From 15 to 18 June 2008 the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) held its annual Summer Meeting at Europa-Park. More than 100 members of the association, among them the owners of large theme parks and important suppliers of the theme park industry, have spent four informative and eventful days in Germany´s biggest theme park.

Apart from conferences and discussion forums in the Europa-Park Hotels Santa Isabel and Colosseo the participants could choose from a number of additional activities at Europa-Park. Some of the highlights of the supporting programme were a backstage tour, during which the industry insiders were able to have a look behind the scenes of Germany´s biggest theme park, and the exclusive dinner event "Indonesia Malam“. The setting for this new dinner event is the recently opened restaurant Bamboe Baai. The BALPPA members were enthusiastic about the exceptional ambience and the harmonious composition of show elements and 4-course dinner. Moreover, the participants visited the Mack Rides company in Waldkirch/Germany, which is one of the leading manufacturing companies of fairground rides in the world. An eerie insight into the idea and realisation of the "Terenzi Horror Nights“ was given to the BALPPA members by the producers of the successful Halloween event Marc Terenzi and Michael Mack. This year, the "Terenzi Horror Nights“ are staged at Europa-Park already for the second time as an additional offer for all brave fans of Halloween.

At the same time as the BALPPA Summer Meeting, also the board members of the German Association of Amusement Parks (VDFU) held a meeting at Europa-Park. This allowed the members of both associations to discuss their experiences and industry developments not just within their associations, but also on an international basis.

During the summer season Europa-Park will be open daily from 9 am to 6 pm until 2 November 2008 (longer opening hours during peak season). Winter season: 29 November 2008 until 11 January 2009 (except 24/25 December). Further information: www.europapark.de.

See also: 

Key Issues Raised at BALPPA’s 2008 Annual General Meeting
VAT on UK Tourism Gives Europe Competitive Advantage

Photo : From left to right: Tim Batstone (BALPPA), Jürgen Mack (Europa-Park), Kurt Mack-Even (Mack Rides), Roland Mack (Europa-Park), Christian von Elverfeldt (Mack Rides), Colin Dawson (BALPPA).