During IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012, the largest worldwide trade show for the attractions industry held November 12 – 16 in Orlando, amusement parks and attractions from across the globe were awarded an IAAPA Brass Ring Award. This prestigious award is given to companies and individuals for excellence in: marketing, live entertainment, human resources, retail, family entertainment centers, new product development, trade show exhibits at IAAPA Attractions Expo, and new this year, food and beverage excellence.
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.
Among hundreds of finalists from amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and family entertainment centers around the world, many winners were from facilities all across Europe. These facilities were awarded during the official ceremony at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012.
IAAPA Europe congratulates the European winners in the following categories:
MARKETING EXCELLENCE
Television Commercial
Class 4: Amusement parks and attractions—including water parks—with annual
attendance of more than 1 million
Grona Lund, Stockholm, Sweden
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EXCELLENCE
Best Overall Production: Budget of $100, 001 – $200, 000
“Liseberg Isshow, ” Liseberg, Goteborg, Sweden;
Best Overall Production: Budget of $200, 001 – $400, 000
“Imperio Show, ” Europa-Park, Rust, Germany
Best Overall Production of $700, 001- $1, 000, 000
“Mysteria, ” Europa-Park, Rust, Germany
Best Overall Production: Budget of $1, 000, 001 or More
“Disney Dreams!” Disneyland Paris, Marne la Vallee, France; us.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE EXCELLENCE
Best Innovation in Food and Beverage
Co-winner: Country specific food in European Section, Europa-Park, Rust, Germany;
Co-winner: Polles Keuken pancake restaurant, Efteling, Kaatsheuvel, The
Netherlands
RETAIL EXCELLENCE
Hard Good – Over 1 million attendance
Movie Park Germany, Bottrop, Germany; moviepark.de
Hard Good – Under 1 million attendance
Walibi – Compagnie Des Alpes, Boulogne-Billancourt, France;
TOP FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (FEC)
International
Skemmtigardur Smaralind, Iceland;
BEST NEW PRODUCT
Coin-Operated Kiddie Ride
Skatebart, MPGroup Srl- Dedem Automatica, Reggio Emilia, Italy;
Revenue & Admission Control/Wristbands/RFID Technology
Q-Band, Lo-Q plc, Twyford, Berkshire, United Kingdom; www.lo-q.com
Services/Equipment and Supplies
Avius Optimus, Avius, Bournemouth DORS, United Kingdom;
BEST EXHIBIT AT IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2012
600 – 1, 099 square feet
Funtopia, Booth #457, Sofia, Bulgaria;
The Silver sponsor for this year’s event was SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. Supporting sponsors include: Heartbeat Productions, Inc., Holy Land Experience, Matt Davenport Productions, Inc., RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc.
More information: Karen Staley, Vice President, IAAPA kstaley@iaapa.org
