| Amusement parks are known around the world | | | | Some of the past winners have been from |
| for their fun rides, great food and entertaining | | | | Wildwood, New Jersey, South Korea, China and |
| games. But most people don't know there's an | | | | Dubai, UAE. In the past, winning waterparks have |
| entire professional association that awards the top | | | | included features like dedicated children's play |
| parks with international recognition. The | | | | areas, private cabanas, water slides for everyone |
| International Association of Amusement Parks and | | | | and even relaxation services like massages and |
| Attractions (IAAPA) gives out a number of | | | | other spa services. This year's winners will be |
| awards each year, including the Souvenir Awards, | | | | announced at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Las |
| Must-See Waterparks, the Spirit of Excellence | | | | Vegas, NV. |
| Awards and the Service Awards. | | | | Spirit of Excellence Awards |
| This year, the IAAPA awards will be handed out | | | | The Spirit of Excellence Awards recognize parks |
| at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Las Vegas, NV. | | | | around the world for behind the scenes work, |
| The Expo takes place in a different location each | | | | mainly Employee Recruitment and Recognition, |
| year and employees work tirelessly to judge | | | | Safety Awareness, Employee Orientation, Guest |
| amusement parks, waterparks and other | | | | Services Training and Supervisor Training |
| attractions in the each of the award categories. | | | | programs. Each of the different categories reward |
| The Souvenir Awards | | | | amusement parks that are committed to training |
| The Souvenir Awards are given to recognize | | | | and professional development. |
| parks in both merchandise and visual store | | | | Past winners include amusement parks from |
| displays. Awards are given in the following | | | | Wildwood, New Jersey, Australia, Singapore and |
| categories: Best Hat, Best Keychain, Best T-shirt, | | | | Canada. |
| Best Drinkware, Best Gift, Best Visual (overall | | | | Service Awards |
| store design) and Best Visual (window, feature or | | | | There are three separate service awards for |
| focal). Souvenirs from amusement parks are | | | | IAAPA members. The Lifetime Service Award, |
| judged based on their innovation, visual appeal, | | | | the Outstanding Service Award and the |
| quality, branding and the uniqueness to each of | | | | Meritorious Service Award are all given to IAAPA |
| the entering parks. | | | | members who benefit the amusement parks |
| Parks can enter the contests each September by | | | | industry, whether regionally, nationally or |
| sending a photo of a merchandising display or a | | | | internationally. |
| sample of the merchandise. The awards are | | | | Nominations are due each September and can be |
| announced each November at the IAAPA | | | | submitted either online or through the mail. The |
| Attractions Expo. | | | | Service Awards are handed out during the |
| Must-See Waterparks | | | | General Managers and Owners' Breakfast during |
| The Must-See Waterparks Award recognizes the | | | | the IAAPA Attractions Expo. |
| top two or three waterparks each November. | | | | Millions of people visit these attractions each year |
| The winning waterparks are the ones that | | | | around the world. Most of these people enjoy |
| consistently provide park visitors with an | | | | themselves and never think of the many awards |
| unforgettable visit. The waterparks are scored on | | | | these parks can win for providing guests with an |
| guest service, operations or safety. | | | | unforgettable experience. |