events and an ailing economy changed our society and presented new challenges for our industry. It was a difficult ride, but IAAPA and its members responded with a renewed spirit of resilience and made significant changes as a result.

Clark Robinson took the helm as president in July, bringing a new vision bred through a lifetime of industry leadership. Working with a board committed to supporting the organization’s membership, Robinson embarked on an aggressive program to showcase the industry’s strengths and forge new bonds with policymakers.

New programs were initiated to quantify the industry’s commitment to safety. A voluntary incident-reporting system for U.S. parks is now in place that will enable IAAPA to counter inaccurate speculation with real numbers. This, coupled with new scientific research disproving claims that roller coaster G forces are harmful, provides scientific data to refute the need for additional governmental regulation. With the anticipated adoption of the ASTM World Standard for design and manufacturing, the industry has taken a proactive step toward reinforcing its commitment to safety and self-regulation.

The industry has always embraced safety as the top priority, but without hard data, it has been vulnerable to inaccurate reports and sensationalism. Now it is well-positioned to take its story to the media, consumers, and policymakers, armed with solid ride incident data, scientific research, and an industry-wide standard for designing and manufacturing rides.

While Robinson has worked to address the challenges facing American amusement parks, he has also focused on strengthening worldwide relationships in regions with established amusement businesses and burgeoning industries, as well.

IAAPA has increased its commitment to the world’s children through two new alliances with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism. These two efforts complement the work IAAPA has done over the past seven years building the flourishing Give Kids The World program.

The association has continued to invest in services to help members grow and prosper, ranging from new seminars at the annual convention and trade show to new training programs showcasing
the best practices that the industry has to offer. All in all, 2002 was an exciting year for the amusement industry—a year of challenges met with change and commitment. IAAPA will continue to monitor and address the industry’s concerns to strengthen the culture and reputation of the industry.

Robinson Takes the Helm

In July 2002, Clark Robinson was appointed president of IAAPA. He brings decades of park experience and industry leadership to the position.

Robinson’s park experience stems from decades at Lagoon Park in Farmington, Utah. He learned the ups and downs of the amusement park industry from age eight, rising through the ranks to become controller and ultimately general manager of the amusement park.

Robinson’s IAAPA contributions clearly illustrate his dedication to the industry. He spent 27 years on the board and was a member of the IAAPA Executive/Financial Committee for 12 years, serving two terms as treasurer. In 1981, he led the association as IAAPA chairman.

A lifelong resident of Utah, Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management as well as a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Utah. He and his wife, DeeAnn, have relocated to the Washington, D.C., area from their home state, where they have four children and 15 grandchildren.

Chairman Alain Baldacci

IAAPA’s 2002 chairman, Alain Baldacci, helped steer the association through a challenging year. Baldacci’s longtime commitment to increasing membership and member benefits has translated into numerous projects and accomplishments.

A civil engineer by training, Baldacci entered the industry in 1980 when he founded Interplay Park. The Brazilian company developed indoor facilities in shopping malls, specializing in themed family entertainment centers. He joined IAAPA the following year and later brought the waterpark concept to Brazil. But Baldacci did not stop with his homeland. His efforts were instrumental in establishing regional and national trade associations throughout South America and Central America. He remains actively involved in the Brazilian tourism industry as a current member of the Federal Government Tourism Chamber and the Tourism Council of the State of Sao Paulo.

Baldacci’s efforts for IAAPA have been far-reaching, contributing many years of service to the association. He took part in the creation of IAAPA’s World Council in 1990 and continued to serve on its board for seven years.

In addition, he has served in various capacities on several IAAPA standing committees and on the board. When he assumed chairmanship of IAAPA, one of Baldacci’s goals was to do more for children in need. He accomplished that goal by initiating the alliances with UNICEF and the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism during his term. These two programs, coupled with Baldacci’s other IAAPA accomplishments, are a proud legacy for the association.

Commitment to Safety
Real Science Emerges in G Force Debate
An October article in the Journal of Neurotrauma presented definitive data countering the misconception that coasters are exposing the general public to the risk of brain injury. Brain injury experts Dr. Doug Smith, a member of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Neurosurgery, and Dr. David Meaney, of the Department of Bioengineering, authored the article on the subject of G force. They requested and analyzed data provided by IAAPA members and concluded that the actual coaster forces and underlying scientific principles involved do not elevate the risk of brain injury.

The paper garnered significantly favorable coverage in mid-October, including four newswire pieces sent nationwide by UPI, Associated Press, Reuters, and Knight-Ridder. These wire stories were then reprinted in various forms in newspapers across the U.S., including such major publications as the Orlando Sentinel, Philadelphia Inquirer, Los Angeles Daily News, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and Salt Lake City Desert News. The wire stories were also the basis for more than 225 television and radio broadcast pieces, including reports on CNN Radio, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, CBS Radio, and CNN Cable. Finally, the paper led to significant coverage in Amusement Business and in the Los Angeles Times, and a very favorable editorial piece in the Boston Herald, the spirit of which is captured in this excerpt from a Boston Herald editorial: “U.S. Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) believes in the dangers of roller coasters the way some earlier residents of an adjacent district believed in witches: in defiance of all evidence.”

The G force paper, which was sent to all IAAPA facilities and the relevant segments of the manufacturer and supplier members, should prove an extremely useful document for members to keep on hand for whenever the issue is raised. In addition, IAAPA has shared the document with key media and congressional contacts.

On the heels of this scientific study underscoring ride safety, IAAPA initiated a voluntary incident reporting process for U.S. parks. Incidents that occur on rides are reported to and collected by an independent auditor to ensure the data’s integrity. IAAPA took these steps in developing a national program and collecting data because it is in the best position to accomplish this task. This continues the long history of reporting incidents to state and local bodies throughout the country, as well as working with government officials and inspectors in a partnership to ensure guest safety. When 2002 data compilation is completed, IAAPA will have a two-year benchmark with definitive figures showing amusement parks to be one of the safest forms of family recreation.
In a broader effort to add scientific data to the ride safety debate, IAAPA initiated a voluntary incident-reporting program covering the 2001 and 2002 seasons. When 2002 data compilation is completed, IAAPA will have definitive figures showing amusement parks to be one of the safest forms of family recreation.

ASTM Finalizes the New World Standard
The amusement park industry moved closer to the adoption of a uniform design and manufacturing standard in 2002. This milestone is the culmination of years of work by the F-24 committee of ASTM International. IAAPA and many of its members have contributed to the process, and the consensus is that a well-thought-out, uniform standard will be a boost for manufacturers and park operators. The committee also expects the standards to be well received by government officials who have suggested the development of a comprehensive standard.

The World Standard received overwhelming support upon its initial ballot this past summer. The committee’s subsequent review of the entire document on October 5-6 yielded just a few items that require further consideration, and these will be re-balloted in early 2003. The aim of this re-balloting is to resolve the remaining few issues in time for the complete set of new provisions to be adopted in 2003.

U.S. Policymakers Take an Up-close Look

In an effort to expand dialogue and showcase the industry’s commitment to safety, IAAPA’s government relations team invited key government officials to the November convention and trade show in Orlando, Fla.

A group of House representatives were briefed on major industry issues, toured the trade show floor, and visited with manufacturers and suppliers. During visits to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando, they were escorted by senior safety officials through behind-the-scenes tours. This provided an excellent opportunity to understand why the amusement industry is able to provide one of the safest forms of recreation.

Consumer Product Safety Commission chairman Hal Stratton also visited the convention. He met with the Government Relations Committee, as well as with other industry leaders. A meeting was held with Smith and Meaney, who discussed the science of brain injuries and rides.

In addition, IAAPA began the process of reinvigorating its own political action committee in 2002 to heighten awareness about the industry. The organization hosted a political action committee reception during the convention. Among the attendees was Congressman Ric Keller of Florida.

Congressman Cliff Stearns of Florida, chair of the House subcommittee on commerce, trade, and consumer protection, also visited the show and appeared before the IAAPA Board of Directors.

All of these visits to the convention and trade show provided opportunities for information to be exchanged between the industry and U.S. policymakers. The officials learned more about IAAPA and its members through one-on-one meetings and got a firsthand look at the scope of the industry by touring the show floor. IAAPA plans to continue working with policymakers to increase their understanding of our industry.

IAAPA Europe Seminar Visions for the Future
In celebration of Efteling Park’s fiftieth anniversary, IAAPA Europe organized a two-day seminar hosted by the park in October. Nearly 200 attendees including IAAPA members and officials, Europarks officials, media, and educators took part in seminars focusing on the future of tourism and leisure.

European industry leaders spoke on their visions for the industry in the coming years, and the audience was invited to express their thoughts on the presentations through a computerized, interactive polling and presentation process, which was provided by an IAAPA member.

Attendees were also treated to a dinner buffet and an evening of entertainment in the magnificent Efteling’s Steam Carousel Palace. The event garnered extensive media coverage throughout Europe and strengthened IAAPA’s bond with our European colleagues.

The Learning Curve
The IAAPA Training Department’s goal is to develop the most informative and comprehensive materials to assist our members in operating their facilities more efficiently and to generate more fun for their guests. Last year brought new materials to the membership in a variety of forms.

The Amusement Facility Performance Survey was developed to give management a jump start in forecasting, planning, and strategizing. It demonstrates how to make comparisons to other facilities in the same category, region, and size. Comparative data on sales, expenses, capital investment, and asset values is included, as well as cost of goods, wages and salaries, and other overhead expenses. This is one of the best benchmarking tools in the industry.

Welcome to Food Service is a customizable CD-Rom. Using the content from the companion video, this new media gives operators the ability to prepare a customized food service training program. Following simple steps, logos can be inserted along with photos of menu items. Guides and recommendations on training formats and activities are included on the tape, which is available in English and Spanish.

IAAPA’s training department gathered 350 thought-provoking concepts from all around the world and published them in Special Events: A Compendium of Ideas. Special events are a great way to
generate additional revenue in the shoulder seasons, as well as midseason, and they create excellent public relations opportunities along the way. This collection includes events as diverse as St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Halloween ideas, fund-raising events, and wintertime activities.

IAAPA Orlando 2002
The eighty-fourth IAAPA Convention and Trade Show attracted more than 29,400 attendees, making it the second-largest event ever hosted by our association. From November 18 through 23, 2002, the Orange County Convention Center was abuzz with industry professionals from 58 countries visiting nearly 1,300 exhibits and taking part in more than 50 educational sessions.

The educational program included a wide range of seminars and workshops for every segment of membership and offered the accredited IAAPA Attractions Management School. Tours of Walt Disney World Resort’s Blizzard Beach Waterpark, Universal Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa afforded an opportunity to see firsthand how these highly successful facilities operate.

Ticketed events were very well attended. They included the General Managers and Owners Luncheon, which featured actor Roger Moore in his role as ambassador for UNICEF, the International Reception, and the Thursday Night Social at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park. A series of other popular receptions and networking events were hosted by various segments of the industry throughout the duration.

At the traditional Passing of the Gavel, Chairman Alain Baldacci passed on the role for the 2003 year to John Collins of John Collins Leisure, Penarth, Wales, U.K.

The trade show once again proved itself as the definitive industry event for showcasing new products, sharing best practices, and strengthening bonds.

Charitable Works: Entertaining and Healing the World
IAAPA has made a commitment to take the idea of making people happy beyond entertaining guests at parks and attractions worldwide. Through alliances with worldwide nonprofit organizations, IAAPA is committed to improving the lives of children in need and promoting world peace. The association invites and encourages every member facility to join in by making one of the three following charities a part of their good works.


Give Kids The World Passport for Kids Program
The Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Fla., was founded to provide special memories for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Since 1995, IAAPA has supported this worthwhile program with the World Passport for Kids program, which gives the afflicted children and their families an opportunity to visit amusement facilities in their hometown or region once they leave the GKTW Village. We are immensely proud of our member facilities who participate in hosting the children and their families.


Your Change for a Real Change
IAAPA’s alliance with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was initiated by Alain Baldacci and formed in 2002. UNICEF provides programs in health, nutrition, education, sanitation, and emergency relief for children living in poverty in developing countries, saving 7 million lives each year. The Your Change for a Real Change program is a voluntary fund-raising opportunity in which facilities can support UNICEF through donations with ticket purchases, donation boxes at entrances and exits, and distribution of donation envelopes to park guests. Parks, zoos, and aquariums might choose to donate a percentage of ticket sales, sell UNICEF products in their retail shops, or design a promotion of their own.


International Institute for Peace Through Tourism
The IIPT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and facilitating tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding, an improved quality of environment, and preservation of heritage. Through these ambitious goals, IIPT hopes to ensure a more peaceful and sustainable world. IAAPA’s own past president, John Graff, commits his time and talents to IIPT and will be working on imaginative programs through which IAAPA members who wish to join him in this cause can promote peace to the multitude of cultures at our member parks.

IAAPA Service Awards
This distinguished honor is given to members who are recognized throughout the amusement industry for their dedication and hard work within both the industry and their communities. Nominations for outstanding individuals are accepted from facility owners and operators.

The Lifetime Service Award is presented to individuals who have consistently achieved noteworthy accomplishments in the industry. The 2002 award was presented to Geoffrey Thompson, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach Group in Blackpool, Lancaster, U.K.

The Meritorious Service Award is given to an individual or organization that has improved the industry’s standing regionally, nationally, or internationally. The 2002 award was presented to Andy Quinn, director of community relations with Kennywood in Pittsburgh, Pa.

The Outstanding Service Award is a distinction for those who have constantly fostered a spirit of goodwill and professionalism in the industry. The 2002 award was presented to Bobbie Wages, administration director of Lake Compounce in Bristol, Conn., and current IAAPA treasurer.

The Public Affairs Award is given to an individual or organization in recognition of outstanding efforts on behalf of the industry in the area of public affairs. The 2002 award was presented to Gary Slade, editor and publisher of Amusement Today in Arlington, Texas.

The Phoenix Award, which is presented to an individual or organization responsible for the preservation or rebirth of amusement history, was presented to Dick Knoebel, president of Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pa.

Hall of Fame
IAAPA honored its Hall of Fame inductees during the What’s New Theater at IAAPA Orlando 2002—one living and two deceased. These gentlemen joined a distinguished group of individuals whose significant contributions greatly advanced the amusement industry.

Marty Sklar

When the world lost Walt Disney, Marty Sklar, IAAPA’s living inductee, provided the leadership necessary for the company to expand the Disney magic beyond its Anaheim facility. For more than three decades he provided guidance at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), the group behind all the parks that followed. During Sklar’s tenure, WDI has grown from 2,000 to 4,000 employees and is the largest architectural company in America, despite being exclusively devoted to the amusement business. In the process, Sklar has mentored two generations of future themed attractions leaders. Today, Sklar’s influence is present in the careers and creative philosophy of an entire generation of young designers and, by imitation, in non-Disney parks throughout the world.

Rudyard Uzzell
Rudyard Uzzell was one of the early
manufacturers in the amusement park industry, a noted ride and amusement park designer, and a builder, credited with installations in Brazil, Germany, England, Spain, and Belgium. With Harry Traver and J.W. Ely, Uzzell installed hundreds of Circle Swings and later built rides like the Frolic and Scoota Boats. For 26 years, Uzzell wrote a column titled Around the Parks for Billboard magazine. He was a primary founder of the National Association of Amusement Parks, the precursor to IAAPA, and served as its historian for 31 years. Uzzell also operated rides as a concessionaire at Luna Park on Coney Island, N.Y., and at Belmont Park in Canada.

Leon Cassidy
Leon Cassidy was a professional musician who changed careers in the late 1920s and became the manager of Tumbling Run Park in Bridgetown, N.J. Inspired by the Old Mill ride, Cassidy modified some old amusement cars and placed them in an aging building where they were attached to a rail. The result was the Fire Fly, the first non-water-based dark ride. It was wildly popular, and within two years Cassidy had sold 60 of these rides. Throughout his lifetime, more than 1,000 of Cassidy’s dark rides were sold worldwide.