UK fields largest delegation at Deal expo

Twenty five companies make up the UK delegation, 19 of which are members of ALES-UK (Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers).

In addition to fielding a strong delegation, ALES-UK are presenting the first ever one-day seminar programme covering such diverse topics as starting a theme park, managing a multi-use facility, staff training, impact on childhood development of amusement games and crisis management.

Internationally renowned speakers include Bart Dohmen, BRC Imagination Arts, The Netherlands; David Camp, ERA, UK; Claus Frimand, Profun, Abu Dhabi; Craig Hart, VP Leisure MAF Group, Dubai; Beth Standlee, Trainertainment, USA; Frank Seninsky, Amusement Entertainment Management, USA and Simon Langdon, Cedarthree Crisis Management, UK.

Gerry Robinson, Secretary of ALES-UK and Administrative Officer for the Amusement Industry Council of Europe, believes that now is the time the industry should be focusing on education.

"What the current economic situation provides is the opportunity to consider initiating a vocational qualification for the management and operation of attractions facilities aimed specifically at young graduates from the region,"

he says.

Currently most major attractions venues are managed by personnel from outside the region, many of whom stay in post for an average of only four years.

"If an educational establishment can put in place a course that can offer an acceptable vocational qualification programme that would be of immense long-term benefit to the region.

"This is the primary purpose of the seminar programme being staged on the 27th April as part of the Deal expo," he added.

The Themed Entertainment Association Europe (Middle East sector) will complement the event by supporting speakers and arranging a Mixer, whilst ALES-UK will finish the seminar programme with a networking reception.

The evening prior to the exhibition witnessed the inaugural meeting and official launch of MELAC, the Middle East Leisure & Attractions Council.

Some 30 companies attended the launch of what will be the first representative organisation for Middle East-based attraction facility operators and equipment and service providers.

Deal 2009 will welcome some 200 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing the very latest in rides, games and play equipment; water facilities; audiovisual and theatre equipment; and decorations.

Substantial industry support for Deal is given by the Amusement Industry Council of Europe, including Association Fabricantes Y Exp. Maquinas de la Foia de Bunyol (Spain) Associazone Nazionale Costruttori Attrezzature, Spettcoli Viaggianti (Italy); Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers of the UK; American Amusement Manufacturers Association); International Association for the Leisure & Entertainment Industries; India Association of Amusement Parks & Industries; and the World Water Park Association.