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Author: amusementtoday

Brett Warder of Calgary Stampede elected as IAFE Zone 7 Director

DENVER, Colo. — Brett Warder of the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta, has been elected Zone 7 Director of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). The election took place during the association’s annual business session at the 2025 IAFE Convention & Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “I look forward to supporting fairs and […]

The Winter Music Series returns to Dollywood’s Dreammore Resort and Spa

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — A lineup of talented performers is set to take the stage during this year’s Winter Music Series, creating unforgettable memories at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Sounds of unique and harmonious melodies fill the Smoky Mountain air as event guests enjoy a series of country music performances in an intimate setting. The 2026 Winter Music Series is a ticketed […]

Play Social Inc. announces Phil Royle as new Chief Executive Officer

LAS VEGAS — Play Social Inc., the creator of the Play Playground social game experience with locations in Las Vegas and Nashville, announces the appointment of Phil Royle as its new chief executive officer, beginning Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. A veteran of Merlin Entertainments with more than 25 years of international attractions development experience, Royle will […]

Legoland New York Resort’s tree lighting featuring Lego Masters is Saturday

LEGOLAND New York Resort’s Holiday Bricktacular is in full swing and on Saturday, Dec. 6, the family theme park in Goshen will officially light the iconic 35-foot-tall LEGO tree, made from more than 364,000 LEGO bricks. Adding to the excitement, Brickmaster Amy and LEGO Masters Season 5 winners will join in the celebration as this year’s special […]

Scuba Claus dives into the ‘SEA’son at Sea Life Grapevine

Ho Ho H20! Sea Life Grapevine is diving into the holidays with a special underwater appearances from Scuba Claus in the only 360 degree ocean tunnel in Texas, filled with sharks, stingrays and even rescued sea turtles. Guests can enjoy the festive fun among the fish at 11:00am on select Saturdays in December. There will even be a special […]

Lake Compounce hosts Toy Drive during Holiday Lights

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright at Lake Compounce Holiday Lights. In partnership with Pepsi, Lake Compounce will be hosting a Stuff-the-Pepsi Truck event on December 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. Park-goers are encouraged to bring one unwrapped toy to help stuff the truck benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol and Southington Community Services.    […]

Universal Studios Hollywood starts 2026 with EVE

Universal Studios Hollywood rings in 2026 with its annual New Year’s EVE celebration featuring a brilliant midnight fireworks display, lively DJs, themed photo ops and more. EVEfestivities are suitable for guests of all ages, inviting families and friends to celebrate a fun filled night cast against a backdrop of exhilarating thrill rides and attractions. The best part…EVE is included […]

Jayme Buttke of Wisconsin Association of Fairs honored with IAFE Top Recruiter Award

DENVER, Colo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) proudly honored Jayme Buttke, IFMG, CFE, Wisconsin Association of Fairs, with the 2025 IAFE Top Recruiter Award. This distinguished recognition was announced on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the IAFE Convention and Trade Show held in Denver, Colorado. “Jayme brought 23 new fairs from […]

Ray Allison of Indiana State Fair elected 2026 IAFE Board Chair

DENVER, Colo. — Ray Allison, CFE, Chief Operating Officer of the Indiana State Fair, has been elected Chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Board of Directors during the association’s annual business session at the 2025 IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “It has been a privilege to work in […]

Alicia Shoults of Ohio State Fair elected as IAFE Second Vice Chair

DENVER, Colo. — Alicia Shoults, CFE, of the Ohio State Fair in Columbus, has been elected Second Vice Chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). The election took place during the association’s annual business session at the 2025 IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “I am deeply honored and humbled […]

Dr. Michael Lariscy of Savannah Exchange Club Fair Association honored with IAFE Heritage Award

DENVER, Colo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) proudly presented Dr. Michael Lariscy of the Savannah Exchange Club Fair Association in Savannah, Georgia, with the prestigious Heritage Award. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, during the IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “The Heritage Award celebrates the […]

Jenni Axelson of Sherburne County Fair honored with IAFE Heritage Award

DENVER, Colo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) proudly presented Jenni Axelson, IFMG, CVFM, of the Sherburne County Fair in Elk River, Minnesota, with the prestigious Heritage Award. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, during the IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “The Heritage Award celebrates the […]

Kelly Collins of State Fair of West Virginia honored with IAFE Rising Star Award

DENVER, Colo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) proudly recognized Kelly Collins, IFMG, CFE, of the State Fair of West Virginia in Lewisburg, with the prestigious Rising Star Award. The announcement was made on Monday, December 1, 2025, during the IAFE Convention and Trade Show held in Denver, Colorado. “Our industry thrives […]

Jessica Underberg inducted into the International Association of Fairs and Expositions Hall of Fame

HAMBURG, N.Y. — The Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS) is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer and Fair Manager Jessica Underberg has been inducted into the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Hall of Fame, the highest honor awarded by the organization. Underberg received the recognition on Monday, December 1, during the IAFE Convention and Trade […]

Pete Owens, attractions industry veteran, accepts nomination as new museum chairman

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement artifacts, has selected Pete Owens, a 26-year veteran of the attractions industry, as its new chairman. He succeeds Jeff Novotny, also an industry veteran, who served as chairman for seven years. “It is an honor to be […]

Dancing With the Stars’ Danielle Fishel kicks off the holiday season at Legoland California resort lighting its 35-foot Lego Christmas Tree

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Stars truly aligned at LEGOLAND California Resort as Dancing With the Stars alum Danielle Fishel illuminated the Resort’s iconic 35-foot LEGO Christmas tree during the 23rd annual tree lighting ceremony. The celebration continued with another star-studded moment: the family-friendly theme park revealed its new land, LEGO Galaxy, will open March 6, 2026, offering guests intergalactic experiences, three epic rides, […]

Wands at the ready! Harry Potter is coming to Legoland Deutschland Resort

In a magical fusion of creativity, wizardry and play, Merlin Entertainments and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences are joining forces to create the world’s first LEGO Harry Potter land and the first-ever Harry Potter themed guest accommodation – at LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort. This new land in Germany will see HogwartsTM meet LEGO bricks in a location-based […]

Dippin’ Dots splashes into Kalahari Resorts nationwide

PADUCAH, Ky. — Dippin’ Dots, the Original Beaded Ice Cream, announced today a new partnership with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, home to America’s largest indoor waterparks. Beginning this month, guests can enjoy Dippin’ Dots at every Kalahari location nationwide, adding extra delight to the resort experience families already love. “We are proud to grow our partnership with Kalahari Resorts, […]

Splish Splash partners with Little Flower Children & Family Services for Giving Tuesday

In celebration of Giving Tuesday on December 2, New York’s Largest Water Park, Splish Splash will be partnering with Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York. On Giving Tuesday for every Season Pass sold, Splish Splash will donate one general admission ticket to the organization to use anytime throughout the park’s 2026 season. “Little Flower Children […]

Legacy Entertainment launches “The Safari Park Company”

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Legacy Entertainment, a globally renowned entertainment design and production studio, has announced the launch of a new dedicated division – the company’s seventh — The Safari Park Company. This new specialized business unit has been established to meet the major global demand for Legacy to not only design all-new Safari Parks, but also for […]

Titanic all decked out for Christmas and honored with USA Today 10Best nomination

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — As the holiday season unfolds, the spirit of an Edwardian Christmas has arrived at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, located in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. The Titanic’s captain and crew invite guests to an experience like no other – filled with timeless beauty, festive holiday splendor and heartfelt tributes to the passengers […]

Lake Compounce joins in the joy with Holiday Lights 2025

BRISTOL, Conn. — The magic of the season is glowing once again as Lake Compounce transforms into a winter wonderland for its thirteenth season of Holiday Lights. Southern New England’s Only Theme Park Holiday Event will offer 14 days to celebrate the joy of the holidays with the entire family surrounded by dazzling light displays, decked midways and festive […]

ASTM International approves standard for Amusement Ride Risk Assessment

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — A new ASTM International standard will provide guidance for estimating, evaluating, reducing, and documenting risks associated with personnel and the public interacting with an amusement ride or device. ASTM’s amusement rides and devices committee (F24) has approved the new standard, which specifies basic terminology, principles, and methodology needed for amusement ride risk […]

Universal Orlando Resort rings in the merry season with festive thrills as its destination-wide holidays celebration kicks off today

ORLANDO — ‘Tis the season for holiday thrills as Universal Orlando Resort’s destination-wide Holidays celebration officially begins today. Running daily through January 4, 2026, guests and clients can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as they enjoy a festive collection of holiday experiences inspired by beloved characters and stories where they can revel […]

Vekoma Rides and Mobaro announce strategic partnership to elevate safety and maintenance standards in the amusement industry

ORLANDO — Two of the amusement industry’s most trusted and premium brands, Vekoma Rides and Mobaro, are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at transforming safety and maintenance operations across theme parks worldwide. At IAAPA Expo in Orlando, both companies have formally signed the partnership agreement. This strategic alliance represents a major leap forward […]

Universal Orlando Resort celebrates Mardi Gras: International Flavors Of Carnaval from February 7 Through April 4, 2026

ORLANDO — From February 7, 2026, through April 4, 2026, Universal Orlando Resort serves up Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, bringing dynamic culinary experiences and Carnaval festivities from around the world to Universal Studios Florida. The vibrant celebration will feature a nightly parade with glittering floats, high-energy street performers, and tons of colorful beads. And […]

Intercard’s Happy Hoedown brings cowboy style to IAAPA Expo

ST. LOUIS — Yee-haw! Intercard’s annual IAAPA Expo Customer Appreciation Party rounded up more than 400 of the company’s global family for a rip-roarin’ cowboy-style hoedown on November 18, 2025. Guests hit the trail from as far away as Asia, Australia, the Middle East and South America to celebrate the launch of the year’s biggest […]

Fort Wayne Zoo welcomes Harbor Seal, Bubba

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a male harbor seal named Bubba. Arriving from Woods Hole Science Aquarium in Massachusetts back in September, Bubba made his first public appearance for guests on November 11, 2025, in the new Coastal Cove habitat. Bubba joins fellow harbor seal Ronan […]

BenQ launches BR9708 4K Projector bringing true cinema color and realism to hyper-realistic Entertainment environments

ORLANDO —  BenQ, a world leader in visualization and display technology, today announced its BR9708, a purpose-built 4K projector designed for dark rides, immersive attractions, escape rooms, and themed environments that demand cinematic realism at an accessible price. Unveiled at IAAPA Expo 2025, the BenQ BR9708 delivers the color performance of high-end projectors at a fraction […]

GoPhoto LLC announces agreement to acquire Capturelife

ORLANDO — GoPhoto LLC today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Capturelife, a leading provider of digital photo delivery and engagement solutions. This strategic move strengthens GoPhoto’s commitment to delivering innovative experiences for consumers and businesses in the photography industry, expanding its capabilities in mobile-first photo sharing and digital content monetization. Capturelife has built […]

The magic of the holidays returns to Carowinds with WinterFest beginning Nov. 28

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolinas’ most immersive holiday celebration returns Nov. 28 as Carowinds transforms into a winter wonderland for WinterFest. From the scent of succulent treats to the sparkle of dazzling displays, WinterFest combines Carowinds’ signature thrills with the yuletide chills of the holiday season, featuring new live shows, interactive attractions, a new Christmas Village, more rides and […]

FACE Amusement Group celebrates Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown named a finalist for the 2026 AAMA FEC of the Year Award

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group is proud to announce that Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has been selected as one of five national finalists for the 2026 AAMA Family Entertainment Center (FEC) of the Year Award. Presented annually by the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA), this industry-leading honor recognizes family entertainment centers that […]

Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idlewild & SoakZone announce opening days & full season of 2026 events

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Kennywood Park, Sandcastle Water Park, and Idlewild & SoakZone are hard at work preparing for a thrilling and entertaining 2026. All three parks have officially announced opening days next spring with Kennywood welcoming guests back on Saturday, April 18, and Sandcastle and Idlewild & SoakZone on Saturday, May 23. While Kennywood just kicked off its 2025 […]

Universal Orlando Resort receives huge honors at 2025 Thea Awards – taking home four Outstanding Achievement Awards for its new theme park, Universal Epic Universe

ORLANDO —Universal Orlando Resort continues its historic year with incredible recognition for its groundbreaking Universal Epic Universe theme park from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) – presenters of the annual Thea Awards, which are considered the highest honor in the global themed entertainment industry. Universal earned a total of four “Outstanding Achievement” awards, including: Plus, […]

Lake Compounce join’s in the joy with Holiday Lights 2025

BRISTOL, Conn. — The magic of the season is glowing once again as Lake Compounce transforms into a winter wonderland for its thirteenth season of Holiday Lights. Southern New England’s Only Theme Park Holiday Event will offer 14 days to celebrate the joy of the holidays with the entire family surrounded by dazzling light displays, decked midways and festive […]

Wavegarden partners with race track designers Tilke to launch a new sports lifestyle resort concept

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain — Wavegarden, a world leader in artificial wave technology and surfing lagoon design, has partnered with Tilke, the German engineering and architecture company renowned for racetrack design and the largest network of private racing circuits worldwide, to develop world-class surfing destinations for a new generation of lifestyle resorts. This collaboration will create […]

Kissel Entertainment purchases first of its kind ride for USA from Gosetto at 2025 IAAPA

Kissel Entertainment, one of the leading traveling amusement providers in the nation, is proud to announce the purchase of a super thrill ride at the 2025 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).   The family-owned business is no stranger to being the “first” when it comes to innovation and expansion in the carnival […]

Water parks, surf, and tech: WhiteWater showcases global momentum at IAAPA Expo 2025

ORLANDO — WhiteWater’s press conference at IAAPA Expo 2025 was all about momentum, spotlighting bold new projects across a wide range of venue types as well as innovative attractions that will be coming to life in 2026/2027. The update from the world’s leading designer of water parks and attractions concluded with a few corporate announcements. […]

Splish Splash Water Park announces 2026 opening date & more days to splash

CALVERTON, N.Y. — The ultimate summer escape returns with more days to splash for the 2026 season. The countdown to fun has officially begun at New York’s Largest Water Park, Splish Splash. To celebrate the much-anticipated return of sunny days, the park has announced its full 2026 operating calendar, offering guests even more days of fun in […]

Triotech unveils three breakthrough new attractions each opening their first location in Montreal Summer 2026

ORLANDO — Triotech, a global leader in immersive attractions and interactive experiences, today announced the upcoming launch of three groundbreaking entertainment concepts: Electric Funfair, Energize!, and Krazy Karts. All three attractions will debut in Montreal in Summer 2026, marking one of the most ambitious multi-attraction launches in the company’s history. Together, these attractions redefine Competitive […]

RES Rides wins Brass Rings Award for Pumpen Super Swing at IAAPA Expo 2025

ORLANDO — RES RIDES has clinched one of the industry’s highest honors at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, taking home the coveted Brass Rings Award for Best New Family Ride Attraction for its groundbreaking installation, Pumpen Super Swing, at Gröna Lund, part of Parks and Resorts Scandinavia in Sweden. This win marks a milestone […]

GoPhoto keeps growing — 20 new locations opening this November

ORLANDO —  It’s a big month for GoPhoto. Attractions from the United States to Chile, Germany, Spain, Australia, Argentina, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom are rolling out GoPhoto’s photo platform this November. GoPhoto builds smart photo systems that make life easier for attractions and more fun for guests. Our setup improves photo quality, reduces […]