Show Daily - Wed, Nov. 16

IAAPA Service Awards Honor Industry Veterans

By Amanda Charney

During IAAPA Attractions Expo, the association honors leaders for their continued dedication to the attractions industry.

This year, IAAPA awarded Marcelo Periales of Argentina's Neverland Park the Lifetime Service Award; Keith James of Jack Rouse Associates the Outstanding Service Award; and Alan Ramsay, posthumously, of CLM Entertainment the Meritorious Service Award. The awards were presented Wednesday morning during the annual GM and Owners' Breakfast.

Lifetime Service Award: Marcelo Periales

The Lifetime Service Award recognizes a member individual or organization's continual service to the industry. This year's recipient was Marcelo Periales, who has more than 25 years of experience, giving generously of his time and expertise to grow the Latin American attractions industry. In addition to running his Neverland Park, a family-focused FEC that aims to bring children and their parents closer together in a safe and fun environment, he's continually lent his time and efforts to assist the larger industry in Latin America. Periales founded and served as past president of both the Argentinean Amusement Park Association and the Association of Latin American Parks. He's also served as an IAAPA board member, and he was first chairman of the Latin American Advisory Committee. He was instrumental in establishing the IAAPA Institute for Executive Education in Latin America.

"I'm honored to have shared the last 25 years with the great figures of this industry," Periales said Wednesday.

Outstanding Service Award: Keith James

The Outstanding Service Award is presented to the member individual or company that fosters the spirit of goodwill, professionalism, and high levels of performance within the industry on a local or international basis. This award was presented to Keith James of Jack Rouse Associates, who began his career as a seasonal employee at Kings Island, where he worked as a stage manager. This job ultimately led to a career when he met Jack Rouse to found and develop Kings Productions, an entertainment and design company that eventually became part of Cedar Fair. James also worked at Canada's Wonderland, the World's Fair in Vancouver, Australia's Wonderland, and Universal Studios Florida. He returned to Jack Rouse Associates in the early 90s and now holds the position of CEO/owner.

Throughout his career, he's volunteered his time and talents to the industry at large, serving in IAAPA's board of directors, executive committee, manufacturers and suppliers committee, space allocation committee, nominating committee, and the conference and trade show committee. He also helped found the Themed Entertainment Association, and has served as a board member and past president of that association.

"To receive an award for something I do every day—and love to do—is amazing," James said.

"Keith has dedicated his professional career to expand and improve the attractions industry," said Wages. "He has long been an advocate for the attractions industry and has helped pioneer opportunities around the world in countries, including China, India, and the United Arab Emirates and has worked to globalize the themed entertainment industry."

Meritorious Service Award: Alan Ramsay

The Meritorious Service Award goes to the member individual or organization that has gone the extra mile to promote safe operations, global development, professional growth, and the commercial success of the industry. This award went to Alan Ramsay, posthumously, of CLM Entertainment. Ramsay's love and passion for the industry began in 1985 at Rocky Point Amusement Park in Warwick, Rhode Island. He later managed Roger Williams Park in Providence and then moved on to Ripley Entertainment. His passion for industry safety ultimately led him to start his own business, CLM Entertainment, a firm that focuses on loss control, ride safety audits, and providing expert testimony on behalf of the attractions industry. His work for CLM spanned 47 states and five countries.

Ramsay also gave of his personal time as an outstanding volunteer for IAAPA, the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, IALEI, ASTM, OABA, and several other organizations. He was a fixture at IAAPA Attractions Expo as a seminar speaker and panelist.

Ramsay passed away suddenly at the age of 41.

"Alan worked tirelessly to train, educate, and inspire attractions operators around the world on the key tenants of operations, safety, and guest service," said Bobbie Wages, chairman of the IAAPA Service Awards committee. "IAAPA recognizes his excellence and enthusiasm with the Meritorious Service Award."