SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Economic Impact Study. This comprehensive study aims to provide valuable insights into the economic and fiscal contributions of fairs to their host communities. 

Data Collection Now Open
All fairs in the United States are now strongly encouraged to participate by completing the simple form on the IAFE website at absolutely no cost, regardless of size, attendance, or even IAFE membership status. 

“The more fairs that participate, the better and more meaningful the tool will be. We are aiming for a 70% response rate to ensure the most accurate information possible in the final report,” emphasized David Grindle, CAE, President & CEO of IAFE.

The form asks simple questions, including both fair and non-fair attendance and revenue, public sector support, sales tax rate, and lodging tax rate. 

Process Overview
Data collection is the first step in the development. The second step, data analysis and compilation, will be conducted by Johnson Consulting, the firm hired by the IAFE to complete the study. The third and final step is to create the final report, which will be made available for free to IAFE members in early summer 2025.

Add-On Option
Johnson Consulting has contracted with the IAFE to provide members with an individualized economic impact study at the low rate of $1,500 by request only. This is the only cost associated with the study and is completely optional. If a fair wishes to participate in this add-on option, they must indicate as such when completing the data collection form. Johnson Consulting will contact them with further instructions. 

Key Points

• IAFE does NOT have access to the submitted data. Johnson Consulting will analyze and compile the data. 
• Participation is FREE for both members and non-members of the IAFE
• Limited participation to United States fairs only IAFE members are encouraged to participate in the Economic Impact Study and stay up-to-date with the latest information, including frequently asked questions, links to materials, and more by visiting www.fairsandexpos.com/economic-impact.

In addition to the IAFE, this is done with the support of Eastern States Exposition (The Big E), MA; Iowa State Fair; and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA).

WILDWOOD, N.J. — Morey’s Piers, an iconic family-owned amusement park in Wildwood, New Jersey is proud to announce that it’s President and CEO, Will Morey, has been reappointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) for a third term.  This prestigious appointment spans two administrations, highlighting Mr. Morey’s longstanding commitment to promoting and advancing the travel and tourism industry at the national level.

The TTAB serves as the official advisory body to the Secretary of Commerce, providing expert guidance on policies and programs that impact the U.S. travel and tourism industry. The Board’s mission is to advise on critical issues including travel facilitation, visa policies, infrastructure development, aviation security, and sustainable tourism. Under the Visit America Act, the TTAB is now a congressionally mandated federal advisory board, further amplifying its role in shaping the industry’s future.

“Congratulations to Will Morey on his well-earned reappointment to the Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. His extensive experience and leadership in the travel and tourism industry, especially through Morey Piers, will be invaluable in shaping policies that support and grow this vital sector. We are excited for his continued impact on the future of tourism at the national level.”
— Tom Bracken, President and CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

Morey’s experience in the tourism industry makes him a valuable addition to the TTAB.  As a previous Chairman of the Board of Directors of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), as well as service on other IAAPA Committees (Government Relations and Audit), he has decades of experience at both the Micro and Macro levels of the Amusement and Tourism industries.Bottom of Form

“On behalf of IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, I would like to congratulate Will Morey, President and CEO of Morey’s Piers, on his reappointment to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB). As Past Chair of IAAPA’s Board of Directors, he brings the relevant knowledge, experience, and connections within the industry to represent the voice of the attractions industry.  Additionally, through his active engagement with public and private sector travel and tourism organizations at the local, state, and national levels, Mr. Morey ensures the needs of locally owned and operated attractions across the country are effectively represented.”
— Jacob Wahl, President and CEO, IAAPA

OABA has secured a discounted rate for the RIDEBOOKS online database as a member benefit. This equips larger groups and shows with an interactive database of critical safety information, including NDTs, Manuals, and Bulletins. Dozens of carnival operators, state inspection agencies, and third-party inspectors already utilize RIDEBOOKS to make our industry as safe as possible.

OABA members have full access for $99/year, about a 33% discount from standard rates. Carnivals can access up to 75% in savings for multiple users through group discounted rates by contacting us at [email protected] .

Through the efforts of Tim Kwiatkowski of OABA and Avery Wheelock, the new owner of RIDEBOOKS, we believe the platform will become the primary tool used for information exchange within the Amusement device industry, and we welcome you to join us!

Scan the QR code below to view a demonstration of the RIDEBOOKS platform.

The Wave has taken a big step forward in its plans to bring a slice of the ocean to London, with the appointment of Endless Surf as its technology partner. The £50m+ project for the state-of-the-art inland surfing destination in north London, would transform around 100 acres of land in Lee Valley Regional Park.

This will be The Wave’s second destination and builds on the success of its groundbreaking surf park in Bristol. The project, which has been in development for a number of years, will make London the first capital city in the world to feature a surf park.

The project will progress using Endless Surf’s technology and construction solutions, which will help to overcome challenging site conditions. Public consultation on the revised plans for the site at Lee Valley Leisure Complex in Edmonton, in the London Borough of Enfield, is due to take place in March and the team aims to submit a planning application in the spring.

Hazel Geary, CEO of The Wave, comments:
“London has long been in our sights, as part of our mission to share the health benefits of water and waves with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. We have been working closely with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority to progress plans for this incredible, but underused, land in the London Borough of Enfield. London is one of the world’s most dynamic and influential cities – and with its diverse population, strong sports culture, and high volume of visitors, it is the perfect location for an inland surfing experience.

“We are incredibly excited to work with the Endless Surf team on our next inland surf destination. Having watched the success of their first surf park launch in Munich, we can’t wait to deploy their innovative technology to bring perfect waves for all to North London. As a pioneer in the surf park sector, we have always chosen to be technology agnostic, as realise that different developments have different requirements and restraints. We partnered with Wavegarden to open the world’s first Wavegarden Cove in 2019 at our Bristol site, which has been a great commercial success. Now we are delighted to be working with Endless Surf, as the right tech partner for our London project.”

“This site is in many ways a hidden oasis and we want to open it up for the community. As we did in Bristol, we will develop it in a way that increases biodiversity, enhances the green space and helps people access it. Endless Surf’s attractive organic shape, with uninterrupted views across the wave pool, and hidden wave generation technology, fits well with our design approach of working in harmony with nature.”

Combining The Wave’s expertise in surf destination development and operations, with Endless Surf’s powerful, customizable wave pool technology, this project will deliver a consistent, year-round surf destination. It will allow seasoned surfers, newcomers, and spectators the opportunity to experience high-quality waves and an urban beach experience all within the Greater London area.

This project is the latest in a series of announcements for Endless Surf, following its global debut at o2 SURFTOWN MUC last year. It is set to be the second and largest Endless Surf lagoon in Europe. The Wave London will feature ES48 technology: Endless Surf’s flagship model that uses forty-eight pneumatic caissons to generate waves for all skill levels and surf styles across four simultaneous zones. With the ability to precisely customise wave heights, speeds, angles, operating modes, and more, the ES48 will produce waves of up to 15-seconds in Split Peak and 26-seconds in Single Peak configuration.

Paul Chutter, President at Endless Surf, said:
“We’re proud to work alongside The Wave to bring Endless Surf waves to the exciting global metropolis that is London. There is no better place to showcase all that our flagship model has to offer, whether you’re a novice or a pro.

“In addition to our unique wave engineering, we’ve intentionally designed our lagoon to overcome some of the challenging site conditions that surf park developers often face. It is great to see these cost-saving solutions in action at sites around the world.

“For us this partnership is the perfect fit. The Wave has already demonstrated its ability to create a thriving surf destination, and we’re thrilled to help create what will be a landmark project for the entire surf industry.”

BALTIMORE, Md. — SimEx-Iwerks, a leader in innovative cinematic attractions, is proud to announce the release of its new brand identity today. This marks the first time the company’s logo and visual identity have been updated since its founding in 1981 by Michael Needham and Shiori Sudo. The rebranding is part of a larger restructuring initiative following the company’s transition to being management-owned in June 2024. The company will also launch a refreshed website and will increase its social engagement.

SimEx-Iwerks has built its legacy on groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry, specializing in immersive attractions and experiences that combine storytelling, special effects, and close collaborations with leading studios. Their attractions engage the senses and create lasting memories.

“This is an exciting time for us, and our rebrand is just the beginning,” said Kate Magnusson, Vice President, Marketing & Partnerships. “It’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, out-of-home experiences that inspire, entertain, and educate.”

2025 will bring a series of exciting announcements from SimEx-Iwerks, including enhanced R&D initiatives, new products, and innovative custom attraction concepts. Among the highlights will be the next level 4D Experience®, the Immersion Theater, and thrilling updates to the FlyRide® flying theater. Additionally, SimEx-Iwerks will continue to lead the way in creating and curating exceptional attraction film content to complement its experiences, with new titles set to debut this year. “We’ve seen the industry evolve and our mission remains the same: to take people on journeys and tell stories in ways that simply can’t be experienced at home,” said Mike Frueh, Senior Vice President, Licensing & Distribution. “Now, more than ever, there’s something special about sharing a real, in-person experience. Bringing families and friends together to talk, laugh, and learn—that’s always been at the heart of what we do, and we see endless opportunities to keep creating those moments.”

SimEx-Iwerks continues to be at the forefront of innovation, crafting unique and memorable experiences for audiences around the globe. The company looks forward to sharing its next chapter of growth and creativity with the world.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This Valentine’s season, Kentucky Kingdom is sharing the love with guests by unveiling the full lineup of attractions and renderings of Discovery Meadow— a new $11 million family-friendly land. As part of the $25 million investment over the next two seasons, Discovery Meadow will open to the public on May 10, 2025. The new land features six acres dedicated to family fun with a Kentucky twist and includes three new attractions, 24 new and re-themed experiences, and its very own character. Guests can look forward to more fun and more ways to make memories worth repeating in an atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of Kentucky.

Three Brand-New Family Rides:

• Redbird Racer – Spin and swoop aboard a vibrant cardinal defending its home.

Get ready to dash through the trees on our new swinging family ride inspired by one of Kentucky’s famous flyers. This ride promises an exciting adventure for guests of all ages.

• Scout’s Squirrel Race – Playful squirrels chase the ultimate prize—a giant acorn.

Bounce around on our new family ride nestled in the lush gardens of the new land. This experience highlights one of nature’s most diligent and resourceful foragers, promising fun for the entire family.

• Cumberland Express – A whimsical garden train adventure wrapped in vines.

Hop aboard our family-friendly train that winds through the wilderness. Spot and hear the furry friends who call this beautiful landscape home as you embark on this delightful journey!

More Comfort, More Fun:

• Shaded 4,800 square foot playground – The perfect cool-down spot for explorers of all ages.
• Two refreshed eateries plus a brand-new Dippin’ Dots cart.
• More seating & shade – Relax and recharge with added comfort.
• Games Garden – Classic yard game fun with a Kentucky twist.
• Two refurbished restrooms.
• Two new retail locations

Discovery Meadow will also feature four “wow” moments offering fans photo ops to capture the beauty of the new land. Of course, Discovery Meadow wouldn’t be complete without its newest character, Scout the Squirrel.

“Discovery Meadow is the most exciting addition to Kentucky Kingdom in years, and we can’t wait for families to experience this incredible land,” said Sarah Worrell, General Manager of Kentucky Kingdom. “From brand-new rides to reimagined favorites, interactive play areas, and surprises at every turn, Discovery Meadow is designed to spark family joy, adventure, and connection like never before. It’s a true celebration of Kentucky’s beauty and spirit—bigger, bolder, and more immersive than anything we’ve ever done.”

Discovery Meadow is just the beginning. Following its opening, more details will be shared about plans for $14 million worth of improvements in 2026.

Discovery Meadow and Kentucky Kingdom Theme and Water Park officially opens May 10, 2025, but Season Passholders will get an exclusive first look on May 9.

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Adventureland announced it will be freezing its prices— without freezing the fun! Long Island’s most popular amusement park, offering family fun for everyone since 1962, is offering more value this year, and for the same ticket prices as last year. The park is freezing its admission rates, group rates, season pass rates, and birthday party rates at the same prices from the 2024 season.

“At a time when everything around us is going up, we are proud and excited to be able to provide our guests this price freeze on admission,” said Jeanine Gentile, Adventureland Park Manager.“We are still making additions to the park, so you will definitely see some great changes for this upcoming season. But one thing that will not be changing is the admission prices for the 2025 season!”

The price freeze is not the only exciting news from Adventureland. For the first time, the amusement park is offering payment plans through FlexPay for online orders of $100 or more. This brand-new option will allow visitors to book tickets and purchase season passes online—now—and conveniently pay over time. Daily tickets and season passes are currently available for purchase online. For full details please visit https://adventureland.us/?keyword=Tickets

Last year, Adventureland announced plans for a multi-year, five-phase $15 million redevelopment. Now currently in phase 2, the amusement park promises a ‘Bigger and Better’ 2025 season, which includes two new outdoor games: ‘Wave Blaster’ and ‘Jungle Run.’ Additionally, plans are in place to install three new concession stands and a third restroom facility. Especially exciting is the highly-anticipated new family ride, ‘Wave Twister,’ scheduled to open this spring.

The opening weekend of the 2025 season will be March 22^nd and 23^rd. For more details, visit Adventureland.us.

Fairs and festivals industry advocate and advisor, Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association (GOSA) is celebrating 75 years of impactful leadership in 2025. The non-profit organization, 455 members strong, represents the enterprises of modern midways at fairs and festivals across the State of Ohio. 

The Ohio Concessionaires Association was established in 1950, changing its name to GOSA in 1953 to serve the growing community of food, rides, and game businesses on the modern midway. As Bill Sterling, GOSA president notes, “we have achieved a significant impact over the years for our members and the industry in Ohio, and nationally too.” 

GOSA spearheaded initiatives creating the Ohio Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Council, and the first Rider Responsibility Law in the United States. Recognizing the value of the Association’s leadership, State regulators have awarded GOSA two seats on the Advisory Council. In addition, GOSA is represented on the Ohio Food Services Advisory Board, and the Ohio Game Rule Advisory Board. 

“Our fairs and festivals are the showcases of the agriculture industry, where families look forward to creating new memories each year,” said Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “Ohio’s ride safety regulations are among the strongest in the country, which help ensure a safe experience for fairgoers. ODA commends the Association for their strong industry representation, dedication and focus on safety.”

Howard Call, Director of the Ohio Fair Managers Association, echoes the sentiment noting, “GOSA is an indispensable partner given everything they bring to the table, and we anticipate continuing our strong relationship going forward.” “Our amusement industry is evolving every year with more sophisticated rides, menus, food options and staffing challenges,” Bill Sterling observes, adding, “We need to leverage our advisory affiliations, and continue to work in concert with our members, government, and industry partners advocating for common sense regulation to achieve efficient operations while staying on our toes to meet every challenge.” Sterling concludes, ” And we will, as we have done for the past 75 years.”

AGAWAM, Mass. — Six Flags New England, the region’s largest theme park, is hiring more than 2,000 part-time and seasonal employees for the 2025 season. The company’s “Rapid Hiring Program” provides an expedited online option for interested applicants. Job seekers are encouraged to visit sixflagsjobs.com to apply and complete interview questions remotely. The Rapid Hiring Program offers convenience, speed, efficiency and flexibility for those wanting to apply and interview from the comfort of their home or mobile device.

“We’re excited to begin our hiring season which makes us that much closer to the start of Six Flags New England’s 25^th year and the highly anticipated launch of Quantum Accelerator,” said Richie Pizzale, human resources manager. “Our wide array of positions allow us to match an applicant’s skills and career goals to the right position. And our efficient hiring process ensures that applicants can complete everything, including paid training, quickly and start earning money.”

The park will also offer an onsite, in-person hiring event during National Hiring Week Feb. 15 through 17.

On-Site Hiring Event

• WHERE: Six Flags New England Human Resources, 1756 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001.
• WHEN:
  • Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• APPLICATION: Applicants are encouraged to apply at sixflagsjobs.com prior to attending the hiring event to expedite the interview process.

Six Flags New England will be hiring for all positions, including rides, lifeguards, food and beverage, admissions, entertainment, retail, park service/cleanliness team, EMT/paramedics, security and a variety of other exciting positions.

Team Member Benefits/Need to Know Information

• Positions start at $15.00/hr. with select positions at $15.75/hr. with flexible schedules, a fun atmosphere, free park admission for team members and their friends, in-park discounts, scholarships and the opportunity to gain valuable customer service skills.
• With more than 100 attractions and New England’s largest water park, Hurricane Harbor, there are a variety of positions to match every skill set.
• Interested applicants must be at least 16 years old.

During the 2025 season, employees will be among the first to experience Six Flags New England’s exciting, new coaster: Quantum Accelerator. This cutting-edge coaster will be the park’s 12th and the first dual-launch straddle coaster in New England, offering an exhilarating blend of high-speed excitement and captivating steampunk adventure.

“At Six Flags, fun is serious business. We welcome and celebrate the diverse workforce we assemble each year to serve our guests and are incredibly proud to be a place where people can make friends and make a difference,” Pizzale added.

Six Flags New England opens for the season April 5. Interested candidates will not want to miss out on an incredible opportunity to work at Six Flags New England and are encouraged to apply online at jobs.sixflags.com.

Universal Epic Universe portals will emerge upon Super Bowl LIX viewers screens this Sunday night. As part of the highly anticipated commercials that will air, Universal Orlando Resort is debuting a new ad featuring the worlds of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic located inside Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – opening on May 22. 

Viewers will be able to see the spot right after the big game and just before the official trophy ceremony, leaving viewers saying, “You’ve got to see this!”