Hedgehog Tech is Presenting at AIMS SafeConnect 2024

On February 26 until March 1, 2024, The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in partnership with AIMS International is hosting SafeConnect: Western Canada’s Amusement Industry Safety Conference.

Hedgehog Tech will be presenting a series of discussions surrounding improving amusement park operations and safety featuring our Director of Business Development Erin Martin-Serrano and Mechanical Engineering Manager Gerhard Wilcke. 

Here is the program summary for Hedgehog Technologies:

ASTM F2291 / F1193 – Ride Modifications

• Date/Time: Monday Feb 26 (9:00 AM to 10:00 AM)
• Instructor: Erin Martin-Serrano
• Title: Director of Business Development

Session Synopsis  

The session will cover the typical documentation and analysis required for modifications according to ASTM F2291, F1193, and local regulatory requirements for operators. Industry best practices, ASTM F24 minimum requirements, EGBC permit-to-practice regulations, and risk assessments will be included in the recommended process. Attendees will learn a process for ride modifications and operator best practices.

Learning Objectives 

• Definition of a ride modification 
• Process for ride modifications
• Process for risk assessment for ride modifications
• Learn the documentation required for ride modifications

Biography: Erin Martin-Serrano

Erin has over 15 years of project development and technical program management experience in amusement rides, industrial automation, systems planning, and risk management. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration and Management. Additionally, she actively contributes to the field as a board member of the Association of Consulting Engineers in BC and is a proud member of ASTM F24.

Restraint Design

• Date/Time: Thursday Feb 29 (1:15 PM – 2:15 PM)
• Instructor: Gerhard Wilcke
• Title: Mechanical Engineering Manager

This session will cover examples of restraint designs, their classification per ASTM F2291, and the associated design requirements, as well as common failure modes and inspection points.

Learning Objectives

• Basic understanding of restraint classification per ASTM F2291
• Basic understanding of design requirements per ASTM F2291
• Understand common restraint types and typical features
• Understand common failure modes and inspection points in restraint systems

Biography: Gerhard Wilcke

Gerhard has over 10 years of work experience engineering ride systems for top-tier players, including Disney and Universal. His work has included the development of ride vehicles, restraints, and track switches, from concept through to commissioning. Before entering the amusement ride industry, he gained extensive experience in the subsea oil & gas sector, with a focus on high reliability and safety. He is a registered Professional Engineer in BC and a member of ASTM F24, holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

SafeConnect is a safety training event that brings together industry leaders in exclusive face-to-face trade shows and training seminars. The goal is to present new safety initiatives and connect on how to improve safety in the attractions space.

To register and to view the full curriculum, please visit the AIMS website at: https://safeconnectconference.ca/