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WWA 2012 Annual Symposium & Trade Show
The WWA Symposium & Trade Show, held Oct. 2-5 in Las Vegas, Nevada, earned rave reviews for its in-depth and timely content, networking opportunities and trade show. The 32nd annual event welcomed more than 1,600 owners, operators, developers, suppliers and designers, with a double-digit increase in attendance over 2011.
“Las Vegas is always a good draw for us,” said WWA President Rick Root. “The location paired with new sessions, fresh content and special keynote and guest presentations on safety, customer reward programs and future trends was a powerful combination.”
“I have been attending the WWA convention for many years and have always enjoyed the Symposium and Trade Show. But, I thought this year’s show was the best in terms of the educational offerings,” said Nick Scott Sr., President, Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort. “I found more useful information than at any previous show. I'm impressed with the way WWA keeps on the cutting edge of information and is able to pass it on to its members.”
Thanks to the appeal of Las Vegas as a host city and the strength of the 2012 season within North American markets and beyond, attendees came from parks large and small, public and private, indoor and outdoor, from all over the world. Attendees represented active leisure markets in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Netherlands, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, as well as 48 states within the U.S. |
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| Exhibit hall welcomed new business & surprises |
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 This year’s show floor proved to be just the place to bring together the people who provide the innovative products and the people who put them into play on a daily basis.
“This year was quality and quantity in leads. We saw scheduled clients, and we had a lot of new interest and people returning from year’s past,” said Jim Bagent, Family Fun Corporation.
“Having the chance to meet with many of our key suppliers face to face in one place at the critical planning time of the year is always a huge benefit to us. The WWA Trade Show continues to be an invaluable resource for us to discover new products and to keep abreast of what is transpiring within our ever-expanding industry,” said James Judy, Vice President Operations, Palace Entertainment.
In addition, the trade show floor provided a great place for Village Roadshow Theme Parks to announce that next June the Wet ‘n’ Wild waterpark brand will re-launch in the Las Vegas market. Local investor and retired tennis great, Andre Agassi helped make the announcement, drawing close to a hundred local, national and international media.
“Village Roadshow Theme Parks was proud to partner with the World Waterpark Association on the press announcement to launch Wet 'n' Wild Las Vegas. The trade show floor was the perfect backdrop to launch our new property,” said Trevor Wilson, Director of Marketing, Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix.
The trade show encompassed 90,000 square feet and more than 340 booths featuring innovative water leisure products from lifeguard uniforms to water quality controllers to waterslides to children’s play structures.
“The WWA convention in Las Vegas was one of the best trade shows of all (Pageantry World has exhibited since “year two” never missing one!) It was well attended, and very well managed and for me it was worthwhile. If you missed it in 2012, make reservations now for 2013!” said Cindy van der Wyk, PAGEANTRY WORLD, Div. Of CPI Amusements.
"This show was awesome. I believe it is by far the best show I have ever done; the contacts were great," said Joe Griffin, Contract Furnishings.
The following companies were awarded for their creative and impactful exhibits at the show:
- Best One-Booth Category: Avalanche Waterslides, Carthage, Mo.
- Best Two-Booth Category: Life Floor, Minneapolis, Minn.
- Best Four-Booth Category: American Locker Security Systems Inc., Coppell, Texas
- Best Eight-Booth Category: Water Technology, Inc./Neuman Group, Beaver Dam, Wis.
- Best of Show: WhiteWater West Industries Ltd., Richmond, British Columbia
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| In-depth education hits key areas for operators |
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