IAPPA Follow Up

Dear Mr. Theme Park,

I am considering a new leisure development and, as you know, I attended the IAAPA convention for the first time last week. It was overwhelming! What kind of takeaways did you have from this particular convention as compared to other ones you have attended, particularly takeaways that might help me as a new developer?

Thanks, 

Ms. Hui from China

Hello Ms. Hui! It was very nice to see you in Orlando and have the opportunity to meet. Also thank you for your question. Our IAAPA exhibition and trade show is an overwhelming experience, I agree! I always look forward to seeing all of my friends and colleagues at the convention. We have the opportunity to meet and discuss global happenings from the past season, as well as what is going on currently around the world. 

During the last several years, it has been interesting to note how much emphasis is being placed on emerging technologies and technology’s importance in new attractions. While “coaster is still king” of our industry (just look at the number of new coasters coming to parks in 2016, over 40 being planned), hands-on participatory involvement through technological advancement is making great strides in becoming a part of every operator’s attractions package.  Companies such as Kraftwerk, Dynamic Attractions, Holovis, TrioTech, CAVU, Prana Studios, Brogent, Simex, Sally Animation, Simtec, Rhythm and Hues, and Mack Media are all busy developing new products and new attractions for clients globally. It was very educational to visit with all of these companies during the show to better understand what they are developing and what they are planning for the future of our industry’s attractions. 

Sally Corp. Walking Dead Dark Ride

Also being a member of the IAAPA Board of Directors, I am always impressed at how many dedicated people we are fortunate to have working in and supporting our industry. There are so many people who dedicate countless hours and personal time to the continuing effort of improving our association and industry as a whole. Most members would be shocked to know the actual number of people who serve on committees to foster our industry’s knowledge, growth, and general overall improvement.  We truly are an industry of “members serving members”. 

Ms. Hui, as you continue to learn more about the IAAPA association and industry, you will come to realize what an excellent staff we have supporting and guiding our membership. In my 45 years of membership, I have never seen such a well-rounded, strong staff. They are supported and guided by a terrific group of officers who tirelessly lead the IAAPA members in promoting safe operations, global development, professional growth, and commercial success of the amusement parks and attractions industry.

Ms. Hui, as you settle into our industry, you will always find it somewhat overwhelming, but also exciting and very rewarding as well. So make friends, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out to members. As a new developer, you will learn we are a very friendly industry, and willing to assist. 

“Ask Mr. Theme Park” is a great opportunity to pose a question regarding the leisure industry to Mr. Theme Park (aka, Dennis Speigel).  As a highly respected leader, mentor, and visionary with over 50 years of leisure experience, Mr. Theme Park has a wealth of knowledge on many different issues.

To submit a question for consideration, click here.  We will feature questions and answers every week.