About

Named for the rings given to carousel riders at the very first amusement parks, the IAAPA Brass Ring Award is a symbol of achievement. And just like how a ring is an unbreakable connection, so too are our connections as a community - bringing out the best in one another.

The IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Awards aims to recognize and honor all the hard work and commitment that goes into the attractions industry. From stunning productions and delicious food to innovative training and creative marketing, our members work deserves to be celebrated.

Application Window: May 1 – October 10, 2025
 

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Food & Beverage Excellence

The Food and Beverage Brass Ring Excellence Awards celebrate the artistry and innovation behind the culinary experiences that elevate a guest’s visit. From creative menu items to immersive dining spaces and unforgettable food festivals, this category honors the moments when food becomes an integral part of the guest experience. 

View the full Food & Beverage Excellence Criteria

Games & Merchandise Excellence

The Games & Merchandise Excellence Awards honor innovative game prizes, retail souvenirs, and beautifully designed retail spaces that enhance the guest experience. These awards highlight products and projects that extend the excitement and storytelling far beyond the attractions themselves, creating lasting memories long after the ride is over. 

View the full Games & Merchandise Excellence criteria

Human Resources Excellence

Human Resources Brass Ring Awards recognize the programs that recruit with purpose, train with creativity, and build cultures of wellness, recognition, and belonging—shaping workplaces where talent thrives and teams grow. 

View the full Human Resources Excellence criteria

Live Entertainment Excellence

The IAAPA Live Entertainment Awards recognize productions of all types that feature exceptional entertainment and production value.

Marketing Excellence

Great marketing invites guests into the story before they even arrive. The Marketing Brass Ring Awards honor bold campaigns, brilliant creative, and smart strategies that build connection, spark excitement, and bring an attraction’s identity to life across every platform.

View the full Marketing Excellence criteria

Sustainability Excellence

This award honors a new facility sustainability program or project that demonstrates one of the three pillars of sustainability and recognizes excellence in the practice and promotion of sustainable facility management. 

View the full Sustainability Excellence criteria

FEC of the Year

The FEC of the Year award honors a Family Entertainment Center facility for overall excellence in guest service, guest experience, cleanliness, attractions including food and beverage (if applicable), theming, special events, commitment to safety and more. View the full FEC of the Year Criteria.

View the full FEC of the Year Criteria

Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) are activity-based permanent facilities catering primarily, although not exclusively, to families featuring a mix of attractions: arcade, redemption, and F&B, as well as other offerings such as go-karts, laser tag, bowling, roller skating, and more. Typically, there is no gated entry fee and activities are pay to play.

Note: Some FECs may not have food and beverage, party rooms, etc. Applicants will all be considered and will not be penalized if they do not have every offering listed below.
 

LBE of the Year

The LBE of the Year award honors a Location-Based Entertainment facility for overall excellence in guest service, guest experience, cleanliness, attractions including food and beverage (if applicable), theming, special events, and more.

View the full LBE of the Year Criteria


Location-Based Entertainment (LBE)s are immersive experiences, catering primarily, although not exclusively, to adults. They often incorporate novel activities or standalone activities such as axe throwing, mini golf, virtual reality, and/or e-sports, F&B, and retail. LBEs focus on one or in some cases multiple of these activities. May have a gated admission.

Note: Some LBEs may not have F&B, Party Rooms or Redemption etc. Applicants will be considered and not penalized if they do not have every offering listed below.