Aquaticar Takes A Journey!

It’s a busy time of year at Sub Sea Systems, with several staff members journeying to trade shows. Last week, our crew spent serious time and energy at the massive International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) expo in Orlando, Florida. Sub Sea joined forces with our partner, Cloward H2O in our decked out 20 ft x 30 ft booth on the eye-popping trade show floor.

The IAAPA expo provides a platform for companies in the amusement and attractions industry to showcase their best products and services, make connections, and share ideas. According to Blooloop, an attraction industry publication, this year’s expo was notable for its record-breaking scale. The expo hosted 42,000 registered attractions industry attendees, more than ever before. And, 1,151 companies exhibited, covering over 9 miles of trade show floor! Attendees had the chance to converse and form partnerships…and get a great workout at the same time!

IAAPA got things rolling with a kickoff event that showcased the latest news and hottest trends in the industry. The event featured a 60-minute, multi-media presentation and had an audience of nearly 1,800 Expo attendees. A presentation of what’s new in the industry highlighted new projects and rides that debuted in 2018, and provided a preview of what’s to come in 2019 and beyond. 

Another exciting event at IAAPA was its awards presentation. IAAPA’s Brass Ring awards are presented to amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, and suppliers from around the world to honor excellence in food and beverage, games and retail, human resources, live entertainment, marketing, new products, and exhibits. Last year, Sub Sea Systems won the 2nd place Brass Ring award for Best New Product / Best New Concept for a Major Ride / Attraction. Additionally, IAAPA offers a prestigious Applause Award, which honors one park whose management, operations, and creative accomplishments have inspired the industry with foresight, originality and sound business development. We’re excited to congratulate this year’s recipient, Xcaret Park– who also happens to be a distinguished partner of Sub Sea Systems, and home to the largest Sea TREK program in the world!

For Sub Sea Systems, participation was quite the undertaking. Preparation started at headquarters in Diamond Springs, California, where each product was carefully packaged for the lengthy trip. Crates were built with the greatest of care, to ensure items arrived in perfect condition. It’s quite a challenge to ensure a 1300 lb. Aquaticar traverses the nearly 3,000 miles without damage! The vehicle on display showcased our latest model, which included updated viewing lenses on the canopy and a new interior finish, underwater communication, emergency air supply, self-steering components, and a new wheel/tread design. And, the lime green body finish generated a lot of buzz at the show! The booth also showcased a Sea TREK demonstration helmet and custom display stand that enabled guests to try on the helmet, a scale-model replica of the Clear Lounge underwater oxygen bar, a scale-model replica of the Aquaticar vehicle that individuals could push along a segment of track, swag, brochures and more!

While the truck did the lengthy transport, our team departed airports from several locations…China, Amsterdam, and of course, California. They convened at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and rolled up their sleeves to unpack and set up. Between unpacking, set up, time spent at the booth, and the final, 6-hour breakdown and repacking, our representatives spent over 40 hours in just four days. They shook hands, handed out brochures, and met with leading innovators in the industry. Although the expo requires hours of hard work, the real work begins after the show closes– business cards to sort through and follow ups to be made. We’re excited for new business partnerships and can’t wait to share details as they develop!

The team did have opportunities for a break. Vice President of Production, Kyle Mayfield said, “It’s hard to spend a week in Orlando and not have a little fun. We managed to get away and bowl, golf, experience a quick ride called Starflyer, and race go-carts. Nothing over the top, but I don’t think we had energy for much else.“

We appreciate the opportunities that IAAPA offers for businesses like Sub Sea Systems and our partners. And, we are thankful to our amazing staff for taking it all on!

Sub Sea Systems is exhibiting at IAAPA’s European Attractions Show in Paris, France next year and at the Orlando Expo in November 2019.