IAAPA Reveals 2024-2025 Inspiration, Service, and Young Professional Award Winners

Orlando, Florida (March 25, 2025) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced today the winners of the 2024-2025 Inspiration, Service, and Young Professional Awards. From visionary pioneers who’ve devoted their lives to our industry’s livelihood, to those up and coming who have demonstrated a tremendous commitment, these awards recognize the individuals who have consistently put the success and growth of our industry first.

The Inspiration Award honors forward-thinking individuals who have advocated for innovation in their respective region, resulting in a significant impact on that area’s attractions. The Service Award recognizes dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to IAAPA, their communities, and the industry, often as leaders or mentors. While the Young Professional Award celebrates emerging leaders who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and teamwork early in their careers.

The winners of the 2024-2025 IAAPA Individual Achievement Awards are as follows:

Inspiration Award
Mario Mamon, Enchanted Kingdom, Asia Pacific
Sabine Lehmann, Curiositas, Europe, Middle East, Africa
Cícero Fiedler, Interparques, Latin America, Caribbean
Duncan Dickson (posthumously), Rosen College of Hospitality Management/UCF, North America

Service Award
Shaun McKeogh, Attractions Academy, Asia Pacific
Evelyne Villame, Space Association, Europe, Middle East, Africa
Valeria Cañón, Aquapolis and Aeropolis, Latin America, Caribbean
Gina Claassen, Herschend Family Entertainment, North America

Young Professional Award
Steven Shen, Universal Beijing Resort, Asia Pacific
Cassidy Newman, WhiteWater West, Europe, Middle East, Africa
Marcos Michan, Xtreme Park, Latin America, Caribbean
Jessi O’Daniel, Typhoon Texas, North America

“Receiving an award of such stature is a remarkable accomplishment. It is a true testament of the dedication and creativity that drives our industry forward,” says Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA. Their contributions not only elevate their own organizations but also inspire excellence across our global community.”

“The Global Awards Committee would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the IAAPA Individual Achievement Award winners and include special thank you to the Regional Achievement Judging Task Forces,” says Adrea Gibbs, chair of the IAAPA Global Awards Committee. These incredible people have inspired us all with their contribution and service. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and continuing impact on the industry next month at IAAPA Honors.”

IAAPA Honors is an annual global awards event celebrating excellence in the attractions industry. Attendees will learn from award winners, hear inspiring words from subject matter experts, explore behind-the scenes of Europa-Park, and network with fellow industry peers.

Finalists of IAAPA’s operational awards, Brass Rings, were announced earlier this year. The official winners from these categories will also be revealed and celebrated during the global awards event taking place April 28-30 at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany.

Media assets and winner headshots can be found here.

For more information or to register for IAAPA Honors, visit IAAPA.org/Honors
 

About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.

The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; and, Mexico City, Mexico.

Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA.

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