IAAPA Honors Industry Innovations and Excellence

Winning strategies, ideas, and innovations will take center stage at the 2025 IAAPA Honors. Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, will host this extraordinary annual celebration of the attractions industry’s finest from April 28-30. “It is a true recognition of leaders, by leaders,” says IAAPA CEO Jakob Wahl.

More than an awards ceremony, the IAAPA Honors event is an exciting and immersive experience. Attendees can expect three action-packed days of peer recognition, insights, and networking. “Where inspiration ignites progress” is this year’s theme.

Inspiring Keynotes
The Mack family, who have successfully steered Europa-Park to a spectacular 50th anniversary in 2025, will be among the keynote speakers. Europa-Park’s owner and founder Roland Mack will join his son Michael Mack, CEO and managing partner, to outline the strategic vision for the future of the family business.

Managing partner Thomas Mack will introduce guests to the world of Eatrenalin. This pioneering restaurant combines innovative ride technology, gourmet cuisine, and multisensory experiences to create an unforgettable dining destination.

“Having IAAPA, the global association, here in the park, is a great honor for us. We are looking forward to it. For 50 years, we have exchanged experiences with industry colleagues from all over the world. Hosting these important discussions is good for us and many others,” says Jürgen Mack, Europa-Park’s managing partner for human resources, finance, and controlling.

His son, Frederik Mack, is carrying on his father’s legacy. “We are very happy to host the IAAPA Honors at Europa-Park. We will show people around almost every department. We’re excited to discuss the shared challenges facing amusement parks. When we draw together and are successful together, it helps us all.”
SnowWorld CEO Wim Hubrechtsen will share the story of the indoor ski resort chain’s expansion. He will look to the industry’s future, emphasizing creativity, resilience, and collaboration as key drivers.

Live entertainment experts Amanda Thompson, OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, and Katja Mack, founder of Europa-Park’s Talent Academy, will reflect on what it takes to nurture talent and win audiences’ hearts. They will prove that investing in talent development improves employee well-being and guest satisfaction. Stephanie Morehead, project manager at Disney Live Entertainment, invites attendees “Behind the Curtain of Entertainment.”

Dr. Robert C. Hanea, CEO of Therme Group, reveals the transformative impact of the group’s well-being resorts. Breda University’s Thomas Buijtenweg will explore “The AI Shift,” while Eric Jafari, managing director of AENDRE, discusses how to lead the workforce of tomorrow. Mathieu Renier, co-founder and CEO of Sparkx Sportainment Group, and Russ Gaines, director of planning and business support for Thorpe Park, will bring fresh retailing insights.
 

Top Brass
IAAPA Honors attendees will be the first to discover who has won the coveted IAAPA Brass Ring Awards. These awards honor the talented, dedicated teams whose efforts advance the attractions industry. From captivating entertainment productions to stellar food and beverage offerings, innovative human resources programs, and creative marketing campaigns, the finalists represent the epitome of excellence. This year sees the launch of a new sustainability award. The Brass Ring Awards also acknowledge top performers in the FEC and LBE sectors.
 

Unforgettable Tours, Unbeatable Connections
Taking full advantage of Europa-Park’s inspiring location, the IAAPA Honors event allows people to discover one of the world’s premier theme park and water park resorts. Attendees can participate in EDUtours of the Mack Rides factory, Eatrenalin, Europa-Park’s hotels, and employee facilities. A presentation showcasing the marketing campaign for the Voltron Nevera coaster powered by Rimac will be another highlight. Europa-Park’s new Grand Prix of Europe ride, Rulantica water park, and YULLBE VR are among the attractions open to guests. Exclusive receptions offer multiple opportunities to mingle.

In a fast-evolving industry landscape, the IAAPA Honors event provides attractions professionals with the access, insights, and connections needed to stay ahead of the curve.

Register for the event here.