Safety is our number one priority. As an industry, we have an excellent safety record, and we will continue to strive to maintain that standing. Even one incident is too many.

Our members are constantly dedicating their technological and personnel resources to provide the safest environment possible for our guests and employees.

This issue of Funworld touches on some of the many safety innovations and efforts present in our industry today. I hope you will enjoy reading about this important topic in articles such as contributor Keith Miller’s “On the Cutting Edge of Your Seat,” which surveys the newest and most daring thrill rides. In this article, Miller discusses how extreme excitement and extreme safety are synonymous. We also explore the importance of public safety education programs at parks and their impact on rider safety.

And that’s not all. I hope you enjoy reading about Belgium’s newest dark ride, The Challenge of Tutankamon. I can tell you from first-hand experience that this ride is as fun as it is visually exciting. And don’t miss the touching tribute to IAAPA Hall of Famer Dr. Roberto Ortiz.

Mark your calendar for the Summer Meeting at Europa-Park, September 14-17, IAAPA Orlando 2004, November 15-20, and the Euro Amusement Expo at The Prater in Vienna, Austria, Jan. 28-31, 2005.

The Euro Amusement Show, which will take place at the newly opened convention and trade show facility, will feature more than 8,000 square meters (86,000 square feet) of exhibit space. By working together to plan the Euro Amusement Show, the European Association for the Amusement and Supplier Industry (EAASI) and IAAPA are confident you will enjoy this comprehensive and exciting show.

I look forward to seeing you at the many events happening throughout the next several months.

Best Wishes,

Gary Story
Chairman of the Board