Fieldtrip ATPM: Discover Operations in Attractions
This academic year the 3rd year students in Attractions & Theme Parks Management (ATPM) started with a project in Operations Management for our industry client Vekoma. Their challenge is to translate the concept of a Sports Fun Center into an operational plan, situated in a shopping mall to offer new forms or retailtainment.
To inspire our students, and give them a chance to network and socialize, we offered them a two-day fieldtrip to visit suppliers and best practice locations. Good news: The whole trip took place under strict Covid-19 rules, where students showed their responsibility for self-testing and following the set regulations by our clients. It worked well!
On Thursday 16th of September, we started with a visit to YALP, that offers interactive outdoor play equipment. We had a warm welcome, with a very inspirational company presentation and the chance to test some of the installations ourselves. Next to the fun and laughter, students learned more about the operations, installation and service management.
Next stop was Plopsa Indoor Coevorden, where we were welcomed by ATPM alumnus Sean Eijkmans. He recently started as Assistant Operations Manager, and enthusiastically gave the students a Grand Backstage Tour. It was nice to see that all registers were opened.
The third company we visited was Slagharen Theme Park & Resort, where we also stayed overnight. The next morning the Operations Manager and Repair & Maintenance Manager took the group on a backstage tour as well, that gave students a great insight in different aspects in operating attractions, F&B and retail units.
On our way back to Breda we made a stop at The Maxx in Veenendaal, one of the leading family entertainment centres in the Netherlands. The owners shared their insights in building, developing and operating a FEC. From an empty box to welcoming over 2,000 daily guests in the weekends. After a tour students entered their weekend by jumping around on the trampolines.
We really want to thank our industry partners for welcoming us and sharing their insights with our students. The interaction led to sharing of passion and discussions for new cooperation in educational projects within track ATPM.