The TiLE 2003 conference has forecast both increased confidence and optimism for the leisure industry over the next five years.

Over 800 leisure attraction professionals from 30 countries attended the conference and trade show this year, held in Berlin on 17-19 June.

Incorporating both exhibitions and conferences on the latest trends and technology within the leisure, attractions and destinations industry, the 12th TiLE also ran an interactive session with senior leisure attraction professionals, dealing with five year projections.

This year, 95 per cent of those surveyed believed the future was good, whereas last year, 75 per cent said they though the future was bad for the industry because of the problems it was facing.

Attractions Management, the official magazine of the exhibition, also sponsored the 2003 TiLE Awards.

Awards included the Stand Award – given to the TiLE exhibitor who made the most imaginative use of their stand – which went to location-based entertainment German company Flying Saucer.

The Awards for Innovation were given to three companies – Rex Studios for its 3D/UV paint process; Antenna Aufio for the Signed Language Guide and Stumpfl Show Control Technology for the new Stumpfl Show Control System.

The Award for Excellence In Conference Paper/Presentation went to four winners – Nick Varney, Dr Wolfgang Georg Arlt, Linda Conlan and Rob Semper while the 2003 Young Designers Award was not given in full but Ben Dowson of the University of Lincoln received a Highly Commended award instead for the high professional standard of his Discovering Antarctica exhibition design. Details: www.andrich.com/tile