Prayer Breakfast at IAAPA Expo Details & Registration I’m excited to share that the annual Prayer Breakfast at IAAPA Expo will be held on Thursday, November 20 from 8:30–10:00 AM at the Orange County Convention Center – North Concourse during IAAPA Expo. Save the date — reservations coming soon! This year’s keynote speaker is Gracie O’Loughlin, Director of Strategic Partners at Operation Christmas Child. With the theme “The…
Legends: Epic Universe Creators to Share Secrets at IAAPA Expo 2025 ORLANDO, FLORIDA — For more than two decades, the Legends Panel at IAAPA Expo has been a rare chance for theme park fans and professionals alike to hear directly from the creative minds who’ve shaped the attractions industry. Now in its 23rd year, the…
Instructor or Lecturer, Design and Production, Themed Experience R111406 Main Campus, Orlando, Florida Faculty Full time Themed Experience – Academic Instruction The Opportunity: The College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) is inviting applicants for a 9-month, non-tenure earning design and production instructor or lecturer who will report to the director of the Themed Experience Graduate…
See Full Gallery Here Best in Show Teluli Resort by Amanda Caldera, Ringling College of Art & Design “Amanda’s work is on par with the work that our office puts out.” – Dave Cooperstein, PGAV “I can look at her presentation, and as a general contractor I would know exactly how to build it.” –…
Cincinnati, OH — July 22, 2024Dear Friends and Colleagues, As we close the final chapter of BDR Design Group, we celebrate over 40 years of creativity, innovation, and unparalleled success. It has been an extraordinary journey, bringing to life entertainment destinations that have delighted and inspired millions around the world. Our success has been fueled…
RWS Global Appoints Veronica Hart, Global Licensing and Entertainment Leader, to Board New York, NY (April 30, 2024) -RWS Global, the world’s largest producer of live experiences, today announced the appointment of Veronica Hart to its Board of Directors. With over 25 years of experience as a cross-disciplinary corporate leader, Hart has demonstrated success driving…
Check back often as this gallery is populated with projects from our participants! Individual Entries (Year 1-2) Individual Entries (Year 3-4) Individual Entries (Graduates & Interns) Team Entries (Year 1-2) Team Entries (Year 3-4) Team Entries (Graduates & Interns)
The Themed Attraction Student Showcase returns again with a stellar panel of judges. Our goal at Themed Attraction and the TEAAS (Themed Experience & Attractions Academic Society) has always been to build a bridge from the academic world to industry. To that end, we’ve put together this panel to help you make real connections with…
Cincinnati, Ohio – April 2, 2024 – JRA, part of RWS Global has announced the hiring of Lisa Jey Schanley as its new Director of Business Development. Schanley currently serves on the Themed Entertainment Association Board of Directors, Western Division, and is the co-chair of the Communications Committee. In her new role, Schanley will spearhead…
2024 Themed Attraction Student Showcase Each submission will receive constructive feedback. Your work will be reviewed by seasoned industry professionals who are there to help you! Compete for “best in show” and other awards! Registration Dates Registration Opens: February 20th, 2024 Zoom call to meet panelists and answer questions: t.b.d. Submission Portal opens: April 15th,…
Recognizing decades of leadership and expertise, the independent strategy, design and production company has named Carmel Lewis President, unleashing a new era of experiential imagination, innovation, and leadership at BRC LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bob Rogers, Chairman and CEO of BRC Imagination Arts (BRC), a global experiential planning and design firm, has announced that Carmel Lewis,…
ted, part of RWS Global, Announces New Partnership with Luxury Cruise Line Cunard As It Launches RWS Global Studios London NORTHAMPTON, UK – ted, part of RWS Global, recently announced a four-year partnership with Cunard, elevating and modernizing onboard entertainment for the luxury cruise line. Through this collaboration, ted will produce and manage a custom-created…
Sub Sea Systems and SottoStudios have joined forces to create the “perfect storm” of leading-edge attraction design Jim Mayfield, President & CEO of California-based Sub Sea Systems and Eddie Sotto, founder and President of SottoStudios, announce their collaboration to bring state-of-the-art “submersible” storytelling and innovation to the growing water theme park industry. Sub Sea Systems…
The 6th Annual Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Symposium is coming on Friday, November 17th, 2023 to the Orange County Convention Center. TEAAS 2023 is the only academic event that brings together academic scholarship on themed experiences and attractions in an exciting one-day symposium featuring presentations from a variety of academic fields. This year’s Symposium theme, “The…
For the past six years, industry veterans have gathered to hear industry leaders speak about the role that faith plays in their lives. Past events have included leaders like Sea World CEO Joel Manby, former Disney Imagineers Theron Skees and Dave Durham. Last year the event featured former Sea World chief creative officer Anthony Esparza.…
Best In Show Ayong & the Magic Stone – Heriot-Watt University Dubai Best In Category 1 Master Planning / Area Development & Place Making Ayong & the Magic Stone – Heriot-Watt University Dubai Best In Category 2 Use of Technology, Ride & Show Systems Time Loop – University at Buffalo Best In Category 3 Storytelling,…
Check back often as this gallery is populated with projects from our participants! Master Planning, Area Development & Placemaking Use of Technology, Rides & Show systems & Vehicles Storytelling, Show Writing & Guest Experience Concept Art, Computer Graphics & Illustration Innovation
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – April 11, 2023 – Kituwah, LLC began the development of “Smoky Gap” today, a unique entertainment district located within The 407: Gateway to Adventure in Sevierville. Smoky Gap will be the first of several phases of development and is expected to open in 2025. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is funding…
The Themed Attraction Student Showcase returns again with a stellar panel of judges. Our goal at Themed Attraction and the TEAAS (Themed Experience & Attractions Academic Society) has always been to build a bridge from the academic world to industry. To that end, we’ve put together this panel to help you make real connections with…
Highly Anticipated Steel Roller Coaster Ready to Soar in Georgia on Friday, March 31 Fayetteville, GA. (March 6, 2023) – It’s official! On Friday, March 31 anyone who has ever felt the need for speed will have the opportunity to soar over 3,400 feet of red and blue track as Fun Spot America Atlanta debuts…
Themed Entertainment Association Selects RWS Entertainment Group to Produce the 2023 & 2024 Thea Awards Gala RWS Creative Team to Re-Envision Show as Part of TEA’s New INSPIRE Week New York, NY, USA – January 30, 2023 – The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the international non-profit association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers, and…
After a 32-year career with Disney Imagineering, Patrick Brennan will join UCF’s Themed Experience graduate program as a visiting instructor. Brennan previously worked as an adjunct instructor in the program but will transition to a full-time teaching role for the next year while a search is conducted for the permanent position. Students in the themed…
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS I.P. to be Centerpiece of Custom-Designed Walkthrough Triotech, market leader in interactive attractions, just announced a new major project with LOTTE WORLD. Set for opening in Spring 2023, the innovative walkthrough attraction will be called “BATTLEGROUNDS WORLD AGENT” and will be set in the universe of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, KRAFTON’s widely popular I.P. Triotech…
Globally Recognized Dark Ride Creator Reveals Details about “Haunted Hotel” attraction to Debut at Funtown Splashtown in 2023 JACKSONVILLE, FL (November 14, 2022) – Today, live from the tradeshow floor of IAAPA Expo 2022, Sally Dark Rides, the globally recognized leader in creating family dark rides and attractions, lifted the veil on its latest attraction.…
Mont-Royal, Quebec, November 7th , 2022 – Martin & Vleminckx is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the patent portfolio of Bill Kitchen. Mr. Kitchen’s historic contributions to the industry have included the invention and formation of iFly (originally Skyventure), the inventor of Skycoaster, and most recently, a series of game-changing attractions as Founder/CEO of US Thrill…
Kings Island to Add Themed Area“ Adventure Port” for 2023 Season Re-imagined area to feature new family rides and coaster enhancements MASON, OH – Adventure will take center stage at Kings Island in 2023 when the amusement park debuts its newest themed area, Adventure Port. Located between Coney Mall and Action Zone, the area will…
Theme and Guests announced for Legends 2022 at IAAPA Orlando: Epcot; 40 Years in a State of Becoming Each year for 25 years, the Legends Panel at IAAPA Expo, moderated and curated by Bob Rogers, Founder & Chairman of BRC Imagination Arts, has shared the otherwise-lost wisdom and methods of the industry’s great achievers, in…
A new partnership brings a unique revenue-share attraction to the Ride Entertainment family of companies. STEVENSVILLE, MD – Ride Entertainment, the Gold Standard in the attractions industry for sales and support, is excited to announce a new partnership with Longfish Leisure for all North American sales. The agreement brings the company’s Minisafari cars to Ride…
OCTOBER 16-18 in SAN DIEGO Surf Park Summit is the most exclusive and largest networking and insider event for the booming surf park industry, with a heavy focus on the latest wave technologies, park developments, and the future of surfing. This year, the event runs from October 16-18 at Scripps Seaside Forum in San Diego,…
Best in Show: Daedalus: The Lost Wings – University of Texas at Austin Best in Show, Honorable Mention: Thanatopia, Ambrosia, Domo, Travel To and From Home, Best in Class – Blue Sky / Concept: Beetle Mailcenter – SCAD Blue sky / concept, Honorable Mention: Domo, Travel To and From Home, Ambrosia, Corvus Cruiser, Skate Square…
Premier Parks, LLC, North America’s largest independent operator of visitor attractions and experiences, led by former Six Flags Chairman and CEO Kieran Burke, today announced the acquisition of operations of Valcartier-Calypso Group. The acquisition includes an all-inclusive four-star resort hotel with upscale spa and indoor water park, two premium outdoor water parks, a large destination campground, a unique ice hotel, and the largest winter games center in North America. These latest acquisitions increase Premier Park’s profile to fifteen properties.
Lakemont Park’s Skyliner roller coaster, an American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Coaster Classic is due for a makeover. Shawna Gailey of Lakemont Park approached ACE for assistance from ACE’s Preservation Fund, donations set aside to ensure parks have the needed funds to guarantee the continued operation of historically significant coasters.
NASHVILLE, TENN. – April 4, 2022 – Medici XD, based in Los Angeles with a media division formerly known as “Mousetrappe”, announced today that it selected Nashville as the location for building its new Corporate Headquarters to supplement its Los Angeles/Hollywood creative studio. The company is investing more than $7 million in the new facility…
“The majority of people enter the attractions industry at a young age. How can we take that from a year to a career in their lives? My message for our industry and our association is that ‘We are the real job!’” — Ken Whiting The Themed Experience and Attractions Academic symposium was held at the…
Get ready for an amazing presentation. The IAAPA Legends panel is hosted each year by industry leader Bob Rogers, Chairman of BRC Imagination Arts. This 2003 panel was one of the first of Bob Rogers’ annual Legends panels. This panel featured three exceptional voices from the attractions industry. All three have now left this earth,…
We are excited to invite you to attend the 2021 Prayer Networking Breakfast during IAAPA! It is on November 18th and features guest speaker David Durham, Executive, Creative Ride Engineering, Walt Disney Imagineering. About this event We are excited to be back at the Orange County Convention Center and host this event live. This will…
The Inaugural Themed Attraction Student Showcase continued with feedback panels for the submitted projects. Day one featured the individual projects. Day two featured the team entries. Industry veterans panel Tom Morris (Walt Disney Imagineering / retired), MK Haley (University of Texas at Austin / WDI R&D), Louis Alfieri (Raven Sun Creative), Peter Cliff (Holovis), Thomas…
Best in Show – Overall Time Watcher – SCAD Honorable Mention – Visualization and Ride Envelope Best in Class Awards Best in Class – Storytelling/Show Writing/Guest Experience Narrative: Alchemy of Earth – Ringling College of Art & Design Honorable Mention – Costume Design/Production Design Best in Class – Ride & Show Systems (Engineering the Ride):…
Themed Attraction Student Showcase Q&A from Friday 4/01/21 Introduction: Nathan Naversen How to upload your content: Nathan Naversen. For assistance uploading your project, please contact us and we will help you display your project properly. 3:50 Introduction of Judges Nathan Naversen 10:45 1. Theron Skees – Designers Creative Studio 2. Mel McGowan – Chief Creative…
Senior Thesis: Mike Artwell. Interior Architecture at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Part 1: Crafting a Year-Round Horror Park Most of my peers studying Interior Architecture at the Cleveland Institute of Art knew they wanted to craft a senior thesis that tackled hard-hitting, real world issues like re-developing the passenger experience at an airport, creating…
Each year international scholars from a variety of disciplines assemble during the final day of the IAAPA expo to exchange ideas, enhance research, and debate intricacies of the blending of art and science in themed environments and attractions. The Themed Entertainment and Attractions Academic Symposium (TEAAS) includes oral research presentation sessions and poster exhibitions relevant…
Offering exclusive insight, education and rarely-found, direct accessibility to a senior level creative leader. Florida July 30, 2020: The founder of The Designer’s Creative Studio, Theron Skees, announced today the addition of learning content to the company’s recently launched website and gave a sneak peek of the many offerings in development. These expanded features will…
Bring The Fun! Themed Attraction zoom Pitchfest will happen Friday, May 29th @11am to 1pm PST. (2 PM Eastern until 4pm Eastern) All are welcome to watch, pitch, participate, and join in the show! It’s “Imagineering” meets Sharktank – without the heartbreak! What happens? Our open minded forum will allow YOU the people with ideas…
(Stevensville, Maryland): As parks around the world examine the ways to safely re-open their properties Ride Entertainment has services to help. Two key areas are Skycoaster® and attraction maintenance. “We know that things will look different as properties start to open,” said Adam Sandy, President of Business Development. “We want to do our part to…
Benoit Cornet launches BoldMove Corporation for high-energy and affordable digital attractions Unique vendor-independent service to prep for post-crisis era Benoit “Ben” Cornet is proud to announce the launch of BoldMove Corporation to the entertainment market. With his team he will be advising theme parks & leisure venues on selecting the best technology for their digital…
Theme parks and crowd handling may never be the same after the Covid-19 period. The Covid-19 epidemic makes us humans look differently at other humans. We keep our distance as the other person might be contagious. We are more suspicious of others. How will this affect our feelings and behavior after this Covid-19 is gone?…
(SAN JOSE) – VBO Tickets launches new QuickBooks™ Online integration for its cutting-edge event ticketing software, a development that further advances an accounting solution in their platform. This integration allows accountants to easily custom create GL account logic in VBO Tickets and replicate box office sales transactions from their QuickBooks Online account. Items in VBO…
DESIGNED/BUILD BY ADG, OPENING MAY 2020 February 20, 2020 (Cohoes, NY) Aquatic Development Group (ADG) has been contracted as design/builder of the 1-acre ‘Coconut Shores’ water play kid’s area renovation project at Kings Dominion Soak City Water Park (VA). The area is currently under construction and is slated to open May 2020. Kings Dominion approached…