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From the Industry: Tom Mehrmann on Universal Beijing, diversity in zoos and Bernie Sanders does his best to keep warm

Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is this week’s edition of From the Industry

There’s renewed optimism around the world this week for a number of reasons, primarily because more and more people are being vaccinated against COVID-19, meaning each day we get closer and closer to the return of some form of normality.

In the world of attractions, while a lot of places might be closed, the machine keeps turning. Here’s the latest news from industry news sources and associations.

Experience and creativity

Starting over at Parkworld, Tom Mehrmann, president and general manager at the upcoming Universal Beijing, spoke to the magazine about his life in the entertainment industry and what visitors can expect from the highly-anticipated multi-billion dollar theme park and resort.

Meanwhile, Blooloop spoke to another industry veteran, with Disney Imagineer Jerre Kirk reflecting on a 27-year career that has been highlighted by a number of iconic attractions, including Disney World’s Splash Mountain, Typhoon Lagoon and Shanghai Disneyland’s Enchanted Storybook castle.

The latest issue of EuroAmusement Professional looks at the brand new Rookburgh expansion in Germany’s Phantasialand. The steampunk-themed expansion is anchored by the Vekoma-designed F.L.Y - the world’s longest flying coaster.

Over to the zoo community and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has published a new article through the organisation’s magazine Connect.

Called Disability is Diversity, the article explores the current lack of diverse representation in the field of conservation and the steps that can be taken to address this.

In the art world, Apollo has continued its series of interviews with individuals selected for its 40 Under 40 Africa programme. The magazine speaks to artist Mikhael Subotzky, who discusses his career so far, also looking at the project he’s been working on during South Africa’s lockdown.

Continuing its podcast series, the Museums and Heritage Advisor speaks to the Brunel Museum’s new director, Katherine McAlpine, about taking over the historic institution during a global pandemic.

Improving spirits and improving communications

Who’s ready for some good news? That’s the question posed in the latest issue of Spokes by Ecsite, which looks at the role of negative news in the media, what this means for science communication and STEM organisations can overcome this whilst continuing to elicit action.

From IAAPA’s Funworld, Silver Dollar City’s president, Brad Thomas, believes there are good times ahead following a year of chaos for the visitor attractions community.

In the article, Thomas, who has served Silver Dollar City for 30 of its 60 years, discussed the impact of closing the park in what would have been its sixtieth season, while also looking ahead to what will be a much brighter day for the park’s guests and employees in 2021.

Intergame - the news service for the coin-op amusement, casino and igaming industries - has analysed trends for 2021, looking at topics such as hygiene, safety and technology.

Staying on trends, this time in the travel industry, Tourism Review has identified its top five travel trends for 2021, which include longer trips, working on the other side of the world, the loyalty of tourism companies, the future of contactless and the importance of the travel agent.

The January issue of Amusement Today is out, and this month the publication’s cover story looks at the debut of the US’s largest indoor waterpark, with the new Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas.

Over to the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), which has evaluated the impact of augmented and virtual reality technologies on the museum sector, looking from the perspective of the Chicago History Museum in Illinois.

Meanwhile, the Museums Association (MA) has rounded up the latest grants and programmes available to museums in the UK, with funds such as the National Lottery’s Culture Recovery Fund now open for applications for in-need institutions.


Bernie Sanders went viral this week - Credit: Twitter/@cupkaiit

The internet loves a good Bernie Sanders meme

Finally over to former US Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who accidentally went viral during Joe Biden’s inauguration by showing up to the ceremony wearing a practical green jacket and a pair of hand-knitted mittens to brave the cold weather.

On the theme park side of things, Attractions Magazine has looked at the ‘magical’ spin Disney fans put on the inauguration memes.

Meanwhile in the world of culture, ARTnews put together its own compilation, this time examining Bernie’s artistic side.

Bernie of course has taken this in his stride, leveraging his fame as a meme to raise money for charity. The senator released a US$45 sweatshirt with the image printed onto the winter wear. 100% of the proceeds went to Meals on Wheels in Vermont, with the item of clothing selling out in minutes.


Bernie’s meme influence has been felt wide and far - Credit: Twitter/@mlobelart