ORLANDO, FLORIDA (January 23, 2024) – Awarded annually, the IAAPA Individual Achievement Awards recognize significant achievement in the global attractions industry. With a devotion and dedication to the global attractions industry, the following individuals have been selected to honor the work they have done to put the Association’s success above all others and what they have done to enrich and enable our community and its members to reach their fullest potential.
This year’s IAAPA Hall of Fame honorees include August Busch III, Busch Entertainment Corporation; The Hartman family, Gordon, Maggie, and Morgan, Morgan’s Wonderland; and Barnette Ricci, The Walt Disney Company.
The IAAPA Service Awards recipients include Randy Josselyn, ICAE, Service to IAAPA Award, ICON Experiences; Erik Beard, ICAE, Service to the Industry Award, International Ride Training, LLC; and Patrick Hoffman, ICAE Lifetime Service Award, The Hoffman Group.
And the IAAPA Young Professionals of the Year include Frank Hamedl, ICAP (North America Region), Fun Spot America; Sebastian Ludwig (EMEA Region), Europa Park; Rhys Wachter, ICAE (APAC Region) DRA Safety; and Samantha Chamorro, ICAP (LAC Region), La Granja Villa.
Watch the official announcement video here on the IAAPA News Hub. All winners will be officially celebrated at the IAAPA Honors ceremony Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. IAAPA Honors registration is open for attendees and will include a distinctive showcase of award winners and finalists. The event will also recognize this year’s IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Award winners and the Liseberg Applause Award winner.
As a highlight of the inaugural program, IAAPA has enlisted some very notable speakers from the industry. The event will kick off with a networking breakfast and keynote address from Nicolas de Villiers, president and artistic director at Puy de Fou. Nicolas will share how creativity plays a huge role in Puy du Fou’s storytelling.
Sascha Czibulka, executive vice president and managing director of Intamin, is set to join the distinguished group of panelists at IAAPA Honors. From overseeing Intamin's sales and marketing operations to his extensive involvement with IAAPA and the M&S community, Sascha’s experience is sure to add valuable insight to the discussion on innovation.
Leading the conversations are Doug Akers, ICAE, vice president of operations, new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences; Geoff Chutter, CEO of WhiteWater; Ken Whiting, president of Whiting Foods; and Andreas Andersen, CEO of The Liseberg Group.
This is one instance where what happens in Vegas will not necessarily stay in Vegas. As we continue to curate the program for IAAPA Honors, attendees can be assured that the inspiration gained won't be confined to the event's location. Attendees will leave feeling compelled to make a positive impact knowing that one day they, too, may be in position to be honored for such awards.
Industry partners for IAAPA Honors 2024 include:
Kennedy Space Center, Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World, Boomers Park Signature Drinks, Vancouver Aquarium, Six Flags Great America, Dippin' Dots, LLC, SeaWorld San Antonio, Puy du Fou France, Puy du Fou España, and Water World.
