ORLANDO, Fla., US (Nov. 19, 2019) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, today inducted two global attractions industry legends — Frederick “Fred” Langford and Alberto Zamperla — into the IAAPA Hall of Fame. The IAAPA Hall of Fame honors individuals whose work and accomplishments have made significant and lasting contributions to the global attractions industry. These awards are the highest and most prestigious honors in the industry.
“We are deeply proud to welcome these outstanding industry leaders into the IAAPA Hall of Fame,” said Michael Collins, 2019 chairman of the IAAPA Hall of Fame and Archives Committee and, senior partner, Leisure Development Partners, LLP. “Fred Langford and Alberto Zamperla truly embody what the attractions industry represents — ingenuity, creativity, passion, and leadership. We are honored by their commitment and contributions.”
Frederick Langford, WaterWorld Products, New Jersey, United States
Frederick “Fred” Langford is an architect, inventor, designer, and dreamer, and is considered by many to be the creator of the modern day water slide. Fred’s work has been recognized throughout the global attractions industry as the gold standard for water slide design. He holds multiple patents, and he was the first to use fiberglass in water slide construction, replacing the standard use of concrete. His innovations have become the foundation of elevated water slides in water parks around the world. Fred also invented self-supporting beams which allow water slides to be longer, providing guests with an experience that feels more like a roller coaster ride.
Alberto Zamperla, Antonio Zamperla S.p.A, Italy
The name Zamperla can be found in almost every park around the world. Rides like the “Rocking Tug,” “Disko,” “Air Race,” and “Magic Bikes” have become park staples. When Alberto Zamperla took over the Zamperla Company in 1994, he helped the family business grow from manufacturing 50 rides annually to more than 200. With production facilities in Italy, China, and Belarus, Alberto has also worked to bring international safety manufacturing standards to their facility in China, while also dramatically improving rider accessibility. In 2014, Zamperla donated “Lori’s Magical Ride” to Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. The attraction was the resort’s first to offer children with disabilities the full ride experience. Alberto has also worked to support the global attractions industry, serving as the founder and first chairman of the European Suppliers Association (EAASI), which later became the organization that created the Euro Attractions Show, which is today known as IAAPA Expo Europe.
The IAAPA Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to honor legends and pioneers for their significant and lasting contributions to the growth and development of the global attractions industry. To learn more about the IAAPA Hall of Fame, www.IAAPA.org/HallofFame.
About IAAPA Expo 2019
IAAPA Expo is the premier conference and trade show for the global attractions industry, including amusement and theme parks, where visitors spend $45.2 billion around the world. IAAPA Expo 2019 will draw more than 38,000 industry professionals, including more than 24,000 decisions-makers and buyers from more than 100 countries to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Monday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 22. The 560,000-net-square-foot trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 19, through Friday, Nov. 22. Additional information is available at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo. #IAAPAExpo
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 more than 6,000 attraction, supplier, 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, manufacturers, and suppliers.
The association's global headquarters and North America office are located in Orlando, Florida, US. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; Mexico City, Mexico; and Alexandria, Virginia, US. To learn more, visit www.IAAPA.org or connect through social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA.
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Editor’s Note: Images are available for download at https://bit.ly/2CwMIET.
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