Devotion and dedication are the engines that drive our industry. These individuals have put the success of IAAPA above all others, enriching and enabling our community and its members to reach their fullest potential. From lifetime recognition of service to celebrating volunteer efforts, our industry simply wouldn’t exist without service.

Lifetime Service Award

The Lifetime Service Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated over 20 years of their lives to serving both IAAPA and their own communities. Their passion and commitment extend to making a positive impact on a broader scale. 

Previous winners of this award have also: 

• Held volunteer positions with other nonprofit organizations. 
• Coached and encouraged others to improve the industry through volunteerism. 
• Driven the success of IAAPA’s programs and initiatives.  
• Supported IAAPA's mission to "serve the membership by promoting safe operations, global development, professional growth, and commercial success of the amusement parks and attractions industry." 

Criteria

To be considered for the Lifetime Service Award, an individual must meet the criteria below. Examples are required. 
 

• Have devoted her/his own time to both IAAPA and the attractions industry for more than 20 years
• Have held numerous volunteer positions with both IAAPA and other nonprofit organizations 
• Have served as a leader and visionary 
• Have provided guidance and support to others 

• Is a passionate industry professional 

• Be supported by 2 letters of recommendation that confirm the criteria 

 

Service to the Industry Award

The Service to the Industry Award recognizes service to the attractions industry. Recipients of this award are subject matter experts, your “go-to” person when you need answers and leaders who elevate and mentor others. They are dedicated to the attractions profession and committed to improving industry standards. 
 
The Service to the Industry Award is an award that honors individuals who have made substantial contributions to the attractions industry. Recipients of this award are acknowledged for their expertise, leadership, and commitment to advancing the industry. They are often seen as trusted resources and mentors, providing valuable insights and guidance to others in the field. Their dedication to the attractions profession and their efforts to improve industry standards make them deserving recipients of this award. 

Criteria

To be considered for the Service to the Industry Award, the individual must meet the criteria below. Examples are required. 

• Exemplify IAAPA’s core values of passion, respect, transparency, courage, or inclusiveness 

• Have mentored or developed future leaders  
• Made a significant contribution to the attractions industry through their service and through their areas of expertise .
• Have worked to promote industry standards such as safety, guest satisfaction, or innovation 

• Be supported by 2 letters of recommendation that confirm the criteria 

Service to IAAPA Award

The Service to IAAPA Award recognizes our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. who give their time and expertise to fellow IAAPA members. Recipients of this award have typically held more than one volunteer position with IAAPA such as show ambassador, committee member/chair, presenter at events or webinars, authored articles/books, etc. Service award winners embrace the IAAPA values of passion, respect, transparency, courage, and inclusiveness.  

Criteria

To be considered for the Service to IAAPA Award, the individual must meet the criteria below. Examples are required. 

 

• Exemplify IAAPA’s core values of passion, respect, transparency, courage, or inclusiveness 
• Have mentored or developed future leaders  
• Made a significant contribution to IAAPA through sharing their expertise 
• Have worked to promote industry standards such as safety, guest satisfaction, or innovation
• Be supported by 2 letters of recommendation that confirm the criteria 

Past Winners

2021

2020

2019

2018

2018 IAAPA Meritorious Service Award Honoree Bob Williams 2018 IAAPA Outstanding Service Award Honoree Jim Futrell 2018 IAAPA Lifetime Service Award Honoree Julio Vanegas 2018 Board Special Service Award Honoree Al Weber

2017

2017 IAAPA Lifetime Service Award Honoree James "Chip" Cleary 2017 IAAPA Outstanding Service Award Honoree Ken Whiting 2017 IAAPA Meritorious Service Award Honoree Matt Heller