Falcon’s Beyond Global, a fully integrated development enterprise for IP-driven parks, resorts, media and merchandise, is reflecting on a year of achievements, collaboration and growth.
In November, at IAAPA Expo in Orlando, it was announced from the trade show floor that Falcon’s Beyond and Infinite Acquisitions Partners have entered into a letter of intent for Falcon’s to operate Oceaneering Entertainment Systems (OES) in early 2025.
OES, the entertainment branch of Oceaneering International, Inc., has established itself as an award-winning leader in developing complex ride and show systems for over 25 years and is a reliable partner for leading theme park developers and operators worldwide. Falcon’s will now enhance its ride technology and sales capabilities under the OES brand.
This year, the company also established an Advisory Board and welcomed Mike Hightower, the former president of Universal Creative, as our first strategic advisor. In the coming year, Falcon’s Beyond aims to further expand its Advisory Board to enhance its influence in the themed entertainment sector and beyond.
By enlisting accomplished industry leaders with diverse expertise to provide strategic direction and insights, Falcon’s is well-positioned to drive the business towards ongoing success and future growth.
New projects
Falcon’s Creative Group has undertaken a comprehensive range of projects for the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC). The team has been involved in the design and master planning of Aquarabia, the first water theme park of its kind in Saudi Arabia, as well as assisting in the experience design and technology development for the world’s first Gaming and Esports district.
These immersive entertainment offerings are being created in alignment with Qiddiya’s vision of the “first city built for play,” located near the capital, Riyadh.
In January, Falcon’s announced a licensing agreement with The Hershey Company to develop new Hershey-themed experiential attractions. This comprehensive contract enables Falcon’s to design and create new Hershey-branded Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) experiences featuring the beloved brands of this industry-leading confectionery and snack company, including Hershey’s, Reese’s, Jolly Rancher, and Twizzlers, in both the United States and global markets.
Falcon’s has partnered with Tanseisha to merge their creative expertise in Japan, focusing on developing unique immersive experiences rooted in Anime and Manga. Tanseisha, a Tokyo-based designer known for creating commercial and cultural spaces, possesses extensive connections in the Japanese market and a proven track record with prominent global brands. For the first time, Falcon’s aims to deploy its wide range of proprietary attractions and technologies in Japan to bring these new experiences to fruition.
Further details regarding projects arising from this collaboration will be shared in the future.
Company growth & awards
The company received several awards during 2024. For example, its Experience Imagination podcast won a MUSE Award, and David Schaefer, chief development officer, was named a Power 10 Influencer on this year’s Blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer List, while Bruce A. Brown, chief legal officer & corporate secretary, was named as one of the 2024 Most Influential Lawyers by Savoy Magazine.
Simon Philips, president of Falcon’s Beyond, was named one of the Most Influential Leaders by the Orlando Business Journal, and Jason Batista, unreal technical artist at Falcon’s Creative Group, was an honoree of the Orlando Business Journal’s 2024 Veterans of Influence.
In 2024, Falcon’s experienced significant growth, increasing its team to 200 members. This expansion is fueled by the rising demand for its services, enabling the firm to undertake more creative projects globally.
The company also celebrated its Nasdaq Listing Day’s first anniversary on October 6, 2024.
Falcon’s is deeply committed to giving back to the community. This year, the team sent care packages full of goodies, cards, and artwork to deployed soldiers through Operation Shoebox and supported education and local teachers through A Gift for Teaching.
Team members also volunteered at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, and the company donated more than 250 lbs. of food to the Second Harvest Food Bank Drive in Central Florida. In addition, Falcon’s Beyond participated in the Annual IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5k Fun Run & Charity Motorcycle Run benefiting Give Kids The World.
