IAAPA Expo is a leading event for the visitor attractions industry. It unites industry experts to explore innovative products and services, as well as offering engaging educational sessions and valuable networking opportunities. IAAPA Expo 2024 took place from November 18 to 22 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
The event, a one-stop destination for leisure and attractions professionals, allowed attendees to participate in educational sessions, workshops, and tours, explore the latest trends and key industry issues, and network with peers. Meanwhile, the trade show floor highlighted the newest rides, video games, VR attractions, design theming, motion simulators, POS technology, water solutions, F&B, health and safety equipment, playground equipment, arcade and coin machines, and more.
Special events
Tuesday morning saw IAAPA Expo 2024 officially begin with a spectacular opening ceremony. After an opening number complete with roller skaters and dancers, Michael Shelton, vice president and executive director of IAAPA North America welcomed attendees to this year’s show. He also introduced some new elements for this year including the IAAPA Street Market for F&B vendors.
Following a ballet performance, the 2024 IAAPA chairman of the board, Wuthichai Luangamornlert, talked about how proud he has been of his role over the past year and the progress made, adding: “I look forward to seeing what we can do in the future.”
Massimilano Freddi, founder and chief executive officer of Wonderwood, Lake Maggiore, Italy, was then welcomed as the IAAPA chairman of the board for 2025. He spoke about a visit to Gardaland as a child that inspired his dream to become a leader in the industry. After some acrobatics, Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA, welcomed everyone. He said: “We’re moving forward with purpose” to serve all IAAPA members better.
On Monday evening, Legends: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair was a chance to pay tribute to the IAAPA Hall of Fame members and introduce the new 2024 inductees: Dick Chance, Geoff Chutter, Rick Hunter, and J. Clark Robinson.
The event shone a spotlight on legends and luminaries whose contributions have shaped the landscape of the attractions industry. It included a live auction, with all money raised supporting the IAAPA Foundation.
Parties, drone shows and more
On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, attendees could also look to the skies for an all-new drone show sponsored by Sky Elements. The show utilised 2,484 UVify IFO Swarm Drones, breaking the world record for “largest aerial display of a bird formed by multi-rotors/drones”.
The annual Day One blooloop party returned during IAAPA Expo 2024. This took place at Dave and Busters with support from 501 Fun, CONDUCTR, Game Volt, SEGA, and Mall of America. It was a fun opportunity to network with the industry’s finest while enjoying the latest in immersive, competitive socialising activations, presented by CONDUCTR.
On Tuesday evening, The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), a non-profit representing compelling places and experiences worldwide, revealed the 31st Annual Thea Awards winners during a live event at SeaWorld Orlando.
Beckhoff Entertainment also held an industry networking event at its Orlando office on Wednesday evening. This included a Q&A with Beckhoff and entertainment industry experts. The company welcomed over 60 revellers, including key executives from the amusement park, attractions and entertainment industries.
Educational sessions at IAAPA Expo 2024
By participating in the IAAPA Expo Education Conference, attendees can stay at the leading edge of industry developments while gaining practical, actionable strategies to enhance their business. Here are some of the highlights from this year’s agenda.
Monday 18 November
One of the first sessions on Monday morning was Creating FOMO-Worthy Experiences through Experiential Activations. This was led by Storyland Studios’ Matt Ferguson with panellists Sascha Triemer of Aquaventure Atlantis Dubai, Chris Grap from Mall of America and Tyler Thornberg of Storyland Studios.
They began by sharing examples of successful pop-ups and activations, such as Mall of America’s Lego activation with Ed Sheeran. He also shared more about Mall of America’s decision to close for Thanksgiving to make Black Friday more of an event. Four thousand people queued for the chance to win a prize.
At Aquaventure Atlantis Dubai, events like Sunset Saturdays and Aquaventure After Dark only run for limited seasons. Triemer explained this makes them feel more exclusive. Thornberg also talked about the importance of community, saying that events like the Zenless Zone Zero interactive fan event at Qiddya are successful because Qiddiya understands that game events are all about community. Fans want a chance to meet their favourite streamers and feel involved. “It’s about bragging rights,” added Grap.
All agreed on the importance of authenticity and delivering on the promise made to fans, referencing the infamous Willy Wonka event as an example of when activations go wrong.
FOMO & immersive experiences at IAAPA Expo 2024
Meanwhile, Redefining Immersive Experiences explored how leading museums and design firms are redefining immersive experience design. The speakers were Cynthia Brown of Museum EXP, Jesse Kramer of Conner Prairie, Monica Ramsey from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Abby Bysshe from The Franklin Institute, and Erika Kiessner of GSM Projects.
The panel emphasised the importance of sensory and emotional engagement within attractions. Examples ranged from teamLab‘s art installations in Tokyo to Monticello’s narrative-driven exploration of Sally Hemings’ life. Accessibility and inclusivity were also recurring themes, as seen in the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Here, early input in the design process from individuals with diverse needs ensured that exhibits were accessible to all.
New approaches to storytelling also took centre stage. Kiessner highlighted Botanic Panic, an interactive trail and exhibit that increased Parc Marie-Victorin’s attendance by 40%. In addition, it attracted audiences that hadn’t typically visited the attraction.
Worldbuilding & walkthroughs
In a popular session at IAAPA Expo 2024, World Building with Meow Wolf: AVL and Integrated Technologies, Derek Pendergrass of Meow Wolf talked about some techniques and technologies that can transform a building into a world.
He began by outlining some basic world-building considerations, like including impactful moments and thinking about how the space makes guests feel. He said that around 30% of the world-building at Meow Wolf comes from these basics. Then around 20% is prescriptive, written into the story. For the remaining 50%, the artists and creators were given creative autonomy – they had simple prompts with the freedom to develop them.
“We allow for lots of interpretation from our guests, so we wanted our artists to have the same,” said Pendergrass. Essentially, they start by creating a container for the artists to work within, whether that is the story, the world or another creative prompt. “Both the process and the outcome are art,” he added.
Following this, Katie Baker of Simworx led a talk entitled Extending the Experience: Enhancing Attractions with Interactive Walkthroughs. She began by outlining what we mean by the term walkthrough – an experience that a guest will traverse without the aid of ride technology, enhanced with various engaging elements. Walkthroughs can be part of a bigger attraction, such as the queue line, or as an element of a stand-alone attraction, like a Halloween haunt. Baker shared more about the history of this type of attraction, as well as some key examples.
When it comes to the benefits of walkthroughs, she added that they can increase guest engagement, boost revenue, and support guest flow.
Family trends
Exploring Current Trends: Family Experiences looked at how evolving family dynamics and guest expectations shape attractions’ design and operation. Speakers included Yael Coifman of Leisure Development Partners, Jeff Hornick from B Morrow Productions, Carl Crider from DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, Andreas Andersen of Liseberg and Logan Zawacki from Sally Dark Rides.
Coifman kicked off the session by asking what defines a family today and how changing dynamics are influencing visitor choices. Parents, concerned about the health and social impacts of screen time, are taking their kids to theme parks as a way of being active. They are also driven by familiar intellectual properties, wanting to introduce younger generations to nostalgic brands they grew up with.
The panel also discussed how families are valuable as repeat customers across generations. So, it is essential to create experiences that engage not only active participants but also non-riders or “watchers.”
Hornick highlighted design elements that ensure family-friendly experiences, such as visually approachable rides, inclusive restraints, and amenities for non-riders. Diversity and accessibility are key, specifically citing the roller coaster Cobra’s Curse, which features a transfer track to accommodate guests needing extra time to board. Andersen added that small, “sticky” attractions like playgrounds can have a lasting impact. These create engaging moments for all ages without requiring major investments.
Pitching masterclass & XR attractions at IAAPA Expo 2024
In The Pitching Playbook: Mastering the Art of Persuasive Presentations, Tom Acomb from AOA and Mike West of Innovative West drew on their extensive industry experience to share tips on crafting the perfect pitch. Acomb began by saying that doing your research and asking the right questions is key – can you legitimately add value to the project? He added, “The jobs you don’t take make you successful, not just the ones you do. Don’t be afraid to walk away.”
West agreed that knowing your facts is vital. You have to know what you’re talking about and know your purpose. In terms of the presentation, he shared tips on body language, reminding listeners of the importance of making eye contact and speaking clearly. Above all, he added, the pitch should have emotion and passion – you have to believe in it.
In Reality Bytes – How Extended Reality (XR) Attractions are Reshaping Location-based Entertainment, Bob Cooney of The VR Collective and Kevin Williams of KWP Limited explored how emerging technologies reshape location-based entertainment. Williams highlighted the growing demand for active, multiplayer experiences as visitors increasingly seek shared play opportunities. “No one is going to arcades by theme sleeves. They are going in groups and with families and want to play together.”
The panel also discussed the shift from tethered VR systems to free-roaming setups, and how it is enhancing both the guest experience and profitability for venues. However, they emphasised the need for compelling content to ensure repeat visits. XR attractions are not a “one-and-done” experience.
Trends in experiential design
Emerging Trends, Techniques and Technologies in Experiential Design discussed how cutting-edge technologies and innovative storytelling techniques are being used to create unforgettable guest experiences. It included insights from Shawn McCoy of Imagine, Cynthia Sharpe from TAIT, Zoe Thatcher of Creative Principals, and Jenny Lim from Gigantic Playground.
Thatcher began by providing an overview of current fashion trends. She then explored how these are being reflected in the themed entertainment world. Trends extend across multiple industries and sectors.
McCoy then outlined how trends are rooted in the events and environments unfolding around us. For example, post-pandemic, we have seen more demand for social experiences that people can enjoy together. We’ve also seen a rise in horror experiences as a reaction to the various stresses around us today. He spoke about how Universal has capitalised on the booming popularity of its Halloween Horror Nights with this year’s Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares experience in New York and its new permanent horror experience at Area15 in Las Vegas.
Other trends explored by this IAAPA Expo 2024 panel included wellness and ‘timeless reality’. Meanwhile, Lim focused on ‘kidults’ and how role-playing games can enhance location-based entertainment.
Embed Connect Summit
Elsewhere on Monday, Embed hosted the inaugural Embed Connect Summit, facilitating knowledge sharing and the cross-pollination of ideas.
Renee Welsh, CEO of Embed, said: ‘We work together to elevate knowledge transfer for the latest technology. We look at trends that are future-centric but happening right now. The event featured workshops on Embed technology, 1:1 meetings and networking.
Guest speaker Jeff Zabel, strategic business development – immersive experiences at Amazon Web Services, spoke about how the digital and physical worlds are converging. Digital alone doesn’t work quite as well, and this is especially important as you look to the next generation. He said Zoomers (Gen Z, Gen A), your next employees and customers, will be the fastest economic power.
He also spoke about smart stores and Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. At NFL Stadium Lumen Field, this innovative technology gets fans back to the game faster by eliminating checkout lines and allowing them to enter and pay using their palms. This has seen a 30-40% increase in participation, a 20-30% increase in per-cap spending, and decreases in labour. It’s about engaging customers not just when they enter the venue but throughout the whole 360-fan journey.
Tuesday 19 November
We began Tuesday morning at IAAPA Expo 2024 with Hasbro: Innovating the Waterpark, learning how Hasbro’s portfolio of iconic brands (such as Monopoly, My Little Pony, GI Joe, Transformers, and Power Rangers) is being leveraged to create an immersive experience that connects these brands through storytelling and gamification. The panel included Josh Martin of Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering, Matthew Cross from OE Experiences, Matthew Proulx of Hasbro, Inc., and Chris Grap from Mall of America.
On the key considerations when starting a water park project, Martin asked:
“What are the different worlds we can build that aren’t just brand slaps? What is the guest experience here? How do we bring people into this world? What is the best experience that ties into this IP?”
Cross gave an example of a personal, memorable moment at a water park with his daughter and said: “If we’re innovating a water park, we need to create those organic moments of connection,” referencing Joe Pine and the fact that the goal of an experience is to create transformative, memorable moments that connect people.
Attendees also had a sneak peek at designs for a new Hasbro water park as the panel discussed the best ways of bringing IP to life authentically while giving the designers the freedom they need to create something truly unique.
Accessiblity at IAAPA Expo 2024
In the afternoon, Sharon Newhardt led Inclusion and Accessibility Champions: The Creative Minds behind the Morgan’s Wonderland 2024 Expansion, joined by Richard Pretlow of Morgan’s Wonderland, Vittorio Babini of Zamperla and Mike Frueh of SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment.
Pretlow talked about the importance of finding suppliers that are inclusive champions. He also showed some images of new rides, including Zamperla’s wheelchair-accessible Magic Bikes. For Morgan’s, ADA is the bare minimum, he explained, saying that the organisation aims to go far beyond this. To help achieve this goal, it chooses to work with partners and vendors who feel the same, and who are excited to rise to that challenge.
Babini added that it can be difficult for a designer to adapt an existing ride for accessibility. However, Zamperla changed its approach by taking it into account from the very beginning of the ride design process.
Other highlights from the day included Solution Spotlight: Brogent Technologies Inc. – Redefining the Flying Theater: A New Era of Flying. Stefan Rothaug of Brogent Technologies spoke about how the firm explores new possibilities to push the boundaries of its offer. By experimenting with various degrees of motion, budget flexibility, and tailored experiences, it aims to deliver innovations that captivate and surprise every audience.
In SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: The Making of the World’s Largest Indoor Marine-Life Theme Park, the panel discussed the creation, design, and development of the world’s first indoor Marine-Life Theme Park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Speakers included team members from Miral and Al Cross of PGAV Destinations.
Wednesday 20 November
One of the key topics at IAAPA Expo 2024 was Artificial Intelligence (AI). This was discussed in several sessions, including Using Artificial Intelligence to Your Advantage with Anthony Palermo of Connect&GO, Jessi O’Daniel from Shipwreck Island Water Park, and Tyler Jacobs from Morey’s Piers.
Speaking about how discussions about AI have been going internally, O’Daniel said it can be a polarising topic within teams. But, she added, it is key to stress that it is not about getting rid of jobs. It’s about making the day easier and optimising so teams can do more. “It’s like having the best assistant. Something like ChatGPT is a great way to get things started,” added Jacobs. “It can get you 80% of the way there in minutes, not months.”
In terms of applications, both operators said AI has helped streamline communications. For instance, an AI-powered phone answering service or AI chatbot can answer the most common questions. This then frees up staff for more complex enquiries. AI can also optimise training and marketing. However, there are risks, too, when the tech is in the wrong hands, with more scams using AI. Palermo said: “The bus is moving; you need to get on the bus, at a minimum to know what is happening with the tech and be aware.”
Spotlighting solutions
This was followed by a whistlestop introduction to surf park technology in Creating Waves: A Conversation about Surf with Josh Martin of Martin Aquatic. This explored the top surf simulators and wave generation technology and the unique aspects of each. Then, in Create a Good Inspection Checklist in Your Water Park, David Bromilow of Mobaro shared essential insights on checklists tailored specifically for aquatic facilities.
In Solution Spotlight: RocketRez – Growing Up: How to take the Attractions Industry from Adolescent to Adult, John Pendergrast discussed the two critical areas that attractions must prioritise: data and communications. He shared how operators can enhance these elements to futureproof for 2025 & beyond.
Later, in Solution Spotlight: Storyland Studio, Inc. – Secrets of Storytelling, Ben Thompson shared the secrets of good storytelling with examples of powerful experiences driven by compelling narratives. “Stories are full of hope and possibilities. They bring people together…Our brains are wired for story; we look for stories to explain the world around us.”
He also talked about how story can influence the new urbanism, making cities places people want to be in. For example, Storyland projects Georgia’s Trilith Studios and the new Trinity development in Florida.
Brett Sheridan of ROLLER led Solution Spotlight: ROLLER – 2025 Benchmarks: The Cheat Sheet for Business Growth. This session explored the latest 2025 industry benchmarks for visitor attractions, including critical data on guest experience, revenue generation, and operational efficiency.
Solution Spotlight: DOF Robotics – Next-Gen Amusement: How AI and DOF Robotics Are Transforming Attractions with Ozgur Kucukates, discussed how AI is revolutionising personalised guest experiences, enhancing operational efficiency, boosting safety, and creating immersive attractions. Kucukates also spoke about how DOF Robotics uses AI to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Legends at IAAPA Expo 2024
Wednesday afternoon saw the annual Legends Panel, moderated and curated by Bob Rogers of BRC Imagination Arts. This year’s panellists were Joe Pine, author of The Experience Economy, Margaret Chandra Kerrison, author of Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds: A Writer’s Guide, and Bob Weis, author of Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering.
On the art and craftsmanship of creating and sustaining great experiences, Kerrison said: “What we do in this industry is recreate, push the boundaries and come up with something new. Weis added: “You have to have a lot of passion. It’s about chasing your dream and also getting a whole lot of people to chase them with you.”
Pine said that every industry now recognises the value of experiences. The most significant change now is the ability to use technology to create experiences. What hasn’t changed, said Weis, is that people want to share stories and experiences together. Despite new technologies and possibilities, he said: “We need to remember, in the experiences we create, that it is about the guest; they want to feel part of it.”
Kerrison added that it’s about wish fulfilment and said designers need to consider how to create an interconnected world so as not to break the immersive as they move from one area to another. She also spoke about how experience design can influence other sectors and buildings, such as schools, parks, and hospitals, to fix problems like urban decline. She asked: “Why aren’t we building places where we want to linger?”
Regarding where to find inspiration, the panellists agreed it is everywhere, so travel, read, experience, and look around you.
Thursday 21 November
Thursday’s EDUSession highlights included Unlocking Inclusive Thrills: Rider Accessibility in Amusement Parks with ASTM F24 Standards. This featured insights from Anthony Rossi of Hersheypark and Mark Stepanian from CAVU Designwerks.
This session provided an in-depth look at rider accessibility in amusement parks and attractions, guided by the comprehensive standards established by ASTM F24. Attendees also learned how these standards create an inclusive and diverse experience for thrill-seekers of all abilities.
Next, in Transforming IP into Tangible Magic: The Art of Immersive Attractions, Shawn McCoy of Imagine, Greg Lombardo from Netflix CPX, LLC, Alexis Scalice, David Hutchinson of Path Entertainment Group and Jason Egan of Egan Productions.
The panel explored how demand for immersive interactions with popular intellectual properties (IPs) is at an all-time high, discussing how recognised IPs are transformed into innovative physical experiences and clarifying the processes and strategies for creating immersive attractions, emphasising the synergy between storytelling, technology, interactivity, and creative design.
Cross-pollination
Then, in Solution Spotlight: TAIT—Blue Sky to Beyonce and Beyond, Eric Hoff, Chris Wessels, and Margaret Kerrison discussed TAIT’s technology-enabled storytelling. They also talked about how Thinkwell’s DNA is supercharging its creative capabilities.
In Solution Spotlight: SEGA – Rebuilding an Icon, Ivo Gerscovich, head of Sega brands and chief business and brand officer for Sonic the Hedgehog, examined the success of the legendary Sonic the Hedgehog brand and the journey to rejuvenate and restore the franchise. He also provided valuable insights into the strategies and efforts that contributed to this resurgence.
In Dancing Across Disciplinary Boundaries to Create Immersive Experiences, Linda Hung of FORREC led panellists Irene Eshak of Huitt-Zollars, Keith James from JRA, part of RWS Global, Luc Mayrand of Walt Disney Imagineering and Terry Brown from FORREC in a discussion about the transformative power of live entertainment.
In an interesting talk on cross-pollination across sectors, one key point was that it takes a team of different people to create something truly memorable. Diversity within teams and within individuals is important. James also said: “The reason we do all this, the reason we go to work in this business, is the smiles and the memories of the guests. Be as sophisticated as you want, use as much tech as you want, but don’t forget that.”
Announcements from the show floor at IAAPA Expo 2024
On Tuesday, attendees enjoyed many press conferences and special announcements from the trade show floor.
Firstly, at the Zamperla booth, the team announced a new Family Thrill Launch coaster for Parc Spirou in Provence, France, themed around the Naruto IP, coming in 2026. The new ride is designed to combine thrills with family-friendly appeal. With high-energy excitement and a smooth ride, the Family Thrill Launch Coaster will be a unique addition to Parc Spirou.
The ride experience consists of two parts, with a combined length of 1,004 metres (3,204 feet). The first half of the ride includes a 65 km/h (40 mph) launch up a High Chicane and Angled Airtime Hill. From here, the coaster then descends and hugs the ground, accelerating over a Double Down before circling around the towering spike and returning to the loading station.
The ride reveals continued thick and fast with the unveiling of S&S Worldwide’s gondola for Twizzlers Twisted Gravity at Hersheypark.
At a press conference hosted by VidantaWorld, the team unveiled “a dream come true” with a presentation of the new BON Luxury Theme Park at VidantaWorld’s Nuevo Vallarta destination, set to open in Mexico in 2026. BON (an acronym for beauty of nature) features 23 thrilling attractions, as well as 25 world-class restaurants and lounges, 16 retail shops and kiosks, and luxury resort hotels, including the new BON Park Hotel.
New parks, new rides
Iván Chávez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta, said VidantaWorld’s BON is “redefining what a theme park can be as the world’s first all-generations luxury destination.” Highlights at the new park include Ludõ, a groundbreaking water-themed dinner show by Cirque du Soleil, housed in a custom theatre with a 360-degree aquatic stage.
The park’s record-breaking ‘Tecuani Beast’ is made by Vekoma Rides, the Dutch roller coaster specialist. It offers 3,930 feet of track, six inversions, a top speed of 65 mph, and 13 airtime moments. Later on the show floor, crowds gathered to watch the ride vehicle being revealed.
ProSlide presented The HIVE, which Jeff Janovich, senior vice president of global strategic partnerships, called: “A whole new way to experience a turn on a water ride.” The first immersive helix water ride feature will premiere in 2025 at Zoombezi Bay in the US, Chimelong Water Park in China, and Radamis in Egypt.
The HIVE aims to provide a unique water ride experience that exceeds traditional expectations. ProSlide’s design is inspired by the Flying SAUCER and the energy of a Formula 1 track to offer a fast-paced, adventurous experience in every ride. Two configurations are available, with a choice of two-person tubing (HIVE 20) or the five-person raft (HIVE 35).
This innovative design provides panoramic views in a high-speed, high-g helix. The experience combines visual storytelling and pace, creating a stimulating setting where guests can immerse themselves in the story.
Over on the Triotech booth, the teams from Triotech and Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) then unveiled an immersive and unique new dark ride project for SEVEN’s Discovery Adventures centres across the Kingdom.
Growing companies
In a fun twist on a press conference, Falcon’s Creative Group shared its latest news during IAAPA Expo 2024 by turning its booth into the set of a late-night talk show. Falcon’s Beyond Global, a fully integrated development enterprise for IP-driven parks, resorts, media and merchandise, has entered into a nonbinding letter of intent (LOI) to operate Oceaneering Entertainment Systems (OES).
This follows the announcement that Infinite Acquisitions Partners LLC, a major stockholder of Falcon’s Beyond, has entered into a nonbinding LOI with Oceaneering International, Inc. (OII) to take ownership of OES through an acquisition of assets.
OES began working with Falcon’s Beyond over two decades ago. The organisations have since collaborated on themed entertainment projects across the world. If the transactions are completed, Infinite, as the owner of OES, will draw on Falcon’s Beyond’s expertise to operate the newly acquired company. This will include the development and support of trackless ride vehicles, flying theatres, and more. Falcon’s Beyond will also look to employ key OES staff in the operation of OES.
Meanwhile, DOF Robotics shared details of its new ‘Angry Birds Fury Road’ arcade simulator, developed in partnership with Rovio & IMG. It also showcased its award-winning Hurricane 360 VR experience, AIQ in-queue entertainment, enhanced Defender, Smurfs collab & new US headquarters.
New partnerships
RWS Global, a leading producer of live experiences, announced the launch of a new headquarters in Shanghai. Through a new strategic partnership with leading creators from Max-Matching Entertainments, RWS Global will further expand its end-to-end professional services in Asia to include master planning, design, build, execution, and operations for clients in the cruise, theatre, and sports industries.
It was also announced that Veronica Hart, RWS Global’s newly appointed chief growth officer, will lead the company’s continued global expansion, including a new office in Orlando and the new headquarters in Shanghai.
Alterface, a leader in interactive technology, launched new service packages at IAAPA Expo 2024. These will support clients in the development of innovative interactive experiences. The company has been providing the attractions industry with interactive experiences and immersive entertainment for 20 years. It also presented new offerings at its Imagination Playground booth.
The new service packages have been developed to help integrate the company’s most recent technology and tools for immersive experiences, dark rides, and walkthroughs. They offer options that support the experience design process from conception to delivery and beyond.
New project openings
A press conference from Valo Motion, a pioneer in combining interactive technology with physical activities, highlighted the North American debut of its game-changing mini-amusement park concept ValoPark.
This has been created to enable leisure operators to expand their indoor entertainment businesses into high-traffic areas such as shopping malls. It provides a compact, affordable, simple-to-use, active entertainment solution. ValoPark is ideal for utilising previously tricky spaces, with a footprint that ranges from 4,500 to 10,500 square feet and a ceiling height of just 12 feet.
WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, then announced its ISO 14001 certification and shared details of key projects, achievements, and trends at a press conference during IAAPA Expo 2024. The company also celebrated the induction of its CEO, Geoff Chutter, into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
The team also shared updates on various projects, including a highly anticipated expansion project in the Middle East. In 2025, Miral’s Yas Waterworld plans to increase guest capacity by 20%, adding 18 rides and 3.3 km of slide path from WhiteWater. In addition, WhiteWater is working on several projects in Latin America. This includes a new slide tower at Thermas dos Laranjais in Brazil as well as a new Master Blaster Brazil’s Beach Park, which will be the tallest water coaster in the world at 27.9 metres.
Project openings in the USA during 2025 will include Rafter’s Rage at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Tennessee, RiverRacers at Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park in Ohio, and Dawn Breaker at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Ohio.
Competition winners
Storyland Studios announced the winner of the $25,000 grand prize in the 2024 Storyland Design Challenge. The Challenge, which launched in 2021, provides independent designers with an opportunity to establish themselves in the themed entertainment sector.
Richard and Amy Hale’s Portal Riders, a captivating dark water ride concept, is the winner of the 2024 grand prize. In addition to the main prize winner, two other finalists were selected.
Sean LaRochelle, John Eggers, Matthew Eggers, Maura Williams, and Averie Field were honoured for The Electric Factory, a family-friendly attraction that blends discovery, education, and thrilling experiences. They were joined by Thibault Lièvre, Kenny Le Bagousse, Laurie Mahé Desportes, and Lucas Formantin who created The Great Movie Night, an interactive filmmaking experience.
Storyland also announced plans to create the biggest sports entertainment destination in the US at IAAPA Expo 2024. Trinity, located on over 800 acres in Pasco County, Florida, will create a sustainable lifestyle community that combines facilities and services centred around sports and entertainment as well as the arts and wellness.
Then, over at the Brogent Technologies booth at IAAPA Expo 2024, the team announced a partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission for a new turnkey flying panoramic experience, complete with immersive preshow and retail areas.
We also learned more about the new Nexus system from the Gel Blaster team. Nexus is an innovative, immersive, highly interactive gaming system that combines the thrill of traditional blaster games like paintball and airsoft with the technological sophistication of video games.
Finally, the Frontgrid team showed how visitors will soon be able to explore Niagara Falls in a whole new way by flying over it under canopy in VR. This major new gamified attraction will open in the USA in 2025.
Award winners at IAAPA Expo 2024
Brass Ring Awards
Winners of the IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards and Best New Product were also announced during IAAPA Expo 2024.
Best Exhibit
- 300 Square Feet or Less: First place, CmdCentr, booth #11406. Second place, Leisure Development Partners, booth #764
- 400 – 600 Square Feet: First place, Jack O’ Lantern Journey, booth #3062. Second place, Image Engineering, booth #854
- 700 – 900 Square Feet: First place, Technifex Inc., booth #865. Second place, Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering, booth #2854
- 1,000 – 1,500 Square Feet: First place, Player One Amusement Group, booth #631. Second place, Storyland Studios, booth #1073
- 1,600 and Larger Square Feet: First place, Home Run Dugout, booth #7640. Second place, SBF-VISA GROUP, booth #5106
- Image Award Winner: RMC – Rocky Mountain Construction, booth #4803
Best New Product
- Major Ride/Attraction – Product cost of more than US$3 million: First place, Interactive Dark Coaster Primordial, Triotech. Second place Flume Ride with Booster, Intamin
- Major Ride/Attraction – Product cost of less than US$2 million: First place, Break Dance 5, Huss Park Attractions. Second place, Infinity Racer, Arihant Water Park Equipment
- Family Ride/Attraction: First place, 30 Rockefeller Center- Top of The Rock – The Beam, Cimolai Technology SPA. Second place, Moviemax, Alterface
- Water Park Ride/Attraction – Product cost of more than US$2 million: First place, Stingray, Polin Waterparks. Second place, Walhalla, WhiteWater
- Water Park Ride/Attraction – Product cost of less than US$2 million: First place, Adapted SeaTREK, Sub Sea Systems, Inc. Second place, Mini Blaster, WhiteWater
- Patron Participation Ride/Attraction: First place, PuttMania, LaserBlast. Second place, Crossover Classic Mini Golf, Milco MFG, LLC
- Technology Applied to Amusements – Product or Service used by Consumers: First place, JB-Tagsolutions Tag and Run Game, JB Inflatables BV. Second place, Weather Guarantee by Sensible Weather
- Technology Applied to Amusements – Product or Service used by Facilities: First place, MobileMech, Amusement Connect. Second place, iQ QR Reader and Kiosk System, Intercard Inc.
- Games and Devices: First place, Asteroids: Recharged Arcade, Alan-1. Second place, Night Heron Entertainment’s Lynx cabinet, featuring Kung Fu Panda: The Warrior’s Gauntlet, AVS Companies
- Virtual and Augmented Reality: First place, Eurosat Coastiality, VR Coaster GmbH & Co. Second place, VR Magic UFO, Zhuoyuan Co. Ltd.
- Exhibits, Shows/Production, Theatrical Equipment and Supplies: First place, “Aurora” – Track Mounted LED Display, Skyline Attractions LLC.
- Services, Equipment and Supplies: First place, Parafait Klassic Pro Kiosk – Session/Slots Bookings with Automatic Waiver Management, Semnox Solutions. Second place, Planogram Booster Packs, Redemption Plus.
- Best New Product Concept Award – Major Ride or Water Park Ride: First place, NAVATU, Polgun Waterparks & Attractions. Second place, ETF Dynamic Mover, ETF Ride Systems.
- Best New Product Concept Award – Attraction: First place Rocking Tower, Sunkid. Second place, Sky Tower Multimedia, Huss Park Attractions.
- Best New Product Concept Award – Other Product/Service: First place, inThrall, Birket Engineering. Second place, C360, Simworx Limited.
- Impact award winner: Adapted SeaTREK, Sub Sea Systems, Inc.
Blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencers 2024
The blooloop 50 2024 Theme Park Influencer List, now in its sixth year, was revealed during IAAPA Expo 2024.
The List recognises those who are regarded as true influences by their colleagues. Including innovative executives and designers as well as skilled marketers and technologists, these are the minds that are shaping the future of theme park experiences.
In association with Storibox, a provider of imaging technologies and services to the attraction and entertainment industries, this year’s blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer List received a record number of nominations.
For those who couldn’t make the live reveal, there was also a webinar with Ella Baskerville, business development director, blooloop, and Mike Weber, VP of sales, Storibox.
Save the date
IAAPA Expo will return to the Orange County Convention Center in 2025. The conference will run from 17 – 20 November, and the trade show floor will open from 18 – 21 November.
