Museums & Attractions
- Branson’s Hollywood Wax Museum is undergoing a $5 million renovation. The attraction, which opened in Branson in 1996, is now more interactive, starting with the lobby where guests can have their photo taken with figures, such as an 11-foot-tall ape that spans 13 feet from shoulder-to-shoulder. As guests take a self-guided tour through the attraction, they have the opportunity to step into the scenes with the characters and pose for photos. Some of the photo opportunities include sitting on a bus bench with Forrest Gump, hanging out with Spider-Man, becoming an agent with Steve Carrell and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson from Get Smart, firing Donald Trump and dancing with Austin Powers. Soon, guests will be able to get inside Jeannie’s bottle, ride aboard the Titanic, test karate moves with Charlie’s Angels and sing for American Idol judges. For more information, call 417.337.8277 or visit www.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com/branson.
New Programs
- The JW Marriott Grand Rapids in Michigan recently rolled out a unique teambuilding exercise called JW Chef School. The culinary competition, based on the hit show Iron Chef, is a surprise to attendees who congregate in a meeting room upon arrival. They are then lead to “JW Kitchen Stadium” where they are greeted by 10 to 20 staffers while the rock anthem “Welcome to the Jungle” plays in the background, and their mentor chefs stand atop tables awaiting their arrival. The group is divided into two teams that go head-to-head to prepare a two-course meal in just two hours. After their dishes are prepared and plated, they present them to a panel of judges who pick the victor. The competition comes to a close as guests dine on their freshly-prepared fare and enjoy specialty cocktails and beverages. For more information, call 616.242.1500 or visit www.marriott.com.
- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning recently agreed to represent the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA). Manning will be used on the ICVA’s website, as well as in targeted messages to convention and meeting planners. ICVA plans to use Manning’s voice and image in a variety of marketing executions including: Web-based marketing efforts; an email marketing campaign directed at convention and meeting planners; a direct mail campaign to convention and meeting planners and a print advertising campaign in convention trade publications. For more information, call 317.639.4282 or visit www.visitindy.com.