IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced its IAAPA Service Award winners, alongside the recipient of the IAAPA Young Professional of the Year Award and inductees to the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
The IAAPA Service Awards honour talented individuals in the international attractions industry for their commitment to values including excellence, leadership, innovation, service, and safety.
Jason E. Freeman of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has been awarded IAAPA Meritorious Service Award, Rajen Shah, managing director of Arihant Industrial Corporation Ltd. was given the IAAPA Outstanding Service Award, and John (Jack) Mendes, Jr. of BSR Group, LLC has been designated this year’s IAAPA Lifetime Service Award winner.
The IAAPA Young Professional of the Year Award celebrate members aged under 35 who continue to demonstrate a dedication to the global attractions industry through integrity, leadership, and teamwork. This year’s winner has been announced as Chris Desch, general manager, at Jen’s Links LLC.
IAAPA is also preparing to welcome two industry icons to the IAAPA Hall of Fame, recognising individuals whose work and accomplishments have made a significant contribution to the industry on an international level.
Latin American icon
Described by IAAPA as the “father of the attractions industry in Latin America”, Marcelo Gutglas has made an indelible impression during his over five-decade career in the industry.
Gutglas has been widely credited with creating Brazil’s amusement park industry, educating politicians and investors on industry fundamentals to gain their support and recognition. He kickstarted industry development and introduced professional standards by following best practices from around the globe.
International influence
Gutglas was also the founder of two Brazil-based industry trade associations, ADIBRA and SINDEPAT. He was also a founder and vice president of ALAP (Latin America Association of Amusement Parks).
He is an active volunteer and member with IAAPA, serving terms on the IAAPA Board of Directors and the Latin America regional advisory committee, as well as the executive/finance and strategic planning committees.
As a result of his contributions, the association previously awarded Gutglas the IAAPA Meritorious Service Award (1999) and the IAAPA Lifetime Service Award (2012).
Gustav continues to be a respected leader, advocate, and authority for the international attractions industry.
Leading figure
Anne-Marie Grosholtz was born in 1761. When she was a child, Marie Tussaud as she is more popularly known, and her mother moved to the Swiss home of Dr Philippe Curtius, a physician and a wax model maker. He used his expertise to wax model human anatomy, fine-tuning his skill and creating wax portraits of famous personalities of the day.
Working alongside Curtius, Tussaud developed her craft and in 1777, aged 16, created a figure of French author Voltaire, her first wax figure. Tussaud developed her talent and through time created a portfolio of realistically detailed wax figures of renowned leaders and celebrities. Showcasing her work, she first turned her collection into a touring attraction, and then into a permanent location in London.
Worldwide brand
The Tussaud’s family and Merlin Entertainments have since converted what started as a single location in the UK’s capital into the iconic Madame Tussauds brand known around the world.
More than 10 million visitors have admired and posed with lifelike celebrities, performers, sporting heroes, and world leaders in 25 Madame Tussauds locations around the world, from Hollywood and Hong Kong to Berlin and Sydney. A further museum will open in Budapest next year.
Now, almost 250 years later, the art style and attraction created by Tussaud continue to inspire new generations, influence model making and provide entertainment to millions around the world.
Significant contributions
Michael Collins, 2021 chair of the IAAPA Hall of Fame and Archives Committee and senior partner, Leisure Development Partners, LLP says “We are honoured to welcome Marcelo Gutglas and Marie Tussaud into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
“Marcelo Gutglas has been an advocate and ambassador for the attractions industry in Latin America for more than 50 years, and Marie Tussaud created an art form and an attraction that has entertained millions around the globe. Their contributions to our industry are significant and their impact will influence the industry for many years to come.”
This year’s award winners and IAAPA Hall of Fame Inductees will be highlighted and celebrated in person during IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida, 15 – 19 November at the Orange County Convention Center. A further selection of notable industry veterans will also feature in IAAPA’s Legends Panel, a notable highlight of the upcoming event featuring Thierry Coup, Phil Hettema and Scott Trowbridge.
Last month, IAAPA named Jakob Wahl as its new executive vice president and chief operating officer, with responsibility for overseeing global sales and regional operations for the trade association.
