Company News/I/International Expo-Consults (IEC)/Theme Parks & Fun Centres (TPFC)

4D technology to showcase at Theme Parks show

Going to the cinema will never be the same again, thanks to California-based Hytechnology which will showcase its Fantawild 4D entertainment products at Theme Parks and Fun Centres (TPFC) 2003 - the region's only trade show for the expanding amusement parks and attractions industry.

Products to be demonstrated at TPFC include its 4D theatre, with a seamless blended cylindrical screen and 4D special effects chair; Target 3D, an interactive games system; Game 3D and Virtual 4D, a 3D virtual sound effect helmet.

At the show, to be held at the Airport Expo from September 29 to October 1st, Hytechnology, a world leader in the design and development of virtual reality facilities, plans to build on its success in installing a 4D theatre system in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"We are among the few hi-tech companies in the world that can create and design an entire park system of large-size indoor attractions that can be applied in theme parks, entertainment centres and shopping malls," said Ming Li, CEO, Hytechnology Inc.

"The combination of 3D movies with chair effects, that include wind blowing, water spraying, leg ticklers, and environmental enhancements such as virtual fog, rain, lightning, air bubbles and special smells, is what we now call a 4D Theatre," explained Li.

"In the past few years 4D Theatre has developed very quickly. And with the addition of motion and rotating bases and track vehicles, the sky's the limit in creating new experiences.

"We foresee huge potential demand for our hi-tech entertainment solutions in the Middle East, where 80% of theme parks and leisure facilities have indoor entertainment elements that operate year round, irrespective of weather conditions," said Li.

"We plan to establish an agency in Egypt and our participation in this show will provide us with the right opportunity to meet and network with leading regional industry professionals."

Hytechnology will be among a number of companies from the United States exhibiting at the show that will also feature the event's first U.S. national pavilion. TPFC organiser International Expo- Consults (IEC) and the US Department of Commerce are jointly promoting the 200 square metres pavilion.

TPFC 2003 will be 30% larger than last year's event, occupying 3,500 square metres. It will see the debut of a dedicated, children's edutainment and entertainment arena, launched in response to growing Middle East demand for state-of-the-art electronic and play equipment.

"About nine million of the over 28 million strong GCC population is under the age of 15 years and in seven years the size of this age group is projected to increase to 14 million, making them the biggest stake in the success of any company doing business in the region," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC.

"Fierce competition in the region's rapidly expanding retail sector is another factor driving demand for the latest children's entertainment. Fun centres are now a key factor in every shopping mall's strategy to capture greater market share."

Another first at TPFC 2003 will be a water parks forum, supported by the World Water Parks Association. The association will organise a one-day industry conference and conduct certification courses for aquatic industry professionals.

Related Information: Further information: Malcolm Ward, MCS/Action, PO Box 20970, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Tel: + 971 4 3902960; Fax: + 971 4 3908161. Or visit TPFC 2003 online at: http://www.themeparksdubai.com