Visit to Dino Safari Shows How Exhibition Industry Adapted to COVID-19

Students in Meredith College’s Strategic Issues class in the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Program visited the N.C. State Fairgrounds on February 18, 2021, for a tour of “Pangea National Park” Dino Safari.

Students were led through the 40 giant moving dinosaurs by Tom Zaller, producer and president/CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, in an outdoor classroom lecture on touring, events, and how COVID-19 has affected the exhibition and entertainment industry.

The site visit was an example of Meredith Program Director Michael Altman’s practice of “flipping” the classroom by putting his students in front of leaders in the industry, such as Zaller, to gather first-hand knowledge from those experiencing the world as it is today.

“Having spent a significant part of my career in museums at the Smithsonian Institution and with the large-format film company IMAX, I know Tom’s work well,” said Altman. “I am thrilled that our students will have the chance to experience his innovative new drive-thru dino adventure. We are curious and have many questions for him.”

Imagine Exhibitions is currently producing over 40 unique exhibitions, including Dino Safari globally in museums, science centers, zoos, integrated resorts, and non-traditional venues, with millions of people around the world visiting their exhibitions each year.

Learn more about the hospitality and tourism management program