USA: WWA Show 2021 – Leading Edge Awards Presented
After the annual “WWA Show“ of the World Waterpark Association (WWA) was held as a virtual event last year, this time the waterpark industry professionals gathered for the “41st Annual Symposium & Trade Show“ in San Antonio, Texas (USA) from 19 to 22 October. The event was attended by around 1,400 persons, made up of owners, operators, developers and manufacturers, 325 of whom were first-time attendees. “There’s nothing like the energy that is generated when our group meets up at our annual show, but it was even more powerful to see everyone face to face again – in workshops and sessions, on the show floor and at the Annual Reunion Party. We saw a strong turnout from both park and supplier attendees who were looking to reconnect with each other in meaningful ways throughout the whole show experience,“ said Rick Root, President of the WWA.
Keynote speaker Mark Rucker, CEO of The Golden Company and former Global Vice President of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, shared the up and downs of his career during his “Stories in Leadership“ session. In numerous other sessions, around 120 speakers addressed topics such as operational safety, recruitment and hiring, maintenance and revenue generation.
During the WWA Show, Richard Carrol (Ellis & Associates) and Randy Neuman (Neuman Pools Inc & Neuman Group) were also inducted into the “WWA Hall of Fame“. In addition, this year‘s “Leading Edge Awards“ were presented to renowned manufacturing companies. The Canadian slide specialist ProSlide received a total of three awards – among others for the RideHOUSE® Svalgurok in the new Rulantica outdoor area. Europa-Park GmbH & Co Mack KG, Mack NeXT, Mack Solutions, PGAV Destinations and Rulantica GmbH & Co Mack KG also received a Leading Edge Award for this recently opened large-scale expansion (see EAP 5/2021). Polin Waterparks from Turkey was also awarded for the development of the “Utexture“ design technology and the participation in the “Typhoon World“ at VinWonders Phu Quoc. The Canadian manufacturing company WhiteWater West was also doubly pleased, receiving an award for its installations at Six Flags Hurricane Harbour and Studio City Water Park.
The WWA Show 2022 will take place from 4 to 7 October in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA). (eap)
