The theme of our industry report for an upbeat yet highly competitive 2011 is “Adding Value to Out-of-Home Experiences.” Combining food with experiences is one that many forward-thinking businesses are focusing on. Single anchor entertainment facilities have been expanding and adding additional attractions and beefing up their food and beverage components for the past several ...
Read more...From spring through fall, traveling carnivals dot the North American landscape appearing at state and county fairs plus regional events and festivals. While they vary in size, many carnivals are still family owned operations that have been in existence for many generations. Carnivals face unique challenges in their operation. Their success depends on factors such ...
Read more...Spotlight on Gibsonton 14 The Outlook for Carnivals in Changing Times Carnivals face unique operating challenges, and their success depends on factors such as the weather, price of fuel, number of available workers, and changes in state and federal laws. Despite these demands, traveling carnivals are ready to hit the road with their rides, games ...
Read more...In our Business Strategies feature, we examine how crucial it is to add value to your attraction. All types of out-of-home experiences need to constantly reevaluate and reassess everything from the décor and entertainment offerings to staff training and pricing, to stay competitive and create a welcoming, fun environment guests want to return to again ...
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Halloween is an American holiday celebrated with trick or treating, costumes, candy, jack-o-lanterns, Halloween parties, and of course month-long October haunted houses, corn mazes and more. Other countries, including Australia, know of this holiday, but don’t actively celebrate it the way Americans do. Australians, however, have a passion for horror movies and therefore enjoy scary ...
Read more...For many companies, renting concession machines as an adjunct to inflatables can definitely “blow up” the bottom line. However, maximizing the potential for profits entails more than bringing in equipment and adding it to the menu of services. Just ask Robert Grafton, owner of Jolly Jumpers in Williamstown, N.J. When Grafton first started offering concession ...
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Late last summer, the Kansas City Zoo opened its newest exhibit, Polar Bear Passage, to a host of anxious zoo patrons. Nakita, a 3 -year-old, 750-pound polar bear, made the exhibit his new home. The bear has quickly become a star attraction at the over 100-year-old zoo. The exhibit was designed by international zoo design/architectural ...
Read more...Smithsonian National Zoo: “Lighting is probably one of the biggest challenges. While it’s important to set the right mood, it’s even more important that your guests feel comfortable and safe.” – Dan Pierron “It’s important to think ahead so guests aren’t disappointed when they come across a quiet enclosure. The reality is that many animals ...
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Anyone who has visited a zoo has a feeling. It’s the one where after you leave an exhibit or the park itself, you know you’re just about to miss something really cool. And once the lights are out and the gates are closed that’s when the zoo really comes alive. Zoologists will tell you the ...
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