ProSlide Technology Inc., an industry leader in water ride manufacturing and design, is reflecting on the success of the World Waterpark Association (WWA) Show 2025, which took place in Orlando from 20 to 23 October.
Hailed as a 'homecoming for the water park industry', WWA reflects a deep sense of community, from long-standing partners to emerging innovators.
Rick Hunter, ProSlide founder and CEO, says: "It’s like a high school reunion, only better, because now we all have PhDs in water park development.
"This event has always been about creativity, collaboration, and friendship. For us, WWA is home."
ProSlide was a Diamond Sponsor of the event.
Celebrating a unique community
The show was formally opened by Hunter, one of the event’s first participants. He reflected on the sector's journey since the inaugural WWA in 1981 and welcomed ProSlide’s new president, Ray Smegal.
"It’s all about non-stop growth," Hunter says, "for ProSlide, for our partners, and for this amazing industry."
Also on the first day, ProSlide was honoured with two 2025 Leading Edge Awards for its contributions to Sun World Hà Nam Waterpark in Vietnam and OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma, US. The awards highlighted ProSlide’s long-standing collaborations and shared vision with clients worldwide.
The ProSlide team
Victoria Ventzke, ProSlide master planner, participated on the expert panel Maintaining Ideal Balance in Waterpark Design. This session, which shared insights into spatial design, visitor flow, and master planning, received strong feedback from both operators and designers.
Evening events included a gathering at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, where WWA attendees celebrated their peers, creativity, and shared passion.
ProSlide’s booth was busy throughout the event, with a full meeting calendar.
Conversations flowed across the show floor, with representatives from all major North American parks as well as new operators and emerging leaders.
"You could feel it everywhere you turned,” says Smegal. "Every conversation carried the same message: the industry is growing and we’re doing it together."
The ProSlide hole at the conference's Golf Tournament
With its 2025 edition, WWA confirmed its status as one of the industry's most personal and community-driven events, fueled by optimism and solidarity.
Earlier this month, ProSlide announced the promotion of Ray Smegal to president. Formerly chief commercial officer, Smegal has been a vital contributor to ProSlide’s international expansion and innovation, shaping its commercial strategy and strengthening collaborations across all significant markets.
