Selected guest lectures related to the THRILL Lab program and the attractions domain, presented to academic credit courses, and academic research papers and reviews presented at scholarly meetings. These are available to repeat.
Continue reading “Guest lectures (academic)”News
Industry workshop topics
These topics are available for presentation, and have been delivered at:
- Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers (AIMS) Safety Seminar
- Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Annual Ride Safety Forum
- National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO)
- International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
- Private industry organizations
TMTDC 2026
Response to the 2026 Open Qualifying stage of the Toronto Metropolitan Thrill Design Competition was strong! We were able to invite teams from 35 universities to compete at the Invitational in November. Team rosters and rooming configurations are due September 09.
Teams will travel for arrival on November 11 (Wednesday).
The program begins early November 12 (Thursday)
Challenge presentations are scheduled Friday through Sunday.
IAAPA Expo Educational programming begins November 16 (Monday). The record-breaking exhibit halls open on November 17 (Tuesday) following the IAAPA Official Opening “kickoff” session, at which students can hear what the industry itself considers the most remarkable achievements and trends of the past year.
Due to the capacity limitations, we cannot invite every interested club/group to a challenge. We have offered the opportunity for non-competing clubs/groups to send a small Development Program delegation to observe on Saturday / Sunday AND receive IAAPA Expo admission. Interested clubs/groups may be in touch with us. We have a form for teams to request to be added to our mailing list. Any clubs/groups added through August 31 will receive information about the Development Program.
Thrill Design Competition
Information for faculty
Faculty guiding student teams or making decisions about giving academic consideration to student participation at the Toronto Metropolitan University Thrill Design Competition may wish to review some past publications about the competition to understand its design as a learning experience, and its results to date. Links are provided to some publications.
Continue reading “Thrill Design Competition”Curricular considerations for engineering in themed entertainment
Paper presented to 2024 Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Symposium
Engineers contribute to attraction design, manufacture, systems integration, construction, installation, commissioning, and regulatory approval of attractions including amusement ride and show components from multiple manufacturers sourced from around the world, to be operated at venues ranging from major fixed-site theme parks to travelling carnivals.
Some branches of engineering education explicitly identify an application domain, but no specific theme park and amusement ride engineering program exists, nor is establishment of one likely. This paper begins a discussion of complementary learning goals applicable to engineers aspiring to theme park engineering careers.
Continue reading “Curricular considerations for engineering in themed entertainment”Ride accident reporting still piecemeal, June 2026
A court in Greece has reportedly sentenced owners and liable personnel over a fatal injury in August 2024. The owner of a Halkidiki amusement park was sentenced to life in prison, with his co-owner/wife sentenced to 9 years for complicity, the certifying engineer to 13 years, and the ride operator to 6 years.
This post revisits an earlier topic of piecemeal reporting on ride accidents, and the impact on the general public who do not have time to scour the internet, laws, regulations, standards, and ride catalogs for more information.
Continue reading “Ride accident reporting still piecemeal, June 2026”World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
2026 edition – June 25
locations worldwide!
Since 2010, “Team WLSL” from the aquatics industry has produced a worldwide day of swimming lessons. Taking place 2026 June 25, many local host locations including waterparks and other aquatic facilities will have learn-to-swim and water safety skills events. Tens of thousands of people will participate around the world. Look for an event near you.
Find a local event
Swimming lessons save lives.
Continue reading “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson”Seasonal questions 💨
Too often, the news inquiry begins, “An inflatable device has blown away in the wind. ” This post addresses the most common background information requested or needed to answer the questions asked.
Continue reading “Seasonal questions 💨”Ride accidents in the media
Just last week (2025 August 14), there was a scary ride accident involving a derailment of a Wacky Worm kiddy coaster in England. As concerning as the accident was, the BBC News media report and Wales Online reports were very well done. Then this week (2025 August 18) comes a news clip from The National Herald headed “Four injured when Rhodes amusement park ride breaks” with a full-width photo of a Wacky Worm. Two Wacky Worm accidents in one week? Let’s see.
Continue reading “Ride accidents in the media”Thrill Design Competition 2025: Open Qualifying stage sets new record
Teams have completed their registrations for the 2025 Toronto Metropolitan University Thrill Design Competition Open Qualifying stage with tremendous growth in the event.
Continue reading “Thrill Design Competition 2025: Open Qualifying stage sets new record”