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New Committees Gather at Liseberg
 In May, IAAPA Europe’s four committees and subcommittees met for the second time at Liseberg in Gothenburg, Sweden. Some of the main topics on the agenda were:
- The future rotation schedule of the Euro Attractions Show (EAS), as the goal is to rotate EAS between four or five top-tier cities in Europe.
- Update of the European safety standard EN 13.814 and how to best harmonize this with other safety standards around the world.
- The continued expansion of IAAPA educational products and programs in Europe, including the EAS conference program and the European Institute for Attractions Managers.
- Development of the European Ride Safety Reporting System, which is now in its third edition.
Read more about the IAAPA committees and see a full roster of the committee and subcommittee members at www.IAAPA.org/aboutus/committees.
What’s New at European Parks
In early June, IAAPA Europe distributed a press release featuring new attractions and investments in attractions throughout Europe. The release, which featured almost 40 member attractions, was distributed in nine languages in 14 countries and was targeted for the consumer press. See the press release at www.IAAPA.org/europe. Remember to send information about your 2011 projects to Jakob Wahl at jwahl@IAAPA.org for next year’s release.
 Don’t Miss EAS— Register Now!
Promising more than 250 exhibitors in the new Fiera Rome, an extensive conference program and the usual high-quality networking events, EAS will be 2010’s must-attend event in Europe for attraction industry professionals. See program and registration details at www.IAAPA.org/EAS.
IAAPA Europe Visits Russia
IAAPA Europe Program Manager Jakob Wahl recently gave a presentation at a meeting with IAAPA Global Alliance partner and Russian association SAPIR (Alliance of Partners Leisure Industry Association), in St. Petersburg. The meeting included visits to local IAAPA members, including Divo Ostrov, one of the biggest amusement parks in Russia, and Trans-Force, a manufacturer of interactive attractions. Staff members also presented the IAAPA Europe Business Plan to the 40 attendees at the SAPIR conference.
Forty staff members at Morey’s Piers enjoyed the “Suddenly Supervisors” webinar. For information on upcoming webinars (free for IAAPA members), visit www.IAAPA.org/education/ elearn/elearning.asp |
 U.S. Parks and Attractions: Are You Scaring Up New Thrills this Halloween?
IAAPA will promote “What’s New” to consumer press throughout the United States this fall. Please send information about your upcoming Halloween and fall events, as well as Christmas and winter holiday plans to pressoffice@IAAPA.org. Deadline for inclusion is Aug. 27.
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ADIBRA Training Week
 About 100 industry professionals attended ADIBRA Training Week April 29 and 30 at the São Paulo Convention Center. ADIBRA, the Brazilian Association of Amusement Parks, organized the event, which featured two international speakers, John Gerner, managing director, Leisure Business Advisors LLC and member of IAAPA Facilities Operations Committee, and Keith Brown, operations director, Ontario Place and chairman of IAAPA Facility Operations Committee. Also during the event, ADIBRA announced the Pinwheel Awards, which recognize the best parks and attractions in the Brazilian industry. The 2009 winners were announced during a ceremony attended by local officials, entrepreneurs, and leisure industry leaders.
The winners are:
- Best Theme Park: Hopi Hari, São Paulo
- Best Tourist Attraction: Iguazu Falls, Foz do iguaçu Paraná
- BestWater Park: Wet ‘nWild, São Paulo
- Best FEC: Playland, São Paulo
- Best Guest Service: Hopi Hari, São Paulo
- Best Social Project: Beach Park, Fortaleza
- Tribute to Professional: Roberto Augusto, of Coney Island Brazil, São Paulo
ADIBRA Training Week and the Pinwheel Award had the support of IAAPA, Sincadesp (Syndicate of Amusement Parks of São Paulo), and Sindepat (National Syndicate of Theme Parks and Attractions). Sponsors: Benassi Fruit / Fruta Zoom, JMCs, MSS Medicstar, Parks and Games, Regispel, and VCT.
National Day of Happiness
Nineteen parks and attractions located throughout Brazil opened their doors for free to commemorate Sindepat’s National Day of Happiness— DNA(Dia Nacional da Alegria), which makes leisure attractions accessible to needy children. More than 72,000 children from 400 institutions participated in the event, which is in its third year.
The National Day of Happiness 2010 had the support of ADIBRA and the Ministry of Tourism.
Industry Mourns Loss of Holiday World Owner
 Will Koch, owner and president of Santa Claus, Indiana’s Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, passed away suddenly June 13 at his home He was 48.
“Will was not only our leader, he was our dear friend,” says park spokesperson Paula Werne. “Our park family is in mourning for this sweet man who worked tirelessly to bring fun and happiness to so many families in the 20 years he ran the park.”
A native of Santa Claus, Koch was valedictorian of the 1979 graduating class at Heritage Hills High School. He graduated with honors from Notre Dame in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. In 1986, he received a master’s degree in computer science from University of Southern California.
Koch was chief executive officer of Koch Development Corporation, the parks’ parent company. He oversaw the addition of the waterpark, Splashin’ Safari, and the addition of “The Raven,” “The Legend,” and “The Voyage” coasters, the last of which he designed. In 2004, Holiday World received the international Applause Award for the industry under his leadership..
He was an IAAPA board member, and had volunteer leadership positions with the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association and the Santa Claus United Methodist Church.
“Will was always willing to share his knowledge, experience, time, and talents with others throughout the worldwide attractions industry,” said IAAPA President and CEO Charlie Bray. “He has been involved in and supported IAAPA for many years, and his contributions will be missed.”
Koch is survived by his wife, Lori; children, Lauren, Leah, William; mother, Pat; and siblings, Dan, Kristi, Philip, and Natalie. Dan Koch is now president and CEO of the park. |
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