Rob Bradley takes on AALARA Presidency at successful annual conference

The Australian, Amusement, Leisure & Recreation Association (AALARA) has concluded a successful conference and trade exhibition, and welcomed Robert Bradley as its new President.

The 15th Annual AALARA conference and trade exhibition featured four days of inspiring and educational conference programs, workshops, networking and attractions site tours.

As event organiser Kim Hackwood explained "even allowing for the current economic downturn, quality industry buyers including owners, executives and managers from amusement parks, waterparks, go karting parks, family entertainment centres, zoos, aquariums, attractions, transportable rides, events, festivals, shopping centres and resort developments from throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region attended this yearâs conference and exhibition."

Reece Annette of the VPS Group added, "as a first time exhibitor and in view of the current economic climate I did not hold high expectations, however, this show delivered excellent sales for our company and I have already booked my space for the 2011 show."

Adrien Laugher of Gold Medal products commented "fFor us, this has been the best AALARA exhibition ever.

"Delegates who attended where serious buyers and this generated excellent sales, it was also great to meet the new emerging business owners in the industry. We'll be back in 2011."

David Miller from Adventure Golf said, "as always the AALARA exhibition delivered solid sales and at the end of the day that is why we keep returning. If you want to do business in the Australian market this is the show that delivers the decision makers."

This year's conference key note speakers delivered on inspiration and quality content. Highlights on day one, included Chip Cleary 1st Vice Chair of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) who shared his wealth of experience and trade secrets on how to succeed in the amusement industry. Cleary's presentation was one of the most popular with his frank and humble delivery style.

Matt Doherty, Production Director for The Big Day Out festival astounded delegates with the phenomenal logistics behind staging this world class, touring festival and the strategies for building on its success.

Tuesday night's gala dinner was staged at Spooky Castle at Warner Brother's Movie World. Many delegates opted to ride the Spooky Coaster and kick up their heels to music by dance band 'Boogie Nights' who entertained and added to the frivolity of the evening.

During the conference, AALARA hosted the National OH&S Regulators & Stakeholders meeting. Representatives from NSW, SA, VIC, QLD and NT made up the regulators committee. Industry stakeholders included representatives from the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association, Australian Amusement Association, the Showmen's Guild of Australasia, Showmenâs Guild of Victoria, Showmenâs Guild of South Australia, representatives for each of the Royal Show Societies and Engineers Australia. Discussions took place on the proposed new national ESO (Essential Safety Outcomes) regulations for plant. Other topics included a new national operatorâs card and the success of the national audit tool.

Also included as part of the conference were productive industry forums for aquatics indoor play, transportable rides/showmen and go karting.

A notable outcome for the Go Karting Forum is acceptance and adoption of an Industry Code of practice for the Recreational Karting industry in Australia. This is a major achievement after three years of negotiation within the industry.

The indoor play industry driven by the ME-51 indoor play sub-committee and AALARA are continuing to move forward with the draft standard for indoor play to present to the main ME-51 standards committee later this year.

Image: Incoming AALARA President Rob Bradley.