Electrosonic is exhibiting at the IAAPA Expo Europe 2019 in Paris next week. Hosted by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, this combined industry conference and tradeshow shines a bright light on various trends impacting the entertainment industry.
For those within themed environments, being able to understand and address these ongoing trends is crucial, especially at a time when new technology and guest expectations are at a convergence point. As an experienced contributor to this space for the past 55 years, Electrosonic is devoted to helping others understand how today’s technology can play an instrumental role in developing the attractions that will help guide their future.
As with each IAAPA event, there are a number of outstanding educational opportunities. Here are four of the educational opportunities that piqued our interest:
VR / AR / BR: How to Fit Virtual and Augmented Reality into Your Business Reality
Taking place on Tuesday September 17 this session is focused on answering questions for attractions looking to develop a virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) attraction for guests. Do you want to elevate guest experience with a VR/AR service? This session will include thoughtful insights on how to build a VR/AR attraction or service that will thrill your customers, engage your employees, align with your brand, and help generate revenue.
The opportunities within augmented reality are continuing to evolve with new applications surfacing on a regular basis from utilization in virtualized rides to museum exhibits that help guests feel as if they are part of history. We have talked a good bit about the importance of understanding and embracing opportunities for augmented reality including this recent podcast.
How to Design for Changing Audiences
Also taking place on Tuesday, this session will discuss how digital platforms are providing new opportunities and generating new demands. Generation X, Y, and Z consumers have higher expectations of attractions, and companies are facing ever-increasing competition in the market. Many attractions are already targeting these new audiences by designing innovative experiences. Learn from well-known attractions as they share their thoughts and experiences on designing for a changing audience.
Simply put, today’s audience puts a high value on interactive experiences. The Marvel Experience is an immersive touring attraction produced by Hero Ventures that provides Marvel fans with the opportunity to become agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in training is a great example. Visitors use numerous interactives, augmented reality technology and multi-person gaming, to join Spider-Man, Hulk and Iron Man in a fight against Red Skull, M.O.D.O.K. and an army of evil Adaptoids. The attraction is currently touring North America with plans for multiple international locations.
Creating Personalized Experiences for the Masses
This Wednesday September 18 educational opportunity fits right in with the ongoing demands of today’s experience economy. After all, every guest wants to feel special with many of today’s consumers expecting personalized offerings that cater to their specific needs and expectations. This session’s panel discussion will focus on how to offer personalized experiences for every visitor coming to your facility.
Mobile devices have opened the door to new ways to personalize the experience for the masses. When a guest combines the visit with an app, it can alert an attraction of their past experiences ensuring differentiation with each visit. The Atlanta Hawks Preview Center has taken another approach at personalization. Its guests follow a sensory interactive journey through the center. Immersive experiences build anticipation, reinforce the brand and create opportunities for positive sales connections. Guests get a deep dive into the way they could become part of the team. With interactive touch screens they choose and visualize the options of their choice. It’s personal and highly effective.
How to Deal with Queue Lines in a World Where Waiting is Disappearing
Also taking place on Wednesday, this session will focus on evolving consumers expectations. Specifically, ride lines are one of the top complaints parks receive from guests and queuing has become a pain point for most companies in the tourism and entertainment industry. Session speakers discuss this problem – providing solutions to reduce wait-times and improve the overall guest experience.
Want to learn more about how properly embracing technology can help you address each of these trends? Electrosonic can help. Our team looks forward to meeting with you to discuss how we can work together to create awe inspiring exhibits and attractions. Be sure to visit our booth, and click here to learn more.
