IAAPA have, once again, recognized the ‘significant achievement in the global attractions industry with the IAAPA Service Awards and the IAAPA Young Professional of the Year Award.’
A number of individuals have been acknowledged ‘with a devotion and dedication to the global attractions industry.’
The Lifetime Service Award recognizes individuals who have served IAAPA and the industry for over 20 years.
The IAAPA Lifetime Service Award goes to Franceen Gonzales, an IAAPA member for nearly 40 years. Franceen is the chief experience officer for WhiteWater, which has helped develop water parks since the very start of the industry 40 years ago.
She is also a subject matter expert for Funworld Magazine, the official publication for IAAPA, and is often an authority for media inquiries regarding regulatory and safety issues around the world.
She was selected in 2020 to be the first woman to be appointed as the Chairperson of ASTM’s F24 committee – Amusement Rides and Devices.
Meanwhile, the IAAPA Meritorious Service Award has been given to Phil Wilson. An active IAAPA member, Phil Wilson is the chief development officer for Extreme Engineering.
He spent the better part of eight years on the Space Allocation Committee strategically supporting over 1,100 exhibitors world-wide in securing their booth location during IAAPA Expo in Orlando.
Ryan Stana walks away with the IAAPA Outstanding Service Award. A member of IAAPA since 2006, Ryan Stana, the chief executive officer of the RWS Entertainment Group, joined IAAPA’s Entertainment Committee in 2007, serving for more than 10 years and launching the IAAPA Brass Ring Spirit Award in 2006.
He shares his expertise throughout the industry by participating in Funworld articles, speaking at the IAAPA EXPO, participating in IAAPA programming, and helping to connect the amusement industry to the cruise industry by connecting IAAPA and Seatrade Cruise Global, where he serves as the organization’s Entertainment Ambassador.
Furthermore, the IAAPA Young Professional of the Year is presented to Josh Liebman. The IAAPA Young Professional of the Year Award honours those rising stars who embrace and exemplify the qualities of the amusement park and attractions industry and the mission of IAAPA as a whole.
Josh Liebman began his career in the attractions industry as a ride operator at Cedar Point when he was 18 years old.
Since then, Josh has worked for some of the top attraction operators in the world, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Merlin Entertainments.
Josh has been a part of the leadership teams of the opening of multiple parks, including Hard Rock Park and LEGOLAND Florida.
Congratulations, one and all.
Image: IAAPA
