Innovation to the fore at AALARA 2015 Conference

The Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) Conference has wrapped up on the Gold Coast, following two days of presentations that largely focussed on issues relating to industry innovation.

Presentation highlights included former NASA executive Jim Shea sharing insights from an exciting career that took him from rockets to rollercoasters, engaging delegates with a history of the amusement industry and reflected on how the rides of today were influenced by the research and development from the aeronautical industry.

Chris Maxwell from 10,000 Hours addressed the issue of innovation, advising delegates of the need to focus on the customer while a panel discussion on attractions trends in Asia gave an insight into the future of the industry.

The first day of the conference heard Craig Davidson from Dreamworld speak about the critical relationship between attractions  and tourism followed by Steve Taitoko and Dave Aicken from Magic Memories, who highlighted the importance of using collaboration to build success through partners, sponsors and brands. The pair also spoke of the benefits of tapping into existing technologies to trial and test new initiatives.

Sector specific breakouts included the aquatics industry panel; the transportable amusement panel – which benefitted from an insight into the crucial area of safety and risk management from one of the most experienced players, Guy Sherbourne; while the ever growing trampoline industry reviewed its Code of Practice - a year after it was ratified at last year’s AALARA conference.

The conference also heard from Village Roadshow Theme Parks  Human Resources Manager Tony Lines who advised on the most effective ways to manage the challenging issue of workplace bullying.

The AALARA 2015 Conference was held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th May.

New Board Members 
AALARA’s Annual General Meeting also saw a new board voted in, with the election of of Greg O’Neill, Anthea Hammond, Dax Eddy and James Kemp.

6th May 2015 - ATTRACTIONS INDUSTRY LEADERS GATHER ON THE GOLD COAST FOR AALARA 2015