IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has revealed the four newest inductees into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
The IAAPA Hall of Fame was founded in 1990 to celebrate legends and pioneers who have made major contributions to the expansion and development of the worldwide attractions industry. Scores of industry pioneers from across the globe have joined the IAAPA Hall of Fame during the last 30 years.
“Influence & imagination”
The 2024 inductees include:
- Dick Chance. Following his college graduation in 1970, Chance joined Chance Rides, which his father, Harold Chance, founded in 1961. After purchasing the firm in 1985, Chance became CEO, leading the company through substantial growth, including the expansion of its product line to include intricately decorated carousels.
A devoted leader in the sector, Chance was president of AREA (now AIMS International) and led the Showmen’s League of America in 2000. His accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the amusement industry. - Geoff Chutter. As the creator and CEO of WhiteWater, Chutter has transformed the water park sector with his vision and tenacity. In 1980, he launched a water park in British Columbia, Canada, and built the slides himself.
Under his direction, WhiteWater has expanded into an international one-stop shop for water park requirements, with seven regional offices and 500 staff members. As a result of sound acquisitions, creativity, and a dedication to safety, WhiteWater has grown to provide outstanding aquatic play, water slides, and other experiences. Its portfolio includes more than 5,000 projects for the world’s finest entertainment brands.
- Rick Hunter. With four decades of experience, industry veteran Hunter continues to advance innovation, share knowledge, and maintain a tradition of excellence. He has been at the cutting edge throughout his career, pushing limits and defining new industry benchmarks from the early development of the breakthrough Mammoth River to his most recent innovation, the RocketBLAST.
Hunter’s international impact on water parks and rides includes innumerable unique designs and cutting-edge solutions. These have not only improved the visitor experience but also made efficient, sustainable improvements that greatly lower the environmental impact of water slides. - Clark Robinson. Former IAAPA president and CEO Robinson was instrumental in shaping the organisation’s future. He devoted more than 27 years of his life to IAAPA in a variety of voluntary leadership roles prior to taking on the position of president and CEO in 2002. These roles include the vice president and treasurer, in addition to the first, second, and third chairs of the board of directors.
His leadership was crucial in significant developments such as the IAAPA’s move from Chicago to Washington DC, the improvement of its governance and committee structures, and the growth of its international membership. Robinson’s remarkable contributions to IAAPA, its members, and Lagoon Park make him a highly deserved entry into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
John McReynolds, chairman of the IAAPA Hall of Fame Committee, says: “We could not be more thrilled with this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. These four individuals truly represent more than 100 years of influence and imagination that has resonated throughout our industry.”
The official ceremony will be held at LEGENDS: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair on Monday 18 November at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, as part of IAAPA Expo 2024. The event will include a live auction, with all money raised supporting the IAAPA Foundation.
Last month, IAAPA announced that IAAPA Expo Europe, which took place from 23 to 27 September in Amsterdam, had welcomed the largest number of registered attendees in the region’s history.
