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DISNEY LEGEND DICK NUNIS INDUCTED INTO
ATTRACTIONS INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME

ORLANDO, FLA. (Nov. 13, 2007) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced this morning that Dick Nunis is the 2007 inductee to the IAAPA Hall of Fame. The announcement was made during the Kickoff Event for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007, the association’s annual conference and trade show at the Orlando County Convention Center.

Nunis, a Disney Legend since 1999, was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame in honor of his 44 years of service to the Walt Disney Company.

 “This year we are inducting a true legend in the amusement park business,” said Joe Meck, IAAPA Hall of Fame committee chair. “Dick Nunis has been an essential part of the attractions industry throughout the years, contributing generously to its growth and constantly working on innovative projects.”explains Meck.

Richard “Dick” Nunis
Originally from Cedartown, Ga., USA, Nunis graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) and applied for a job at Disneyland after being persuaded to do so by classmate Robert Miller, son-in-law of Walt Disney. Nunis’ first job consisted of training Walt Disney and other executives on operations. He quickly moved up in the company and after holding the position of attractions supervisor, became director of park operations in 1961. He was promoted to vice president of operations in 1968 and in 1972 became executive vice president of Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Nunis became president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts until he was promoted to chairman in 1991.

Having served a fruitful career with the company, Nunis retired as chairman of Walt Disney Attractions on May 26, 1999. During his tenure with The Walt Disney Company, Disneyland grew from 600 cast members to 13,000, and Walt Disney World was transformed from undeveloped swampland in Central Florida to a vacation kingdom employing more than 60,000. Nunis’ dedication and input over the years has proven him to be a true legend in the attractions industry.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 is the largest conference and trade show for the amusement park and attractions industry in the world. With its theme “Expand Your Universe” the show will drawan estimated 25,000 people from more than 85 countries from the amusement and leisure industries to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 16. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov.13 through Friday, Nov.16. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 offers a solid week of business and fun. More than 1,000 exhibitors will display their products and services in 500,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The event will also include educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, marquee social events and networking opportunities. This is the marketplace where amusement and attraction industry leaders, decision makers and visionaries gather to network, view the latest innovations, and plan for the future.

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide.  Founded almost 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry.

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