ORLANDO, FLORIDA (November 15, 2023) – Winners for the IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards at IAAPA Expo were announced today, the second day the trade show floor was open. The tradition of the brass ring, a term now synonymous with spectacular achievement, dates to the 1800s when rings were hung on carousels to pose a fun challenge for riders. Successfully grabbing a ring while riding the carousel often earned the rider a prize, often including an additional free ride. Most rings were made of iron, but a few were made of brass, so grabbing the brass ring was a coveted and celebrated treat.
The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards honor this tradition by celebrating achievements of excellence throughout the global attractions industry. These are considered one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. Applicants were judged on their booth design, branding, staffing, product in booth, and overall appeal. More than 100 applications were submitted for these awards.
Winners from IAAPA Expo 2023 are as follows:
300 Square Feet or Less, First Place, Immersive Gamebox
300 Square Feet or Less, Second Place, Catalyst Engineering
400 - 600 Square Feet, First Place, HB Leisure Ltd.
400 - 600 Square Feet, Second Place, L3DFX
700 - 900 Square Feet, First Place, Crystal Lagoons
700 - 900 Square Feet, Second Place, Technifex
1,000 - 1,500 Square Feet, First Place, Wibit Sports GmbH
1,000 - 1,500 Square Feet, Second Place, Sandy Creek Mining Company
1,600 and Larger Square Feet, First Place, Gel Blaster
1,600 and Larger Square Feet, Second Place, S&S Worldwide, Inc.
Image Award Winner - Crystal Lagoons
“The winners of the IAAPA Expo Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards this year showcased an unparalleled dedication and creativity,” said Michael Shelton, vice president and executive director of IAAPA North America. “Their booths and products embody the very essence of innovation and pushing the boundaries for the future of the global attractions industry. It's awe-inspiring to witness the evolution of our industry through these remarkable exhibits, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and experiences that will undoubtedly shape the way we all create and enjoy attractions.”
IAAPA Expo is the premier trade show for the global attractions industry. General managers, owners, and CEOs of amusement and theme parks, hotels and resorts, water parks, family entertainment centers, location-based entertainment centers, historic/cultural/tourist attractions, museums and science centers, zoos and aquariums, and cruise lines travel to the show to buy rides, connect with attractions industry experts, and more.
This event, which takes place through Friday at the Orange County Convention Center, offers education sessions led by industry leaders to help others grow their business, to inspire industry professionals and to advance their careers. Topics include risk assessment, technology and innovation, and diversity. In addition to education sessions, EDUTours, networking events, and in-depth learning opportunities are available at an additional cost.
###
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
IAAPA Online Press Room
[email protected]
