Gold Coast Event to focus on the business of having fun

Representatives from the Australian amusement, leisure and recreation industries are set to converge on the Gold Coast next week to attend the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) Conference and Trade Exhibition - to be held from 25th to 28th May 2009.

Now in its 15th year, the conference program will demonstrate that having a bit of fun has never been more important in these tough economic times. Australia's leading theme park operators, tourist attractions, event organisers, amusement operators and small business owners will be exploring this topic, amongst others, as well as viewing new products and technology at the accompanying AALARA Trade Exhibition.

Commenting on the effects of the global economic downturn and its affect on the industry, AALARA President, Stan Durkin, said that for many it was business as usual, or better.

Durkin commented "the amusement industry appears to be more resilient than many others and is surviving the conditions well. Some agricultural shows are actually reporting an increase in attendance and turnover.

"Additionally, there are a number of major aquatic and leisure parks currently in development. We are expecting to some fantastic new additions to the leisure market in Australia over the next few years."

While the conference and trade exhibition is geared primarily toward the amusement, leisure and recreation industries, Stan said that the program was diverse enough for most businesses to gain benefit from the information presented.

He added "so far, the delegates are coming from a wide cross section of the business sector. The program seems to offer something for everyone.

"The conference will also be of interest to small business owners looking to start up in the amusement industry."

Some of the highlights of the conference program include:

• How to manage marketing and new media - presented by Ron Barnacle, Chairman and Managing Director of one of Australiaâs largest communication and advertising companies, the Clemenger Harvie Edge Group;
• A behind the scenes look of Australia's 'Big Day Out' festival with festival organisers Matt Doherty and Sahara Shepherd;
• A session on the new Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) where delegates will be shown the future of business via cashless transactions with customers simply using key fobs or wristbands to âpurchaseâ goods or services;
• Internationally renowned motivational speaker Chuck Zamora's presentation on the Art of Leadership through Personal Power;
• A simulated court room session where a ride operator is put on âtrialâ over an amusement ride incident staged by legal heavies; Sparke Helmore Lawyers. An overview of the impacts of the recent collapse of industry insurer Trans Pacific Insurance Corporation will be included;
• Human resource and industrial relations forums including impending changes to IR legislation that will be introduced on 1 July 2009 and 1 January 2010
• Specific industry forums focusing on aquatics, go karting and indoor play
• A tour of three leading theme park and attraction sites for fully registered delegates.

The AALARA trade exhibition will showcase the latest in products, services and technologies including:

• Displays by international ride manufacturers SBF-Visa Group, Antonio Zamperla SRL, Gosetto SPA, Preston & Barbieri SRL and Ride Trade International/Intamin Transportation featuring new amusement ride technology
• International and national aquatic thrill rides and aquatic soft play companies
• The latest âmust experienceâ leisure concepts in laser tag, rock climbing and inflatable jumping castles
• A virtual theme park experience using Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID)
• Ticketing and crowd control systems, digital photo imaging systems, free samples of food and products and much more

For more information go to www.aalara.com.au

Images: Big Day Out festival (top) and Stan Durkin (below).