Amusement industry converges on the Gold Coast

Hundreds of representatives from the Australian amusement and recreation industries will head to the Gold Coast next week to discuss the business of having fun.

Held over four days, from 9th to 12th May, the 16th Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) Conference and Trade Exhibition is set to attract key representatives from some of the world's leading theme parks, tourist attractions, amusement operators, event organisers and small business owners. They will meet at Conrad Jupiters Hotel to discuss the latest trends, tips and safety regulations regarding the industry as well as view new products and technology at the accompanying trade exhibition.

While much of the nation is affected by challenging economic conditions and the impacts of recent weather events, conference speakers and delegates will explore exactly why the business of having fun has never been more relevant or important, as well as the significant, economic contribution that the amusement, leisure and recreation industry makes to the national economy.

As AALARA President Robert Bradley explains "no matter what the weather or state of the economy, people still want to enjoy themselves, perhaps even more so in these current times.

"We are seeing evidence of some shows and events actually reporting increases in attendance and turnover and are looking forward to a number of new additions to the Australian leisure market with a number of major aquatic and leisure theme parks currently in development."

While the conference and trade exhibition is geared primarily toward the amusement, leisure and recreation industries, Bradley believes that a wide range of businesses would benefit from attending due to the diverse and interesting program, adding "from more generic conference sessions such as the importance of customer satisfaction and retention, human resource management and social media to the more specific sessions such as safety and indoor play seminars and waterpark and aquatic centre forums, this year's conference program offers something for everyone.

"For those in the industry we've got a 'who's who' list of key players attending which will offer invaluable networking opportunities. For anyone looking to start a business in the amusement industry the conference is the place to be."

Key conference addresses will come from:

Bob Rippy, Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and owner Jungle Rapids Family Entertainment Centre, USA. Bob will share his ideas on the guiding trends for development and success of the attractions industry in 2011.

Paul Pei, Director of Marketing, Ocean Park Hong Kong will present examples from successful initiatives at Ocean Park to illustrate how facilities can use marketing strategies to keep guests happy and eager to return. In particular, it will address marketing strategies that keep their facility sounding fresh and exciting.

Tony Lines, Human Resources Manager of Village Roadshow Theme Parks Australia, will help delegates to better understand how to manage their teams and staff from Generation Ys to retirees and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Jim Seay, President, Premier Rides and Chairman of the ASTM F24 Committee, IAAPA Safety Committee will outline the key safety elements of amusement rides, from the design element through to daily operations. The session will provide important insights on safety from a major international manufacturer of amusement rides.

Michael Henderson, Chief Executive at DEC Public Relations will guide delegates through the phenomena of social media, explaining blogging, Facebook, YouTube, Linkedin, Flickr and Twitter and providing tips on how to implement campaigns to benefit in business.

On the final day of the conference delegates will participate in behind the scene tours of the new Castaway Bay at Seaworld, Whitewater World, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, and the new Skypoint Observation Deck.

The Conference commences at 9am Tuesday 10th May and runs to 1.30pm on Thursday 12th May.

The Trade Exhibition opens at 10am on Tuesday 10th May and runs until 6pm on Wednesday 11th May 2011.

Full or day conference registrations are still available.

Visit Australasian Leisure Management on stand 36 at the Trade Exhibition.

For more information contact Kim Hackwood, Executive Manager, AALARA on 07 3807 3508/0419 737 178, E: info@aalara.com.au, www.aalara.com.au