WRLD organizers plan to bring the conference back in 2009 when IPSPE and IAAPA will be in Las Vegas. Aquatics International and Waterpark Resorts Today are published by Hanley Wood, LLC, owner of IPSPE, WRLD Conference and numerous other trade shows and conferences.

Hovde, president/CEO of Washington, D.C.-based Hovde Capital Advisors, LLC, and 5.2 percent shareholder of Great Wolf wants the company to replace two or more of its eight directors with candidates who better reflect shareholders’ wishes. He also wants to nominate at least one new member, the Journal Sentinel reported. This marks the second time in recent years that an investor has called for a sale of the indoor waterpark operation.

Aquatica combines the thrills of a waterpark with the animal encounter experiences of SeaWorld’s other properties. The 59-acre park features 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, two wave pools and an 80,000-square-foot sandy beach. The park’s signature ride is Dolphin Plunge, a clear tube slide that shoots riders through a pool of black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins.

Attendees heard from keynote speakers Tom Kiser, “America’s Energy Coach,” on sustainability strategies and Kalahari Resort owner Todd Nelson about upcoming plans for the firm’s new resort in Fredericksburg, Va., scheduled to open in 2009. The conference was presented by JLC Hospitality Consulting, Uni-Systems and William L. Haralson & Associates.

The project is to be a mixed-use development featuring an artificial white-water kayaking river with up to Class 4 rapids; an artificial beach with a simulated ocean capable of producing waves up to 12 feet high; a scuba lagoon; a snorkeling pond with reefs; and a rock-climbing center. A resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, villas and retail space is also planned as part of the project.