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WWA attendees come together in Palm Springs
WWA returned to a more intimate setting, with attendees experiencing instructive educational sessions, a jam-packed Trade Show and continuous networking opportunities.
The World Waterpark Association followed up on its recording-breaking year at Disney in 2006 by taking its 27th Annual Symposium & Trade Show back to an intimate, personalized setting in Palm Springs, California. With four sold-out official convention hotels, WWA attendees felt the presence of their fellow operators and suppliers in the hallway, the elevator and at every event. In addition, in spite of the challenges presented by the fires burning throughout Southern California, the WWA saw a marked increase in attendees from the last time the WWA was in Palm Springs.
"An excellent conference. . . I especially enjoyed meeting others in the profession who have experienced the same issues I do," said WWA member Kris Stimpson, Acting Recreation Manager for the City of Renton, Renton, Wash.
Attendees included representatives from all levels and backgrounds of existing waterparks¡Xfrom senior lifeguards to general managers¡Xas well as developers and builders new to the industry. Some came to hear new ideas about safety, industry standards, operations and marketing at the extensive educational sessions, while others came to see the latest ride innovations and purchase a new attraction for their park.
"As a first time attendee to the WWA Convention, I found it to be extremely informative and the seminar selection to hit all the different areas I was looking for more information on," said Taunya Schleicher, Waterpark Manager, Canad Inns Destination Center, Grand Forks, N.D. "The convention was extremely organized and well run. Only being the industry for 10 months, I feel the convention gave me the information I need to help my business grow."
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| Educational Sessions |
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 In recent years, WWA has seen more developers interested in the waterpark industry. The most notable growth has been among indoor hotels/resorts and public-sector entities. But expanding business segments--such as ski resorts, casinos, whitewater parks and cruise ship--continue to gain momentum. To meet their needs, WWA re-worked its most popular workshop into the "Indoor Waterpark Resort Development and Expansion Workshop" with all-new content and a sole focus on indoor hotel/resort development. This stellar workshop included 24 of the industry's leading consultants, builders, developers and indoor hotel operators as speakers.
Also new this year, were three specialized tracks for the following segments: Public-Sector, Indoor Waterpark Resort Operations and Waterpark Development & Expansion. Each track included courses tailored to each segment and led by experts and professionals from within the specific segment.
The Symposium also offered 54 other sessions, 31 of which were new. In total, 118 speakers appeared in WWA's workshops and Symposium sessions. Among the highly relevant courses were several on guest and ride safety, a topic that takes center stage each year in the industry. Leading safety experts and builders gave counsel on: air quality with "What's in YOUR Air? Keeping Guests and Employees Healthy and Happy;" water quality with "Regenerative Media Filtration: Technology Moving Forward" and "The Role of UV Pool Sanitation in Commercial Systems;" and legal liability with "Calling 911: Waterpark Emergencies and Your Legal Liability" and "Realizing Rider Responsibility at Your Local Level."
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| Trade Show |
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 With the 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, the WWA hosted 348 booths, an increase of 45 booths from the 26th Annual Symposium and Trade Show in Disney. With so many additional booths, the WWA show welcomed many new exhibitors to its floors. "This was the first time AWM exhibited and compared to other tradeshows, we liked the low key vibe with the high level of qualified buyers. It was a great show for us," said Marie McFarland, American Wave Machine, Inc., Solana Beach, Calif.
Jeff Lococo, President, Lococo Companies, Sandusky, Ohio, also saw the benefit of being part of the WWA Trade Show. "The WWA Trade Show is a positive environment to do business in, with great support from the WWA staff and a cooperative spirit among owners, operators and suppliers," he said. "It is truly an excellent networking forum for industry suppliers and consultants."
The draw of a thriving waterpark industry was apparent in the high turnout of international attendees as well. After increased efforts to reach out to its international members over the past few years, WWA has seen more and more international operators and developers attend its annual show. Representatives from more than 24 countries explored the Trade Show floor in search of new, innovative products and services to take home. Visitors included representatives from Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, China, Cyprus, Germany, India, Iraq, the Virgin Islands, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
Trade Show Awards:
- Best One-Booth Category: Snowie LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Best Two-Booth Category: PLANNING Design Build Inc., Madison, Wis.
- Best Four-Booth Category: Splashtacular, LaQuinta, Calif.
- Best Eight-Booth Category: ProSlide Techonology, Ontario, Canada
- Best of Show: Whitewater West Industries, British Columbia, Canada
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| Networking |
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 WWA takes special pride in offering networking events that give attendees and exhibitors an opportunity to relax and socialize. These events are important because they allow attendees to spend time with the people they rely on for advice, support and inspiration. Plus, the events revitalize spirits by providing new contacts for brainstorming and strategizing.
Highlights of this year’s networking events included:
• WWA’s Annual Golf Tournament and Luncheon. This annual gathering continues to be a highlight among golf enthusiasts, including park owners, park operators and supplier representatives. This year, Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort played host to one of the largest golf groups ever for this event, with over 130 players.
• The WWA Annual Reunion Party at the Wyndham Pool. Set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, this event allowed park operators, owners, developers and industry suppliers the opportunity to mingle, dance and share some laughs on the pool deck of the Wyndham’s 5,000 square foot, oasis-style swimming pool. This event also marked the spot for the annual group shot of all the attendees to be featured on the December issue of World Waterpark Magazine
• The Knott’s Soak City Bash. This event took attendees to Palm Springs’ one and only waterpark, Knott’s Soak City. Attendees were treated to California-style barbeque, free air brush tattoos and behind-the-scenes tours of the park’s many attractions.
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