ACCT Seeks New Executive Director
After what he described as “five-and-a-half intense and wonderful years,” James Borishade stepped down from his position as executive director of The Association for Challenge Course Technology in mid-October. During his tenure, Borishade worked to positively impact the industry in the areas of government relations, regulations, and strategic planning.
Upon his departure, the ACCT board of directors appointed an interim management team consisting of three board members and one ACCT staff member to fulfill the ED role. An executive director search task force made up of six people was also created to help find a new leader for the organization. The position was posted on several websites, with an application cutoff date of Jan. 15.
Let ’em Zip! Let ’em Zip! Let ’em Zip!
The holiday spirit was busting out in festive zip tours in Columbus, Ga., this past holiday. Whitewater Express, a river and adventure outfitter, paid homage to the classic film, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, with themed zip tours on weekends through Jan. 1.
“Nighttime zips are fun, but become even better when Christmas lights up the city around it!” said an announcement on Whitewater’s website. Holiday thrill-seekers were encouraged to wear their ugliest holiday sweater, and some had the chance to earn a photo opportunity with Clark W. Griswold.
To set the proper tone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was played while participants got geared up for their themed tour. Whitewater Express called it “The hap-hap-happiest of Christmas zips!”
Are you planning any holiday-themed fun for your operation in the year ahead? If so, check out “Fun and Games” in this issue, and our Insider Marketing piece on themed tours, “Unleash the Costume Boxes!” at adventureparkinsider.com.
ICE Testing Is Coming to Pa.
Registration is open for Inspector Certification Exams (ICE) at the Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar, Extreme Sports – Spring 2016, Feb. 24-25 at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg in Grantville, Pa. The exams will be presented by the ACCT Department of Operations.
The Inspector Certification program was created by ACCT to specifically address North American regulatory demands. ACCT offers two tracks: In-House Inspector and Professional Inspector. In-House Inspectors are individuals wishing to perform the Operator Operational Inspections for their own organizations. The Professional Inspector Certification is designed for individuals working for a legally licensed business to provide inspections to third party companies.
Exams offered will be Level 1 In-House, Level 2 In-House, Level 1 Professional (Third Party), Level 2 Professional (Third Party), and the Supervisor Endorsement Exam.
Individual workshops will be available for exam preparation. These workshops are presented by an ACCT PVM panel and are recommended in preparation for the exams. Registration for the Extreme Sports – Spring 2016 seminar is required in order to participate, as the workshops are included in the registration fee. Visit www.acctcertifications.com for application and registration details. For more info, contact [email protected].
It’s Conference Time!
ERCA General Meeting and Conference
The European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) is hosting its annual General Meeting and Ropes Course Conference Jan. 18-19 in Arnhem, Holland. The event covers trends and recent changes to the industry, including how to market outdoor adventure programs, and evaluates EN15567, the European Ropes Course Standards, and what it means for operators’ management procedures. Breakout sessions will take place throughout the two-day conference, which will be offered in both German and English. For more information visit www.erca.cc.
26th Annual International ACCT Conference
What is described as “the largest gathering of challenge course professionals in the world” is taking place Jan. 28-31 at Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Lost Pines, Texas: the 26th ACCT Conference. The venue is special due to its proximity to 1,100-acre McKinney Roughs Nature Park, which features a challenge course and is adjacent to the resort. For the first time, the ACCT Conference will offer interactive workshops on a challenge course, providing an opportunity for attendees to learn and interact in a practical setting.
In addition to the outdoor workshops, the conference schedule includes more than 100 different educational sessions. And once again, ACCT is offering Inspector Certification Exams as well as a prep course for those who wish to obtain inspector status. The tradeshow allows attendees to peruse the latest trends in the industry and meet with more than 100 vendors who will be on hand. Keynote speaker at Thursday night’s opening ceremony is Pete Nelson, star of Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters.” •
PRCA Discounts Fees
The Professional Ropes Course Association (PRCA) wants you to get a look at the ANSI 1.0-.3-2014 standard. That’s why, for the next several months, PRCA is cutting the cost of an individual membership (which includes a copy of the standard) to $20 a year, down from $85, and for larger organizations, to $100 a year, down from the regular price of $275. “Anyone can afford $20 for the standard,” says PRCA VP Mike Barker. “We want to get information out there and get people following it.” •
