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NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
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IAAPA Announces Attractions Industry's Best of the
In the amusement park and attractions industry, taking home the coveted Brass Ring Award presented by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), is as good as gold. This afternoon laughter, cheers, and applause, filled the Peabody Orlando Windermere ballroom for the prestigious international awards ceremony. Hundreds of finalists from amusement parks, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and family entertainment centers around the world packed the audience to hear the 2011 Brass Ring Award winners announced. The top honors are given to companies and individuals for excellence in: marketing, live entertainment, human resources, retail, family entertainment centers, new product development, and trade show exhibits at IAAPA Attractions Expo. More than 600 entries were submitted for this year’s competition.
The tradition of the brass ring in the attractions industry dates back to the carousels of the late 1800s when rings were suspended above riders; low enough to reach, but high enough to pose a challenge. Most rings were made of iron, so grabbing the brass ring was the rare and cherished prize. Skilled riders who grabbed a brass ring earned a second ride on the carousel. Today, the term ‘brass ring’ is synonymous with high achievement in the attractions industry.
The 2011 IAAPA Brass Ring Award winners are:
MARKETING EXCELLENCE
*Some marketing awards are divided into the following class distinctions:
Class 1: Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) and attractions with annual attendance less than 250,000
Class 2: Zoos and aquariums
Class 3: Amusement parks and attractions—including waterparks—with annual attendance of 250,001-1 million
Class 4: Amusement parks and attractions—including waterparks—with annual attendance of more than 1 million
Television Commercial
Class 1: Selvatica, Cancun, Mexico;
Class 2: Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States;
Class 3: Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
Class 4: Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington, Minnesota;
Radio Commercial
Class 1: Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury, Connecticut, United States;
Class 2: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, Minnesota, United States;
Class 3: Wet 'n Wild- Emerald Pointe, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States;
Class 4: Liseberg, Gothenburg, Sweden;
Print Advertising
Class 1: White Water, Branson, Missouri, United States;
Class 2: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, Minnesota, United States;
Class 3: Evergreen Wings and Waves, McMinnville, Oregon, United States;
Class 4: Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom;
Outdoor Advertising
The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida;
Integrated Marketing
Kidzania de México SA de CV, México City, México;
Digital Marketing
Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point, Australia;
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EXCELLENCE
Heartbeat Award
The Heartbeat Award recognizes the show that demonstrates superior overall ability in reaching the hearts of its audience.
Tala Takenya & The Legend of the Holy Forest, Fort Fun Abenteurland, Campagnie des Alpes;
Spirit Award
The Spirit Award recognizes IAAPA members committed to excellence in training and professional development in the area of entertainment.
Atmosphere/Street Show
“The Gem Tones,” Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States;
Edutainment
“Mad Marty,” Legoland California, Carlsbad, California, United States;
Female Performer
Lindsay Karchawer, Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States;
Male Performer
Law Ho Tim, Ocean Park, Hong Kong, China;
Sports Show
“African Acrobats of Kenya,” Fantawild, Orlando, Florida, United States;
Production Less Than $25,000
“The Enchanted Treasure,” Legoland California, Carlsbad, California, United States;
Production $25,000-$50,000
“Dr. Fright's CarnEvil,” Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, Georgia, United States;
Production $50,000-$100,000
“Vintervirvlar” Liseberg, Gothenburg, Sweden;
Production $100,000-$200,000
“The Majesty of Christmas,” Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, Texas, United States;
Production $200,000-$400,000
“Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy,” Busch Gardens Tampa, Tampa, Florida, United States;
Production $400,000-$700,000
“Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke,” Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States;
Production $700,000-$1 Million
“Rockstars- The Battle,” Walibi Rhone-Alpes, Les Avenieres, France;
Production $1 Million-plus
“The Magic, the Memories, and You!” Walt Disney World / Disneyland ;
HUMAN RESOURCES EXCELLENCE
Innovative Training Program (More Than 1 Million in Attendance)
Europa-Park GmbH & Co., Rust, Germany; Europa-Park GmbH & Co., Rust, Germany;
Innovative Training Program (Less Than 1 Million in Attendance)
Farah Leisure Excellence Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;
Reward and Recognition Program (More Than 1 Million Annual Attendance)
Whiting’s Foods, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California, United States;
Reward and Recognition Program (Less Than 1 Million Annual Attendance)
Happylon, Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
RETAIL EXCELLENCE
Hard Good (Over 1 Million Annual Attendance)
Xcaret, Cancún, México;
Hard Good (Under 1 Million Annual Attendance)
Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point, Australia;
Soft Good (Over 1 Million Annual Attendance)
Millions of Memories/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California, United States;
Soft Good (Under 1 Million Annual Attendance)
The London Dungeon, London, United Kingdom;
Visual Display
Sea Life, Poole Dorset, United Kingdom;
Judge’s Choice
Morey's Piers & Beachfront Waterpark, Wildwood, New Jersey, United States;
TOP FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (FEC)
North America
The Funplex Mount Laurel, Mount Laurel, NJ, USA;
International
Infunity, Freeze Club & Bowl Room, Hawalli, Kuwait;
1,001+ square feet
Bob's Space Racers, Inc., Daytona Beach, Florida, USA;
The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards are presented annually during IAAPA Attractions Expo, the largest worldwide gathering of amusement park and attractions industry professionals. The conference and trade show is produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The Silver sponsor for this year’s event is OmniTicket Network/ Best Union Company Spa, and supporting organizations are Matt Davenport Productions, Inc., RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc., and Heartbeat Productions, Inc.
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NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
