The Saudi Entertainment & Amusement (SEA) Expo will take place from 7 – 9 May 2024 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over three days, attendees can connect with hundreds of international and local exhibitors who will showcase their latest innovations. The expo is an opportunity to discover what is new and to explore products and solutions that will help create unforgettable guest experiences.
Participants can also attend the SEA Summit, which is held alongside the trade show floor. Here, they can learn about the experiences and tactics of the region’s most successful stakeholders and find out about the most significant trends they foresee unfolding in 2024 and beyond.
Insights at SEA Summit 2024
Over the course of three days, delegates will have the opportunity to listen to consumer behaviour market analysis, learn about future trends to succeed in this competitive sector and hear from significant industry participants, including venue owners and operators, in honest talks. They will also be able to see case studies of upcoming regional giga-projects to learn about their development and economic potential.
Day one
Neil Dwyer, director of park operations at Six Flags Qiddiya, will chair the opening day of SEA Summit 2024. The agenda begins with a keynote panel entitled Saudi Taking the Center Seat in the Global Entertainment World. This panel will focus on tactics to reach a worldwide audience and boost Saudi entertainment’s international appeal. It will discuss new methods, cultural considerations, and marketing techniques to promote Saudi entertainment worldwide.
Speakers include Damien Latham, chief attractions officer at Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN).
This session will then be followed by an executive think tank panel called Youthful Ventures: Insights into the Next Generation Entering the Entertainment Market. This session will offer insights for informed business decisions, exploring the unique expectations and behaviours of the next wave of consumers and professionals. Speakers include Daan Duijm of Bamboo Attractions Management.
The agenda continues with another executive think tank panel called Design, Technology, and Storytelling Fusion: The Future of Saudi Entertainment. Attendees will learn about new methods, collaboration, and trends that produce immersive and engaging entertainment experiences.
This forward-looking conversation intends to inspire industry professionals, creatives, and stakeholders to see Saudi Arabia as a hub for cutting-edge, culturally resonant entertainment that effortlessly mixes design aesthetics, technical advances, and fascinating storytelling. Speakers include Ghassan Assi, COO of Trampo Extreme and Louis Alfieri, chief creative officer at Raven Sun Creative, the transformational experience firm.
Educational opportunities and breaking barriers
More executive think tank panels follow, including Networking Beyond Borders: Connecting Local Investors with International Brands, which will emphasise the strategic significance of fostering partnerships between local investors and international brands in the entertainment industry, and Revolutionizing F&B Jobs: Breaking the Stigma and Attracting Talent, a session dedicated to dispelling stereotypes surrounding F&B roles in the industry.
In the final executive think tank panel, The Education Odyssey in Theme Parks, attendees can enjoy a deep dive into the vast educational opportunities within parks, spotlighting partnerships with schools and pioneering integrated educational programs. Speakers include Vivien Exartier, executive director of the Saudi Entertainment Academy.
Finally, day one at SEA Expo 2024 concludes with a fireside chat about accessibility and inclusivity. This will explore the topic of Breaking Barriers: Theme Parks for All.
Day two
Hind Galadari, Deputy General Manager at Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi will be the chair for day two.
The first session of the day is an executive think tank panel entitled Securing the Thrill: Unveiling Innovations for Safety in the Entertainment and Adventure Industry. This will examine the importance of safety measures in delivering an unforgettable and risk-free experience. Speakers include Six Flags Qiddiya’s Neil Dwyer, and Alex Schrott, head of amusement rides and waterparks at TÜV SÜD Middle East.
In the next executive think tank panel, Sustainability at the Heart: Sneak Peek into Green Initiatives in the Industry, delegates can learn about some of the green tech and initiatives that the industry is adopting. Industry leaders will discuss eco-friendly practices, renewable energy solutions, and responsible resource management.
Women in the industry
Attendees can then gain insights from global success stories in a fireside chat titled Around the World in Success Stories: A Blueprint for the Saudi Entertainment Industry.
This will be followed by an executive think tank panel called Shattering Ceilings, Igniting Dreams: Empowering Stories of Women in Entertainment. This session will feature the transformative stories of trailblazing women who have left an indelible mark on the sector.
Olivia Wyrick, director of operations and aquatics at Qiddiya Water Theme Park, will moderate. The panellists will be day two chair Hind Galadari alongside Monira Alsabah, CEO and founder of PLAY Enterprises; Dawn Venturas, Sports Consultancy Middle East Specialist; Shifa Yusuff Ali, CEO of IdeaCrate Edutainment Company, and Razan Al-Ajmi, operational specialist at Sela.
In an executive think tank panel entitled Employee Retention in Entertainment: Strategies for Keeping Your Talent in the Region, attendees can learn how to build resilient teams, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and stability of organisations within the entertainment industry’s ever-evolving landscape. Speakers include Milton D’Souza, vice president of parks at Sela, and Ahmed Habib, CEO of Edrak Edutainment.
Finally, an executive think tank panel, Balancing the Books: Achieving and Sustaining Operating Profits in Entertainment, will delve into practices that enable businesses to achieve and sustain operating profits. This will feature insights from Natalia Bakhlina, partner at Leisure Development Partners (LDP), a leading economics and strategy consultant. SEA Expo 2024 attendees can email to book a meeting with Bakhlina or her colleague, Yael Coifman.
Day three
Day three’s chair is Yael Coifman, senior partner at LDP.
The day’s series of executive think tank panels begins with Saudi Cinema Renaissance: Illuminating Growth and Revenue Streams in the Entertainment Industry. This will look at the transformative impact of cinema on the Saudi entertainment landscape. Then, Beyond Fun: Elevating Experiences and Fostering Loyalty – The Impact of Guest Experience Technologies in FEC Revolution will explore how guest experience technologies are shaping the future of entertainment spaces.
Next, a fireside chat entitled Thriving in the Fun Race: Unleashing Success through Unforgettable Guest Experiences will provide attendees with a nuanced understanding of the dynamic world of entertainment and amusement, spotlighting the critical role of exceptional guest experiences.
Gaming, water parks and more
More executive think tank panels take place after this, such as Let’s Play Saudi Arabia- Dive into the Heart of Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Evolving Landscape, an insightful session delving into the projected 7.85% CAGR of the Saudi Arabia online gaming market from 2023-28, and Stay & Play: Strategies for Prolonging Visitor Delight in Amusement Parks, which focuses on factors beyond ticket prices that contribute to guest satisfaction and profitability in theme parks.
In the executive think tank panel, Making Waves: Rise in the Integration of Waterparks in Venues to Create Exceptional Experiences, delegates will understand the impact of waterpark integration in Saudi venues. In the final session of the day, an executive think tank panel called Innovative Business Models: Redefining Success in the Entertainment Industry will explore cutting-edge business models that redefine success in the dynamic Saudi entertainment landscape.
Meet the exhibitors at SEA Expo 2024
7thSense – booth #3C261
7thSense, the multi-award-winning media solutions specialist, will be at SEA Expo 2024, supporting Experience UK with technology displays.
Following last year’s opening of the world-famous Sphere Las Vegas, with its interior and exterior LED display panes powered by 7thSense technologies, the team will have media serving tech on the show floor as they drive displays on the Experience UK stand.
Ed Patchett, commercial director, and Jon Hamley, senior technical sales engineer, will be in attendance. To book a meeting, please get in touch via email.
Earlier this year, 7thSense won an ISE 2024 Best of Show Award in the Sound & Video Contractor category for its newly launched R-Series 8 hardware solution. The R-Series 8 is a versatile mid-range 3U media server. It is ideal for generative projects and mid-range media attractions.
accesso – booth #1D78
accesso Technology Group PLC, a leading technology provider for attractions worldwide, will invite participants to experience the future of guest engagement at its booth. With over 1,000 venues across 34 countries, accesso’s patented tools increase revenue, streamline operations, and enhance data-driven decisions.
Attendees can meet its team of industry veterans dedicated to empowering venues with intuitive ticketing, point-of-sale, virtual queuing, and experience management technology. They will also be able to discover accesso Horizon, the ultimate ticketing and visitor management platform, and accesso Freedom, a seamless restaurant and retail commerce solution.
During IAAPA Expo 2023, the company released the latest edition of its industry-leading accesso Passport eCommerce ticketing technology and debuted the new Qview product. This patent-pending line-counting system will modernise wait time estimation for theme parks and attractions. Qview also won“Best New Product” in the 2023 Brass Ring Awards during the event.
Alterface – booth #2B248
Alterface, a leader in interactive technology, will showcase its renowned interactive dark rides, theatres, and walkthroughs alongside two groundbreaking additions to its product portfolio.
The Action League Interactive Thrill Ride introduces an entirely new concept ride where multiple teams compete against each other to determine a final winner. It features an ultra-dynamic multi-axis rotation. Guests will enjoy the excitement of interactive shooting, competitive gaming, and the sensation of a rotating platform. The Action League Compact Edition will debut at Suzhou Paradise Forest World in June. This brings highly interactive and competitive ride experiences to family entertainment centres and malls.
Meanwhile, MovieMax, a breakthrough compact interactive solution, will debut in Bordeaux this June. With an ingenious design unveiled from a simple container and minimal setup requirements, it promises to revolutionise on-the-go entertainment.
Earlier this year, the company celebrated the launch of the Dämonen Gruft (Demon’s Crypt) compact dark ride at Heide Park Resort in Germany. The attraction, produced by Alterface for Merlin Entertainments, takes visitors on an immersive adventure into a dangerous netherworld.
The team can be contacted by email to schedule a meeting during SEA Expo 2024.
Aquatic Development Group (ADG) & EpicSurf – booth #3C270
Those looking to upgrade their wave system or make a splash with a new wave-based amenity can meet with the Aquatic Development Group (ADG) team, a leading water park and recreational design, construction and manufacturing firm, during SEA Expo 2024. Also on show will be EpicSurf, a new stationary surf experience from the water park experts ADG.
An example of ADG’s WaveTek wave generation equipment can be found in Cyan Waterpark in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The firm manufactured and supplied the WaveTek equipment for the attraction’s 3,530-square-metre adult wave pool, 1,394-square-metre kids wave pool, and figure-8-shaped 2,508-square-metre, 788-metre-long action river.
ADG recently celebrated the opening of the latest expansion at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort in Tennessee, US.
Attractions.io – booth #3C261
Attractions.io, a leading creator of mobile visitor apps, will preview its new Multi-Level Mapping Technology at SEA Expo 2024.
With guests regularly citing ‘getting lost’ as the most frustrating part of their visit, helping
them get from A to B is vital. And with 58% wanting hotspots labelled to help plan their route accordingly, it’s no longer enough for operators to offer a static, 2-D map of their attraction.
Indoor, multi-level mapping opens up spaces. This gives guests a detailed view of the buildings on a site, complete with intuitive point-to-point wayfinding functionality. The firm’s new tool includes dynamic recognition, interactive points of interest, and reliable indoor wayfinding. The indoor maps can also be enriched with ambient lighting, animations, and water reflections to reflect the mood of different areas. Tilt, zoom, and 3D rotations help guests orient themselves and dive into every detail.
Multi-level mapping is included in Attractions.io’s complete mobile app platform or as a stand-alone SDK. The mobile app platform empowers attractions with a suite of tools that enhance guest satisfaction, revenue and loyalty, connecting every touchpoint in the guest journey. Leveraging real-time data and insights from millions of guests, the Attractions.io mobile app platform enables attractions to offer personalised experiences, streamline operations, and, ultimately, increase guest engagement and satisfaction.
Attendees can meet with Ted Ismert, COO, and team to explore the Attractions.io platform and MapLayr, which is already in use at Cedar Fair in the US.
Clip n Climb – booth #1D98
Clip ‘n Climb, an international leader in the fun climbing market, will launch a new challenge at SEA Expo 2024.
The company partnered with Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) in December 2022. As a result, it will provide fun climbing in at least 12 entertainment destinations across Saudi Arabia.
Preparations are underway for the first stand-alone Clip ‘n Climb centre in Saudi Arabia. This which will open at SEVEN’s Al Hamra venue in the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh. A selection of fun climbing challenges was shipped to Riyadh from Clip ‘n Climb’s UK headquarters in March. They are now ready to be installed in the new 167,000-square-meter entertainment complex.
Danny Hodgson, Clip ‘n Climb commercial manager, and Ian Morley, sales manager, will both be present.
DOF Robotics – booth #2C171
DOF Robotics, a producer of dynamic simulation platforms, will be showcasing its latest innovations and industry-leading technologies at the SEA Expo 2024. This includes the new generation Hurricane 360 VR.
The firm develops unique experiences that revitalise entertainment spaces and entice customers to visit again and again. It holds several patents for technical and thematic designs, amusement projects, and simulation rides and machines. DOF products are in more than 80 countries worldwide. These include flying theatres, dark rides, immersive tunnels, dome theatres, XD and 4D theatres and VR and AR-based attractions, as well as interactive simulations, interactive games, and more.
Blooloop recently spoke to Bakit Baydaliev, CEO and co-founder, to learn more about the company’s mission to create unforgettable experiences. He also talked about some of its upcoming developments.
To schedule a meeting at the show, please click here.
Endurescreens – booth #1E100
The team from Endurescreens, a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of world-class projection screens, will offer expert consultations for media-based attractions seeking to elevate their screen development. The firm understands the intricacies of creating immersive experiences and is committed to guiding clients towards optimal solutions.
Endurescreens specialises in supplying the most advanced projection screen systems on the market. These are suitable for various attractions, including flying theatres, dome theatres, immersive tunnels, dark rides, museums, and planetariums.
The company will showcase its signature productions at SEA Expo 2024 alongside the latest project developments. The team will also unveil the behind-the-scenes narratives surrounding the world-record-winning project, the Chimelong Bermuda Storm screen. Last year, Endurescreens brought a new flying theatre experience to Katmandu Park | Punta Cana as part of Falcon’s Resort. Together with various collaborating partners, it developed Voyage of the Fathom Wanderer, a flying theatre attraction.
During the show, attendees can meet Endurescreens’ director of sales, Lei Yin, and project and QC manager Ronald Potgieter. To book an appointment, please click here.
Environmental Street Furniture
Alan Lowry, CEO of Environmental Street Furniture (ESF), a supplier of exterior street furniture products, will be present at this year’s event. His attendance at SEA Expo 2024 highlights ESF’s significant contribution to the future of sustainable urban development as the company continues to advocate for creative and environmentally friendly street furniture solutions.
ESF is recognised for its dedication to environmental sustainability. It recently received the prestigious Sustainability Award from the Federation of Small Businesses UK. This endorsement strengthens ESF’s commitment to creating eco-friendly outdoor furniture solutions. The firm has also been nominated for three additional sustainability awards. This demonstrates its dedication to leading environmentally conscious practices in the sector.
Earlier this year, Environmental Street Furniture’s CEO took part in the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2024, which took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 22 to 24 January.
ETF Ride Systems – booth #3B289
ETF Ride Systems, a leading ride designer and manufacturer, will show some of its latest projects at the show. This includes SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride, Tiki Splash Roulette, Cadbury Chocolate Quest, Pirate Mania, and Volkanu.
The company offers a broad range of ride concepts, such as trackbound or trackless rides, rides in the water, on the ground, elevated or suspended, all controlled electrically. These concepts are flexible enough to integrate specific customer requirements, and ETF also offers high-quality decorations to match the park’s theming.
To create a total ride experience, customers can integrate passenger ride interactivity options like speed control or directional control. For other enhancements, including audiovisual, decorations, and more, ETF works closely with many partners in this field. ETF rides are all designed, produced and installed under the highest quality and safety standards.
FORREC – booth #2D161
FORREC, a leading entertainment design specialist, creates guest experiences rooted in imagination and immersive storytelling for location-based entertainment. This includes theme parks, visitor attractions and water parks, as well as branded experiences, mixed-use and entertainment, landscape architecture and urban design, and resorts.
The team worked on the Rixos Hotel and Water Park in Saudi Arabia. The water park at Rixos Hotel features attractions inspired by the legend of Emerald Cove. With the Wave Breaker Lagoon, Emerald Adventure River, Snorkel Pool, Emerald River Mine raft slide, and many more thematic attractions, the Rixos Water Park takes visitors on an adventure through the legend of Emerald Cove and its guardians.
Cale Heit, president & CEO; Linda Hung, vice president of business development; Thomas Gould, senior director; and Karim Sijlamassi, director, will all be present at SEA Expo 2024. Attendees can book meetings via email.
Frontgrid – booth #3C360
Frontgrid, an expert in adventure leisure and virtual reality attractions, will discuss its new product developments. Matt Wells, CEO, will present the firm’s new range of flying experiences. He says, “Building on the global success of ParadropVR, we’re really looking forward to exhibiting our latest industry-first flying creations.”
The firm is the creator of the popular VR flying experience, ParadropVR. This combines motion-based engineering, exciting VR environments and gamification to give the sensation that guests are flying under a canopy. ParadropVR offers subscription games and custom content. It also provides an unattended VR attraction with solo or multiplayer gameplay and a global online league.
ParadropVR can be found in various locations worldwide, including the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia, US, and the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, Shropshire, UK.
Fulldome.pro – booth #3D311
Fulldome.pro, the projection dome expert, will showcase its 5-metre projection dome theatre and discuss some of its latest projects in the region. These include providing a Fulldome.pro screen for Sela Sphere in Riyadh, the world’s largest LED sphere. At 35 metres (114 feet 10 inches) in diameter, this giant structure is a permanent entertainment venue for tourism and recreation activities. The firm supplied a 22-metre projection screen for the inside of the record-breaking venue.
Fulldome.pro also provided immersive technologies for three of the themed zones at the unique Terra Exhibit at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture – also known as Ithra – in Dhahran, KSA, and a 4-metre open dome for the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), a protected nature reserve spanning 225 square kilometres in the UAE.
Further afield, the company delivered a series of innovative flying theatres for the most famous space visitor centre in the US, The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Yana Fedorova, head of business development, and Tatiana Retinskaya, chief sales officer, will both be in attendance.
Great Coasters International – booth #3D340
Great Coasters International Inc. (GCII), a coaster manufacturing company recognised for its exceptional wooden roller coasters, will also exhibit at SEA Expo 2024. GCII is renowned for its innovative wooden coasters, and its latest news and projects reflect this reputation. In recent years, GCII has been at the forefront of wooden coaster design, incorporating modern technology to enhance the rider experience while maintaining the classic feel of wooden coasters.
One of GCII’s latest projects is the construction of ‘Colossus’ at Six Flags Qiddiya. This coaster promises to feature GCII’s signature elements, such as twisted layouts, airtime hills, and smooth transitions, all designed to deliver an exciting and memorable ride for thrill-seekers. In addition to new projects, GCII has also been refurbishing wooden coasters internationally with its innovative Titan Track.
Finally, Real Madrid World in Dubai has reopened its doors, featuring an exhilarating roller coaster from Great Coasters International. Originally known as the Bombay Express, the coaster has been rebranded as Hala Madrid.
Olivia Hain, director of public relations, Clair Hain, owner/president, and Cory Patrick, salesman, will be on the booth.
Greenspan Projects Ltd. – booth #3D310
Greenspan Projects Ltd., a creative design and build specialist, will be present on the trade show floor, highlighting its range of UK-built products with minimal installation time, such as Puttify and other indoor golf and competitive socialising adventure play solutions.
The firm is the sole global distributor for Puttify. This is an innovative new golf game set to transform the world of social entertainment. Puttify delivers a unique experience that promises fun for players of all skill levels with its unique blend of intelligent, cutting-edge technology and specially designed golf courses.
Greenspan recently shared details of a project for Seal Bay Resort in Selsey, UK. Here, the firm has designed and constructed an indoor adventure hub. Activities include climbing walls, adventure play, bounce nets, and adventure golf. Greenspan has also helped bring an innovative 17-hole indoor golf installation to Lane7 in London.
Attendees can arrange a meeting with John Whitehead, project consultant, and Andriani Vladimirou, business development manager.
Huss Park Attractions – booth #2A248
Huss Park Attractions, the German ride manufacturer, will showcase its latest projects and its five new signature rides, including the Break Dance 5. The first Break Dance 5, named Laser Dance, will open at the Prater in Vienna.
The firm creates, designs, builds and supports rides for some of the world’s most popular theme parks, amusement parks, and fairgrounds. Building on more than a century of history and over 50 years of experience in the amusement industry, the ride manufacturer celebrated a new chapter of innovation last year with the launch of a refreshed brand identity and website, as well as the new HUSS Creative service and a revamped portfolio.
Lars L. Hartmann, international sales manager, will be at the show. Meetings can be arranged by email.
iFLY Tunnel Systems
From iFLY, a world leader in indoor skydiving tunnels, president Kevin Fiur and director of global development Ben Philpott will attend SEA Expo 2024.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving sets global standards for vertical wind tunnel design, technology, construction, and operation. The firm is the only indoor skydiving company that operates successfully at this scale, with a recognised brand and NPS scores that rival Disney and Apple.
Over 100 iFLY Wind Tunnels are currently in operation or nearing completion worldwide. In the Middle East, this includes a 9.5m diameter vertical wind tunnel at the CLYMB facility in Abu Dhabi (the world’s largest recirculating VWT), multiple tunnels in Dubai, and the imminent unveiling of the groundbreaking GEN 9 10.5ft tunnel inside the Doha Oasis in Qatar.
Ahead of the launch of iFLY’s newest industry-disrupting model, the team hopes to forge new partnerships and explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The aim is to introduce and revolutionise the indoor skydiving experience in the Kingdom. Attendees can email Fiur or Philpott to book a meeting at the show.
Last year, iFLY shared details of its ongoing global expansion, which includes projects in Indonesia, London, and Las Vegas. This year, Wilmington, North Carolina, and Miami, Florida, are among the new locations joining the fleet.
Intamin – booth #1C128
Intamin, a creator of record-breaking amusement rides, will be on hand to showcase some of its latest projects in the region. This includes the Dome Ride Theater “Hypersphere 360” at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, recognised with an Impact Award, Brass Ring Award, Menalac Award and many more.
The firm is currently building the world’s highest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Falcons Flight, Qiddiya. The ride vehicle was revealed at IAAPA Expo last year.
Intamin also recently celebrated the opening of Catapult Falls at SeaWorld San Antonio in the US. This is the world’s first launched flume ride featuring the world’s steepest drop at 53°.
Gerard Slenders, vice president, will attend, and participants can book a meeting via email.
Jora Vision – booth #3B281
Jora Vision, a leading design and production company, will highlight the RemarkaBall interactive mini-golf concept featured at The Dockx Jeddah. Attendees can see a new RemarkaBall commercial showcasing the concept like never before.
Secondly, the expert dark ride creators will be on hand to discuss everything involved in creating fantastic dark rides. In collaboration with ETF and Alterface, it is developing a highly anticipated yet top-secret dark ride at Six Flags Qiddiya. Other dark ride concepts that can be seen in the region include Riyadh Through Time.
Last year, Jora Vision joined with Emerald Park to reveal details of the new Tír na nÓg land, opening 2024. The firm has partnered with the Irish park to develop the storytelling for the new themed land.
Attendees can book a meeting with the team via email.
KCC Entertainment Design – booth #2D231
KCC Entertainment Design, a leading creator of themed environments, will showcase its latest projects and innovations in entertainment design. The team will be on hand to connect with industry professionals, explore collaborations and uncover new opportunities. Attendees can schedule a meeting to discuss how the firm can turn an idea into a memorable experience.
One recent project that the company has worked on in the Kingdom is The DockX, a groundbreaking gaming and entertainment centre in Jeddah. Developed in collaboration with Fawasel, and led by KCC Entertainment Design as the leading design and realisation partner, this state-of-the-art facility offers a diverse range of activities. Visitors can enjoy AR bowling, AR billiards, immersive rooms, karaoke, arcade games, and more.
Kraftwerk Living Technologies – booth #1D108
Kraftwerk Living Technologies (KLT), a leading-edge AV systems integrator, will also exhibit at SEA Expo 2024. KLT seamlessly combines high-end multimedia systems to provide complete media technology solutions for entertainment, museums, exhibitions and brand experiences worldwide.
KLT has headquarters in Austria and branch offices in Shanghai, Johannesburg, and Dubai. Now, it is continuing its expansion in the Middle East with a newly opened branch in Riyadh to better serve local clients and partners, develop and implement world-class projects, and redefine the boundaries of immersive experiences.
KLT equipped the multi-award-winning Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai with state-of-the-art technologies.
For further information or appointments, attendees can get in touch via email.
Lagotronics Projects – booth #2C229
Lagotronics Projects, the media-based attractions specialist, will demonstrate its world-class interactive experiences for theme parks and FECs. This year, the team will spotlight its GameChanger, a high-capacity, low-footprint interactive dark ride. The attraction is a great fit for a wide range of projects in the Middle East.
In addition, the firm will present itself as a premier AV and lighting partner for themed entertainment in the Middle East. With permanent personnel in the region, Lagotronics is committed to delivering exceptional quality and service tailored to the unique needs of the Middle Eastern market.
Lagotronics Projects recently revealed details of its collaboration with The Chocolate Factory (TCF) in the Netherlands. TCF is an edutainment centre that introduces guests to food technology through a distinctive approach that merges cutting-edge technology with an industrial setting. The attraction results from a unique partnership between industry and education, with support from the Dutch government. It is set to open by the end of the year.
Sales manager Tom Bouwens and leisure account manager Michael Thiesen will be on hand to answer any questions. Appointments can be made via email.
Legacy Entertainment – booth #3B321
Legacy Entertainment, a leading theme park and resort design company best known for its strong presence in Asian territories, will be making its Saudi Arabian debut at this year’s SEA Expo.
With four large-scale projects currently in development within the Kingdom, Legacy is putting a great deal of focus on this year’s event. In addition to an all-new booth developed specifically for the show, Taylor Jeffs, the firm’s president and chief creative officer, will deliver a keynote session on the next generation of theme parks and attractions.
Legacy, best known for theme parks, will also promote the recent openings of its retail, aquarium, and resort projects, including the Chimelong Spaceship. This colossal project in Zhuhai, China, holds seven Guinness World Records. It is home to the world’s largest indoor theme park and the world’s largest aquarium.
Martin & Vleminckx – booth #3B271
Martin & Vleminckx, a leader in the design, manufacture, fabrication, and installation of thrilling attractions, will exhibit at SEA Expo 2024, presenting a range of innovative attractions set to captivate the Middle East market.
Attendees can discover Skyblazer, which introduces a swinging gondola that emulates the exhilaration of skydiving and Thrillwheel, which elevates the experience of a standard observation wheel and combines it with the high thrills of a swing ride.
The team will also showcase SkySpire, which offers climate-controlled gondolas that provide riders with an immersive 360-degree panoramic view. Another new product is the Polercoaster, which revolutionises the roller coaster experience by embracing verticality. It delivers an intense coaster adventure within a compact footprint.
The firm recently shared details of a restoration project on the wooden roller coaster at Playland at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver, Canada.
Participants can schedule a meeting before the trade show via email.
MI Concept + Design – booth #2C150
MI Concept + Design, a designer of imaginative and detailed themed spaces, will also be present. Based in Toronto, Canada, MI Concept + Design’s team is made up of passionate creatives who bring decades of combined experience to every project. The company offers several specialised services, all designed to enhance the guest experience.
The team works on projects across the visitor attractions industry, including theme parks, water parks, FECs, themed restaurants, retailtainment, LBE, museums, aquariums, live performance venues, and more.
Attendees and partners can connect with John Gentile, executive project director; Robin Ingram, manager – business development; Kate Zahoruiko, art director; and Adam Snowball, art director. Meetings can be booked here.
Painting with Light – booth #2B240
Painting with Light (PWL), a lighting and multimedia expert, is inviting attendees to discover some of its innovative and interactive installations, such as the Stickerwall. Operators can trigger their visitors’ creativity and let them create stickers, stamps, and more via a mobile app that will project on a building.
The firm can be a turnkey partner for all kinds of projects. These can range from a single light art installation to a full light festival or theme park. It creates unique and immersive experiences by combining storytelling, unique lighting installations, custom-made content creation, projection mapping, atmospheric pathway lighting, and more.
PWL can support operators in defining the perfect experience to make their park or event wonderful. It is a creative team with strong technical capabilities. The company is now setting up an office in Riyadh, set to open in Q3 of this year. This is a result of its activity in building a network of both local key players and international partners over the course of the last five years.
Meetings can be arranged via email.
project: syntropy – booth #3A328
project: syntropy, creator of technology and display solutions for dome cinemas and immersive attractions, will be on the trade show floor showing its new interactive dome attraction, flydome flying theatre, and sphere attractions.
The firm recently won the 2024 Inavation Award for best visitor attraction for its project at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (SUPEC) in China.
It also completed a project for the VIRTUALITY science centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. VIRTUALITY uses interactive media attractions to tell the story of information technology and communications. It is located in Riyadh’s $1.7bn cyber city development, the Information Technology Communications Complex (ITCC). The firm produced five key attractions for the venue. These included a 16-metre fulldome planetarium, a four-sided 3D-stereo CAVE, an interactive floor, a 360° cinema, and a huge multitouch exhibit.
Delegates can meet with Giulia Barbero and Christoph Bode. Meetings can be arranged via email.
ProSlide – booth #2C161
ProSlide Technology Inc., an industry leader in water ride manufacturing and design, will present some recent projects, including the new Mega Mayhem Dueling PIPEline Blast/ FlyingSAUCER 20 at Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. The park’s first water coaster is 266 meters long. It propels riders higher, faster, and further than traditional water rides along steep inclines and around tight curves at speeds of up to 35 km/h.
Elsewhere in the US, it also delivered Tikitapu Splash, a new RideHOUSE at Aquatica San Antonio in Texas. The bespoke RideHOUSE covers over 15,000 square feet with whimsical theming, interactive adventures, and water slides.
Meanwhile, in Europe, ProSlide provided the region’s first indoor/outdoor Dueling RocketBLAST Water Coaster for Aqualibi in Wavre, Belgium. Standing 25 meters high, the attraction includes a CanonBOWL 40 + Explosion, FlyingSAUCER 30, TornadoWAVE 60, and speed chasing RallyRACER.
Other projects coming soon include a BehemothBOWL 60 + TORNADO 60, ProRacer, Twister, and KIDZ Zones at El Dorado Water Park in the Dominican Republic, a double TornadoWAVE 60 and BehemothBOWL 60, KIDZ TornadoWAVE and KIDZ Adventure Tower for Sam Son Water Park in Vietnam.
Earlier this year, ProSlide opened its new Dubai office. This strategic expansion will address the rising demand for unique water rides in the Middle East.
Attendees can meet Rick Hunter, CEO and chairman; Phil Baker, VP of business development, UAE; Daniel Jackson, principal master planner, UAE; Christy Liu, customer success account manager, UAE; and Vijay Veerappan, customer success account manager, UAE.
Red Raion – booth #3D318
Red Raion, the CGI studio for media based attractions, will showcase its newest CGI movie for licensing, Alice in Wonderland – Space Match. This is available in 5D, VR, Dome, and Fly.
The firm has created a whole new story with Alice in Wonderland – Space Match. In this space odyssey, the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland becomes a voyage of self-discovery and empowerment. Alice sets out on an alien adventure, defying convention and embracing her innate creativity.
Last year, the firm also announced that the recent CGI title, Van Helsing – Rise from the Dark, is now available for licensing in 5D, VR and Dome formats.
Participants can meet Antonio Cannata, founder and strategy director; Valeria Rizzo, CBO; Salvo Fallica, COO; and Roberto Buzzo, sales director. Meetings can be booked here.
Scruffy Dog Creative Group – booth #2B211
Scruffy Dog Creative Group (SDCG), a leading creative design and delivery company, delivers story-led theme parks, resorts, attractions, and live events. It has been a widely-publicised player in a range of KSA’s entertainment giga-projects. The firm will showcase its recently opened Creative PM division, based in Riyadh.
The team will also share the work of SDCG’s recently opened model-making division, MAD Models, which specialises in high-end, scale architectural modes.
SDCG recently celebrated the success of Wonder Garden, a highlight of the Riyadh Season in 2023/4, which won the Best Design for a Leisure & Entertainment Facility category at the 2024 MENALAC Awards. The project was created by Sela, a leading Saudi Arabian developer of mega projects, in collaboration with SDCG.
Joe Bright, CEO; Malik Al Asadi, director of project management; Sherif Al Saady, director ‑ project controls and commercial; Reza Sadeghi, general manager (MENA)/projects director;
Omar Fakhreddine, project delivery manager; Ibrahim Shakeem, senior procurement specialist; Tim Beavis, associate marketing manager and content creator, and Ma. Concepcion Mariscotes, project coordinator, will all be in attendance. Meetings can be booked here.
Severn Lamb – booth #3C261
Severn Lamb, a leader in the manufacture and supply of leisure, resort and amusement transport, will exhibit at the Experience UK booth during SEA Expo 2024.
Jack Tunstall, project sales engineer, will be on hand to connect with attendees, and meetings can be booked via email. Tunstall will present the company’s innovative and world-class visitor transportation products. Severn Lamb’s offerings range from park trains and trolleys to high-capacity, low-speed, purpose-built road trams and road trains. All feature the latest electric powertrains.
Last year, Severn Lamb celebrated the completion of a project to design, manufacture and deliver a new railroad to Carillon Historical Park, a 65-acre park and museum in Dayton, Ohio.
Sim Leisure Group – booth #2D199
Sim Leisure Group, a leading designer, developer, operator, and builder of theme parks, waterparks, and other themed leisure attractions, is successfully progressing with the construction of theming at the Six Flags Qiddiya project. It is also working on multiple design projects for high-profile clients in the region.
At SEA Expo 2024, the team will showcase Sim Leisure‘s past and ongoing work in the construction and design aspects of the business. The firm will also feature one of its talented artists completing a live mural painting throughout the show. Attendees can stop by every day to see the progress and the final piece.
Josie Booth, managing director, and Karen Stojanovski, head of design and operations, will attend the show.
Simtec – booth #3C339
At SEA Expo 2024, Simtec Systems, a leader in motion simulation, will present its HEXaFLITEmini. Simtec has already installed its big HEXaFLITE Flying Theatre for 20 – 72 passengers for several years with great success. It has also continually developed this system further with the latest technologies.
To meet the needs of customers with limited space for a flying theatre, Simtec’s engineers developed the HEXaFLITEmini. This can accommodate four, six, or ten guests.
The firm has announced that the HEXaFLITEmini flying theatre will be part of a new major visitor attraction in Malta. Sarner International Ltd and Mercury Towers by Zaha Hadid Architects will bring the history and beauty of Malta to life in a unique new attraction that combines the HEXaFLITEmini flying theatre ride and a dark walk exhibition. This attraction will take visitors on an immersive and informative journey through the past and present of Malta. It is expected to open in 2024.
Furthermore, Simtec will present its FUNRIDE Family of motion-based simulators with closed or open cabins as well as its dark rides.
Andreas Stickel, director of business development, and Eckart Schulz, consultant, will attend. Meetings can be booked via email.
Simworx – booth # 3C261
Simworx, the dynamic media attractions specialist, will return to this year’s SEA Expo alongside the Experience UK Trade Association, exhibiting at their booth. Simworx’s business development director, Ralf Schipper, will be in attendance to discuss the firm’s latest media-based attraction developments and products.
Simworx recently announced its partnership with C360 International on a brand-new and innovative stadium concept. Spectators embark on moving pods that circulate the stadium, cruising smoothly 360 degrees around the venue. This allows them to witness every moment from every angle. The new endeavour represents Simworx’s leap into the sports entertainment sector as it looks forward to revolutionising the future of live sports and entertainment viewing.
Alongside this, Simworx has many upcoming project installations, including a Pegasus Flying Theatre for a development in Istanbul. Simworx continues its dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its customers. The Pegasus Flying Theatre provides an immersive and thrilling flying theatre experience for guest entertainment. It is a cost-effective solution with scalability as its hallmark feature to appeal to owners/operators.
Simworx also recently presented its new Zombie Metro Mayhem Ride concept at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 in Vienna.
Meetings can be booked here.
Sunkid – booth #2B150
Sunkid, a leading provider of attractions for the entire family, will present its amusement park attractions as well as its transportation and equipment for ski domes, waterpark conveyors, summer toboggan runs and wooden playgrounds.
The company’s family rides have been delighting children and families around the world for more than 40 years. Its products are known for their ease of use and small footprint, as well as their high level of interactivity and fun. With around 150 facilities worldwide, the Tower offers 360° panoramic views for the whole family in many places. Passengers pull themselves up to a height of almost nine meters easily (motor-assisted) with the help of a rope. Meanwhile, the Tower rotates slowly around its own axis.
Attendees can meet with Marko Filipsky, product and sales manager, and Johannes Wiedorfer, head of marketing.
Themed Entertainment Association – booth #2A240
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), a non-profit representing compelling places and experiences worldwide, will be at SEA Expo 2024. It will also hold a members mixer event on Tuesday, 7 May. This event will take place at 1 p.m. at Piatto Italian Restaurant and is a chance to join fellow TEA members and EME & International Board members for a networking lunch before the SEA Show.
On Wednesday, delegates can also attend TEA PRESENTS: Creating and Executing World-Leading Immersive Experiences. This event will feature multidisciplinary experts from the TEA discussing the development process from initial idea to final delivery and all the nuances and challenges to consider.
LDP’s Yael Coifman will moderate. Speakers include Brad Merriman of Profun, Martin Howe from Teq4, Tom Acomb of AOA, and Sigurd Slåttebrekk from Animando.
Earlier this month, the TEA opened nominations for the 2024 TEA Masters. The TEA Masters of Their Craft programme honours exceptional artists, writers, producers, engineers, and craftspeople who have made outstanding contributions to the themed entertainment industry. Innovators from all over the world are nominated and acknowledged by their peers.
It also recently hosted the 30th Annual Thea Awards Gala.
TAIT – booth #1C89
TAIT Group, a global leader in the live entertainment industry, and Thinkwell Group (a TAIT company), will showcase some of their work across the TAIT portfolio. This includes the Rhianna Superbowl Halftime Performance and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to local projects in Riyadh like the WWE Experience and the Battle of the Baddest: Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou.
The TAIT team will also participate in two panels, including The Future of Live Entertainment & Experiences. Speakers include Matt Richman, VP of global projects, Amin Rashmani, managing director, MENA TAIT, and Mo Husseini, executive creative director. They will share their insights on how the region is evolving through immersive live experiences and innovative storytelling
During the co-located Saudi Light and Sound (SLS) Expo, TAIT will take part in the Executive Think Tank Panel: Backstage Symphony: Crafting on-stage Magic through Harmony of Creative Vision and Tech Behind the Scenes.
Attendees can book meetings with Peden Bhutia, director of business development and Toby Van-Hay, VP, head of EMEA business development.
Triotech – booth #2D220
Triotech, an award-winning creator of media-based attractions, is very active in the region. It has significant projects such as Transformers at SEVEN in Saudi Arabia and has deployed attractions in the area for several years, partnering with many leading regional operators.
Triotech’s comprehensive attraction offerings include major custom dark rides, walkthroughs and immersive projects, as well as several award-winning FEC games.
Earlier this year, Triotech announced that SuperBlaster, its new attendant-free interactive multiplayer coin-op ride, is ready to ship to customers worldwide. This follows successful demonstrations at IAAPA Expo 2023 in Orlando and EAG in London.
CEO and founder Ernest Yale and Gabi Salabi, managing director—projects, will represent the company at SEA Expo. Visitors are invited to book meetings here.
Vekoma – booth #3C280
Vekoma Rides, the Dutch roller coaster specialist, is exhibiting at SEA Expo 2024, where attendees can discover its latest products and services and discuss their future projects.
Whether participants are looking to create a new family coaster that appeals to children, teens, parents, and grandparents, need a new experience to delight thrill seekers, or want to develop a new attraction that will make their venue a success, The Vekoma team will assist them in discovering more.
The firm is known for quality and innovation. This is reflected in the many installed family and thrill coasters that meet the most stringent standards for safety, quality, and comfort. Recent new products include the Family Launch Coaster, Super Boomerang, Suspended Dark Ride, and Tilt Coaster.
2024 also promises to be a historic year for Vekoma with coasters like the Tilt Coaster, Circuit Breaker, at Cotaland and the first Super Boomerang in North America, THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity, at Six Flags Great Adventure. In addition, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is launching a specially designed Family Boomerang called Good Gravy! in its Thanksgiving section.
Meetings can be booked here.
WhiteWater – booth #2C210
WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, will also be exhibiting at SEA Expo 2024. Over the past three years, WhiteWater’s Middle East office in Dubai has expanded by 114%, growing its team to assist with regional projects from concept to completion. With an extensive portfolio of over 5,000 projects across 85 countries, the team tailors solutions to suit the unique requirements of each location and client.
With an in-house design team, project managers, and installation experts, all based in the region, WhiteWater is dedicated to supporting developments long after their opening. This ensures exceptional experiences while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety. WhiteWater actively supports the Kingdom’s growing entertainment sector, with everything a water park needs, from water slides, water rides, multi-level play structures, and surf simulators.
Recently, the company made waves by introducing surfing to the desert in collaboration with Loopagoon in Dana Bay, Saudi Arabia. Here, it installed a FlowRider Double. Aligned with Vision 2030’s mission of enhancing the quality of life, these surf destinations promise a unique experience for locals and tourists alike.
The firm also recently celebrated the success of its unique aquatic play structure, Elevated AquaForms 12. This won first place in the Brass Ring Award for Best New Product Water Park Ride/Attraction under $2 million at IAAPA Expo 2023.
Meetings with the WhiteWater team can be booked here.
Zamperla – booth #3B311
Zamperla, a leading ride manufacturer, will be on the trade show floor with its latest products. The firm supplied four new rides themed for the new Microocean area at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
It also recently partnered with Aztlán Parque Urbano, a new attraction in Mexico City which opened in March 2024. With its 9000 rides in parks worldwide and a history of almost 60 years, Zamperla has a reputation for dependability and performance in the entertainment sector.
At this new location, it has provided a collection of popular rides for all age groups. This includes the Jumpin Star, Samba Tower, Happy Swing, Midi Tea Cup, Jump Around, Air Race 6.4, and Mini Jet. Plus, thrill seekers will enjoy the Discovery Revolution ride, coming soon.
Attendees can meet Marco Antoniazzi, sales manager MEA; Enas Farouk, sales manager; and Yasser Goneid, general manager.
