CAVU DESIGNWERKS LAUNCHES BLUESKY SERVICES

BY GABRIELLE

CAVU Designwerks, provider of immersive experiences, has launched Bluesky Services, offering a novel way for clients to engage with CAVU’s engineering team. Using the new Bluesky Services, customers can brainstorm technically on an existing or new project or product.

Customers can benefit from a traditional engineering think-tank type service, which enables CAVU’s engineers to engage with teams and deliver a design service, engineering consultation, as well as technical guidance for every stage of a project, including the pre-design concept level. These services are complementary and are provided remotely through a new interactive tool.

Bluesky Services also features a secondary creative charette service, which comprises of technical brainstorming sessions. Users can brainstorm elements of the development and engineering of a new product or attraction. The sessions can be booked in half, full or multi-day slots and are delivered through an interactive online platform. The brainstorming sessions are designed to nurture creativity from clients and the CAVU technical team to conceptualise pioneering attractions and experiences from the ground up.

Mark Stepanian, vice president Innovation & Engineering, commented on CAVU’s new services: “One of our favourite things is getting the opportunity to connect and engage with designers, architects, planners and any number of creative folks throughout the industry and beyond to design and engineer what is new and next within ride system design and also to discuss what’s possible, feasible and what the costs are for different experiences.

“Give the new normal, and even post COVID-19 we wanted to make sure we remain connected and available to provide the support, expertise, guidance, and knowledge about what the future looks like in themed entertainment,” Stepanian added.

NATHAN JONES JOINS CAVU DESIGNWERKS AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

BY GABRIELLE

Nathan Jones has joined end-to-end ride system developer, CAVU Designwerks, as the company’s new chief operating officer (COO). Jones brings more than 22 years of leadership experience in the entertainment and attractions industry to CAVU Designwerks.

In his long-established career in the industry, Jones has been focused on achieving operational efficiency, including in his most recent position as president of park attractions at WhiteWater.

Jones has held senior roles at other leading companies in the entertainment and attractions industry, including Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. and Brogent Technologies.

Peter Schnabel, CEO of CAVU Designwerks, commented on the appointment: “We are excited to have Nathan as part of the CAVU team. He compliments our strong performance-oriented culture, and we believe his impressive reputation for execution and achieving results makes him the right choice for ensuring operational excellence across the company as we evolve into our next stage of company growth.”

On accepting the position, Nathan Jones said: “There are few companies in the industry that have delivered the calibre of attractions that CAVU has over the past 5-years.The talented employee base and proven ability to execute on such complex projects provides a solid foundation for our forward trajectory and I am thrilled to join and contribute to the growth of such an exciting team.”

CAVU DESIGNWERKS EXPANDS IN MIDDLE EAST

BY GABRIELLE

CAVA Designwerks, specialists in developing media-based attractions to the themed entertainment industry, is establishing a strong presence in the Middle East.

CAVU has offices in the US, Canada and China. By expanding to Beirut, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, the attractions provider will be able to work closely with clients in the MENA region.

Following a change in policy, movie theatres can now operate in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government is also giving the entertainment industry a boost with the building of theme parks and FECs. Reports show that international tourism in Saudi Arabia is forecast to increase by 5.8% a year from 2018 to 2022.

CAVU aims to meet the needs of the expanding market by providing quality media-based attractions. As Peter Schnabel, CAVU Designwerks’ CEO said:

“As the investment into the amusement park industry grows across the Middle East, we at CAVU want to ensure that we offer a local presence during this exciting time of growth.”

Mark Stepanian, vice president of innovation and engineering at CAVU spoke of the attractions industry’s expansion in the Middle East.

“There is no doubt the amusement industry in the Middle East is growing, with more families looking for quality entertainment without needing to travel.

“By having a location that’s close to the expanding Saudi Arabia market, we are able to provide close support and align ourselves with our clients and their needs,” said Stepanian.