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Funworld January 2012
People  NEW GM AT KNOTT'S: Cedar Fair named Raffi Kaprelyan general manager of Knott's Berry Farm Resort in Buena Park, California. Kaprelyan will oversee the operation of Knott's Berry Farm theme park, the Knott's Resort Hotel, and the three Knott's Soak City Water Parks, located in Orange County, San Diego, and Palm Springs. Kaprelyan has worked at Knott's Berry Farm for 27 years, nonconsecutively, starting out in park services before moving to ride operations. He became assistant general manager in 2005 and was then named general manager of Canada's Wonderland in 2006 before returning to Knott's Berry Farm. PROMOTION: The Thinkwell Group promoted Kelly Ryner to senior vice president, global business development. Ryner will manage Thinkwell's business development team's domestic and international efforts, focusing on fostering new business opportunities across all of Thinkwell's business units. Ryner has served in Thinkwell's business development unit for 10 years after stints as an in-field art director and scenic artist for Universal Studios and Warner Bros. theme parks.NEW SALES MANAGER: LAI Games USA, a manufacturer of coin-operated prize vending games, ticket redemption games, photo booths, and kiddie rides, announced the appointment of Gavin Fay to the position of sales manager. Fay's 12 years of experience in business development and outside sales in the amusement industry include positions with Incredible Technologies, Birmingham Distributing, and JVL Corporation. At LAI, his responsibilities will include identifying new markets by expanding LAI's product line into traditional and nontraditional coin-op locations. He will also provide consultation and customer support to LAI clients.  CONGRATULATIONS: On Oct. 17, 2011, Ocean Park Hong Kong won the Silver Award in the category of Best Campaign for its marketing plan "Aqua City—The Rebirth of a Miracle" at the HKMA/TVB Awards for Marketing Excellence in Hong Kong. Established 26 years ago, the awards recognize organizations and individuals in the Hong Kong region that have demonstrated excellence in their marketing programs. NEW DYNAMIC VENTURE: Dynamic Structures of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, announced the creation of Dynamic Attractions, a new company that will focus on providing turnkey attractions to the entertainment industry. The new enterprise will be led by Peter R. Schnabel, founder of Premier Rides. Working alongside Schnabel as the company's senior vice president of technology will be Harold Hudson, former senior vice president of engineering at Six Flags. EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP: Amusement Advantage, based in Arvada, Colorado, announced its exclusive partnership with Performance Optimist Consulting of Orlando to provide attractions with consulting services that build upon existing mystery shopping projects. These services will include insight and analysis of mystery shopping results. Also, sessions in leadership development and staff training and development will be offered. Amusement Advantage President Scot Carson says these additional services will get the most out of the company's measurement tools by leveraging the information gathered, correcting behaviors, and strengthening performance. Products  MULTIPLE GAME-DEVICE CHARGING: X2 Computing, in partnership with XRiver Technologies, has developed ChargeCRATE, a new portable charging solution for tablet computer-based gaming devices that simultaneously charges up to 10 units, allowing gaming operators to be certain they are always ready to play. ChargeCRATE eliminates the need to individually connect charging cables to gaming devices. Charging start time can be programmed, and LED indicators show the charging status of each device. Made of fire-resistant polyethylene, it can be installed anywhere indoors. Options include a lockable vented lid that protects the devices against theft when charging. www.x2computing.com, www.xrivertech.com  DINO HEADS WITHOUT THE SKIN: Asian Replicas has rolled out a product called Dinosaur Skulls that very closely replicates the skulls of once-living dinosaurs. Each skull is two to three feet in length, and Asian Replicas can mount multiple skulls on a fiberglass brick wall, as shown, which allows viewing and comparison of several skulls at one time.  www.asianreplicas.comFITTING THE BILL: Building on the reliability and functionality of its existing Apex line, Pyramid Technologies launched its new Apex 7000 bill acceptor. Incorporating new updates and including dip switches for the first time, the Apex 7000 combines cost-efficiency with extraordinary versatility, according to Pyramid Technologies, making it ideal for vending, amusement, gaming, and retail applications. www.pyramidacceptors.com |
