Reaching Communities, New Technology and Waves! - 17th July 2009

In our years of publication, no issue of Australasian Leisure Management has ever been 'themed' on a particular topic.
The main reason for this has been the diversity of activity of the leisure industry across its various sectors (which we define as aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) and the states, territories and regions of Australia, New Zealand and, increasingly, Asia.
Yet, in preparing the July/August 2009 issue, it's remarkable how several themes have repeatedly presented themselves and seem to be indicative of the times in which we live. These themes include being competitive in difficult economic times, reaching communities, making the most of new technologies and waves.
The inclusion of 'waves', specifically the generation of artificial waves, is the odd one out on this list, but the ongoing developments in different types of artificial wave technology, and the opening of Australia's largest wave pool in Darwin, warrants the attention we have given to developments in wave technology in this coming issue.
Throughout much of the rest of the magazine, a range of different articles reflect on the how the industry is trying to stay abreast of new technology and staying relevant to the younger technology and product 'savvy' demographic.
Among those who break populations into demographic cohorts, those born in the 1990s fit at the end of end of 'Generation Y' - generally seen as those born from the early 1980s to the early 1990s - and 'Generation Z', are those born since the mid 1990s.
With 'Generation Z' (I sometimes wonder whether our reaching the end of the alphabet for demographic groups means that we are reaching the end of history!), their use of a bewildering array of technologies to stay connected with their friends and their activities is demanding that the leisure industry stays in touch with this technology and communicates meaningfully through this new media.
One of the secrets of communication in new media is quality content regularly updated (something we follow at this website) that is relevant or interesting.
Here much of the leisure industry needs to avoid the pitfalls of 'spruiking', spin and/or being boring.
In recent weeks I've come across the most mundane of Tweets and Facebook entries such as people advising that they are "at the airport waiting for a plane". Surely we can do better than that!
Equally, visual media all too often relies on comedy 'ocker' types (including business owners or retired sportsmen) shouting at the camera or over enthusiastic Generation Xers.
All types of media and communication demand quality content delivered with professionalism and passion. And passion is another recurring theme of our July/August 2009 issue.
People in this industry have a lot to be passionate about after all, we provide services and facilities that entertain, excite and improve.
Nigel Benton, Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management. 17th July 2009.
http://www.ausleisure.com