We are delighted to announce details of the first confirmed speakers for DEAL LIVE 2016 by blooloop, a new conference in Dubai on April 18th 2016.
Blooloop has partnered with DEAL, the largest show for entertainment, amusement and leisure industries in the MEA, to create this unmissable new conference in the region. The conference, held on the Monday before the DEAL Expo, will focus on trends and developments in the attractions industry, followed by a relaxed evening networking event.
The conference will bring together speakers from across all sectors- from waterparks and theme parks, to museums and cultural attractions to share knowledge and expertise but also to discuss common challenges faced.
Platinum Sponsor
We are delighted to have Polin Waterparks as our Platinum Sponsor.
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Speakers
We are thrilled to announce confirmed speakers from Dubai Parks and Resorts, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Al Ain Zoo, Farah Leisure, Landmark Group and Sharjah Museums with more tbc!
Douglas O. Trueblood – Destination Management, Dubai Parks and Resorts
Douglas Trueblood is a 16-year marketing veteran of Universal Studios Parks & Resorts having been a part of the opening and operating team of global theme parks in Orlando, Florida; Osaka, Japan and General Manager of Sales & Marketing for Universal’s first theme park and resort in South East Asia – Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World.
His professional background also includes 8 years in the publishing/digital sector including key marketing roles at The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard Magazine, and Vice President of Marketing Integration for the largest metropolitan newspaper in the United States, the Los Angeles Times.
He joined Dubai Parks and Resorts in January 2015 and will be sharing news about the Dubai Parks and Resorts mega project.
George Walker- Farah Leisure, Creative Director
Thea-Award winning designer, George Walker, has spent over 20 years in the attractions industry moving concepts through from blue sky ideation, to real tangible guest experiences. George has worked on many award winning projects for brands including Disney, Universal Studios, MGM, Warner Bros, Six Flags and Ferrari.
Until recently, George served as Creative Director of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi where he has creatively guided the massive expansion of the park, including record setting Flying Aces roller coaster amongst other family focused attractions.
George has now begun to transition to his latest role, starting a new division with Dynamic Attractions as Vice President of Creative Development. He will combine his storytelling expertise with the company’s engineering prowess to deliver all the show elements of a comprehensive attraction.
George will share his passion about evolution of theme design, and new ways of applying the storytelling disciplines of theme parks to new markets with DEAL LIVE attendees.
Chris Perry – Presenter of Travel Channel’s Epic Attractions and Mission Amusement
From working at his father’s facility at age 14, to running the now famous Wild Wadi Waterpark in Dubai for 15 years, Chris Perry has vast expertise in the Waterpark Industry to share with attendees.
At his position as General Manager at Wild Wadi, Chris had full accountability of the waterpark and oversaw aquatic safety for some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. A champion of Dubai attractions and an active member of the industry, Chris serves on many industry committees including sitting on the IAAPA Board of Directors and his role as Chairman of the IAAPA Waterpark Committee.
Chris is also the face of Travel Channel’s amusement series Epic Attractions and Mission Amusement, which gave viewers an all access backstage pass to the best attractions in the world, and a “turn-around” show for struggling smaller parks respectively.
Chris joined WhiteWater West in January 2016, where he is Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.
His session at DEAL Live by blooloop – “Making your attraction EPIC (without spending millions of dollars)” – will utilise his experience the industry and offer thought provoking advice to delegates.
Manal Ataya – Sharjah Museums, Director General
As Director General, Manal is responsible for sixteen Sharjah museums that include contemporary art, Islamic culture, and maritime and natural history. Manal works closely with the Sharjah Ruler, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to determine the direction of Sharjah’s Museums and strategy moving forward.
Silvio Liedtke – Landmark Leisure, Chief Operating Officer
In his six years as Chief Operating Officer at Landmark Leisure, Silvio Liedtke has transformed the leisure division into one of the fastest growing businesses of Landmark Hospitality.
The company offers a wide range of entertainment and play centric options to its family entertainment venues such as Fun City, the flagship brand. Under his vision and leadership, Landmark Leisure has grown from few stores to 61 outlets across UAE, the Middle East and India across its four entertainment brands, catering for children from ages 1-12 years.
Silvio has also transformed the complete ethos of the company, with a particular emphasis on the wellness and welfare of his staff, which contributed to the company being listed among the top Great Places to Work 2014, and 2015. With his 20+ years of experience working with strong brands across the entertainment and leisure industry, Silvio will be an invaluable source of expertise for attendees to the DEAL LIVE 2016 conference.
Lennard Otto – IMG Worlds of Adventure, CEO
Lennard is CEO and driving force behind the soon-to-open IMG Worlds of Adventure, the largest indoor theme park in the world. With four zones including well-loved brands such as Cartoon Network and Marvel, Lennard has experience in benefits and challenges surrounding intellectual property.
Muna Al Dhaheri – Al Ain Zoo, Chief Officer Conservation & Education
MunaMuna Al Dhaheri has worked at the Al Ain Zoo for the past 11 years, starting off in a marketing role and working her way up to her current role as Chief Officer Conservation & Education. She leads a team of 200 including conservationists, experts in animal management, and veterinary scientists to work with over 4, 000 animals at the zoo. She oversees the zoo’s strategy for education and conservation, and developing operational procedures and conservation programmes.
Philip Shepherd, Middle East Hospitality and Leisure, PwC
Philip leads the Hospitality & Leisure practice for PwC in the Middle East. He has over 20 years of experience advising governments, companies and financiers on commercial, operational and technology risks and opportunities of their growth strategies and transactions including working throughout Europe and the Middle East for owners, operators and investors. He has recently been involved with many of the new leisure developments in the region and been at the fore front of the planning for new theme parks in Dubai.
Further speakers and programme details to follow.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information please see our DEAL Live by blooloop webpage, or email Ella at events@blooloop.com.
