditional outback barbeque that not only occupied the entire Conrad Jupiters hotel grounds, but the trade show expo as well. It was here where delegates received their first authentic dose of Aussie culture—sheepshearing, roving balladeers, and bullwhip cracking under the stars on the warmest September night in 20 years. Cruising on the beautiful Gold Coast waterways, attendees toured the normally lush hinterland, golfed, went deep sea fishing, toured wineries, visited theme parks, shopped, and enjoyed a unique surf lifesaving breakfast. “Organizing an annual conference and trade expo while hosting our summer meeting is no small logistical task,” said IAAPA Chairman John Collins. “AALARA’s exact planning and preparation led to making this event a memorable experience, and they deserve and have our enormous gratitude.” The warmth and friendship generated by the 2003 Summer Meeting between the hosts and their guests will last a lifetime. Knoebels’ 18th Annual Phoenix Phall Phunfest This year on October 4, the annual Phunfest began in Elysburg, Pa., at Knoebels amusement park. There was a series of events, including a featured Halloween contest, that really brought the feel of the fall season to the park. As we headed north of Hershey into the mountains, the season seemed to be changing right before our eyes. Fall was definitely on its way. This was the last event of the season at Knoebels. Independent local merchants provided so many craft booths and food stands that we couldn’t possibly have seen them all in one day. The weekend also gave way to other events, including an antique car show, tours of local covered bridges, and a special American Coaster Enthusiast event. This year was the first time that the Phoenix Phall Phunfest held a Halloween parade judged by a panel of independent judges. All entries were asked to register for consideration and entry into the parade, which kicked off at 8 p.m. The panel of judges was comprised of: Susan Nichols, an artist who has spent years in the industry working for National Ticket and Amusement Business magazine; Tom Rebbie, president of Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.; and Bill Stevenson from Funworld IAAPA. After some deliberation and a review of more than 40 entries, first place was awarded to the Top Thrill Drag Queens, who spoofed the name after the giga coaster that opened at Cedar Point this year. Second place went to a group of 18 clowns from New England who never broke character, even for the awards ceremony. And third place was won by the Knoebel Flyers, who orchestrated a mock round on the classic Flyer ride located next to the office. The performance came complete with the occasional snap a rider will hear when the flyer cars make a sudden directional change. There were numerous honorable mentions, and all children were awarded a gift of appreciation. With 1,529 attendees, the event marks the second largest crowd to date. CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR IAAPA 2004 IAAPA’s Education, Professional Development and Training Services department is soliciting for topics and speakers for the 2004 Convention Education Program to be held in Orlando, November 13-16, 2004. There is a form to be completed, available on the web site; or submit topic, program description, outline, and speaker qualifications no later than January 1, 2004. All items must be submitted together for consideration. Please send materials to: Suzanne Mark; Vice President of Education, Professional Development and Training Services, IAAPA, 1448 Duke Street, Alexandria, Va. 22314, fax: 703/836-6742 or e-mail to smark@iaapa.org. The presenters of the sessions who are selected will be notified by April 15. Ideas and suggestions to improve our educational offerings are welcome at any time. NEAAPA Events at IAAPA The New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions will have a booth at IAAPA where attendees can get information about the association. On Wednesday, November 19, NEAAPA will hold its annual social at Fishbone’s Restaurant on International Drive. The event is open to members and nonmembers. More information can be obtained at www.neaapa.com. On Thursday, November 20, at noon, a luncheon and board meeting is scheduled. IAAPA Intern Program Is Back IAAPA offers a weeklong internship for college students majoring in tourism, recreation and leisure management, event management, marketing, communications, public relations, and hospitality management, or other closely related fields. Show ambassadors become part of a team to provide energy, initiative, and strong customer-focused attitude to improve guest services for all attendees at IAAPA Orlando 2003. In exchange, show ambassadors gain valuable learning experience in convention and trade show management, and in the amusement industry. The program began in 2000 and has been a success since its conception. IAAPA would like to congratulate the following individuals for being accepted into the Show Ambassador Program for IAAPA Orlando 2003. Amy Arthur Montclair State University Stephanie Azores Western Fairs Association Derek Borkowski Montclair State University Joannah Cassell Universal Orlando-Islands of Adventure Gina Claassen Silver Dollar City Erica Czop Seabreeze Park James S. Elliott Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Mark C. Firestone Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Chris Freeman Holiday World Theme Park Matthew Frost Lake Compounce Theme Park Danielle Gillespie Calaway Park April Graper Holiday World & Splashin Safari Elise Green Silver Dollar City Emily Hundall Penn State University Adam Jones Penn State University Kelly Kinard Paramount’s Carowinds Emily Kirkton Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Paramount’s Carowinds Megan Leek Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Natividad Lewis Paramount’s Carowinds Peter McKenzie Paramount’s Carowinds Michelle Norberg Reiselivs Hoyskolen I Oslo Michelle Oglakhchyan Loyola Marymount University Bryan Padgett Florida State Rep. Randy Johnson Erin Pratt Paramount’s Carowinds Jennifer Reagan Oklahoma Christian University Tanner Rinke University of Kansas Kim Rushoway Calaway Park Jeffrey Scheidt Southwest Missouri State University Angie Silljer Calaway Park Andrew Smaha Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Paramount’s Carowinds Jonathan Vigue Lake Compounce Corie Wages Lake Compounce Theme Park Sarah Webb Orlando Marriot Downtown Wendy Wennerstrom Paramount’s Carowinds Chantelle Zandbeek Calaway Park The Buzz Behind Disney’s Revolution Walt Disney is among America’s most studied and admired entrepreneurs. His career transformed the entertainment world, turning storytelling into a business empire. This transformation and the movement it inspired are the subjects of Harrison “Buzz” Price’s book Walt’s Revolution. Price begins with an insider’s perspective on Walt himself, but the book is much more than that. It is Price’s memoir of a life spent in themed entertainment, from his early career as a feasibility consultant for Disney to his later work with many successive parks and attractions. Throughout, he provides worthwhile autobiographical notes, illuminating his own identity at the intersection of art and business. Price’s style is a welcome mix of self-deprecating and humorous stories blended with thoughtful and numerical analyses. The contrasting styles within the book are a metaphor for the joint requirements of successful theme parks— fun guest experiences coupled with disciplined financial and operational skill. Walt’s Revolution is strewn with stories about theme park development. Along with Walt Disney, the chief experimenter and catalyst, the book looks at Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Sea World, Six Flags, Las Vegas resorts, and numerous international projects—some that succeeded, and some that failed. Walt’s Revolution looks at the past 50 years of theme parks and attractions through the eyes of a witness and active participant. And despite Price’s winking, self-deprecating style, it’s hard to read his memoir without realizing that Walt’s revolution wouldn’t have happened in the astonishing way it did without Buzz. For information on how to order the book, call 407/345-8010 or visit, www.ripleys.com. Each January, the AIMS Seminar Certifies Safety The Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers, International (AIMS) will hold its annual Safety Seminar from January 10 to 16 in Dallas, Texas, and as the name makes clear, the focus will be on safety—safety from every angle and perspective imaginable. The seminar, which is actually a multifaceted conference that includes hundreds of seminars and classes, is an intense, weeklong learning experience that attracts as many as 500 industry professionals. This year’s seminar will offer more than 225 classes, with more than 25 new subjects offered, and it will introduce new Leadership Series and new Playground Equipment programs. Attendees who pass the criteria will receive certification beyond the standard AIMS acknowledgments. The growing AIMS program reflects its desire to be as comprehensive as possible. “The amount of information we have to offer keeps growing, and we’re trying to present both safety and maintenance issues in such a way that people can be exposed to both, rather than focus on only one or the other,” says AIMS Executive Director John Hinde. The depth and variety of the offerings is impressive. The daily schedule runs 14 subjects at a time, seven periods a day. More than 100 instructors will offer expertise on operations, maintenance, and loss prevention. And the classes stress a hands-on approach, which keeps the heavy class load stimulating. “We know they’re in seminars all day, and we want them to leave with more than just theory,” Hinde says. “So if someone is taking a hydraulics class, for example, we have representatives from hydraulics companies come out and take the group to work on an actual park ride. People get out there and put ideas to the test, and that experience stays with you more than just theory.” The AIMS Seminar is also careful to offer different course levels. The aforementioned hydraulics courses, for example, can be taken at beginning, advanced, and trouble-shooting levels. “A key element of our program is that attendees pick their own classes and interests,” says Steve Laycock, chair of the AIMS Education Committee and former seminar director. “So whether you’re mid-level management or a nuts-and-bolts person who literally turns the screws, we can effectively meet your needs.” The elective program also allows attendees to explore areas of interest that the AIMS staffers would have no way of predicting. Hinde says, “Sometimes we get people who want to learn more about what their bosses or employees are dealing with. “And we have training classes, so that if an hourly wage earner feels ambitious and wants to take those or see what’s happening in management classes, that’s great. We welcome that.” Of course this wealth of knowledge is great for industry members who attend the seminar, but AIMS also has a strategy for disseminating the information to as wide an audience as possible. “Everyone who attends gets notes and details from the classes they attended, so when a park sends more than one person, we suggest that they each take different classes, which will increase the base of information. And everyone leaves with a four-inch-thick binder of seminar documents. We want them to go back and instruct their co-workers,” Hinde says. “Another thing we find useful is networking,” adds Laycock. “Small group interaction often leads to shared information, and that can be beneficial in so many ways.” The AIMS Seminar began in 1972 as the brainchild of Harold Chance, president of Chance Rides in Wichita, Kans. At that time, the organization was known as American Recreational Equipment Association, and it held its early seminars at the Chance facility. In those years, course offerings were more general, and fewer than 50 people attended. However, Chance Rides continued to back the association, donating time, money, and staffers, and by 1994 the group had become an international entity and changed its name and mission to AIMS. Hinde and Laycock agree that the certification and testing programs now offered are among the most significant changes that have developed over the years. “We do a stringent evaluation that can earn participants some tangible credentials, similar to the Mr. Goodwrench program that General Motors uses,” Hinde explains. “Some states, like California and New Jersey, have already begun to legislate and may soon require certification, so we want to stay out in front of this issue.” “The industry has demanded courses like this that address their current needs, and we’ve responded,” adds Laycock. With its ever-expanding agenda, AIMS is well-positioned to continue responding to whatever safety and operational challenges the future might hold. For more information, or to sign up, contact www.aimsintl.org.
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