ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort is sharing an official first look inside Universal Epic Universe – the destination’s fourth incredible theme park grand opening on May 22, 2025. The new theme park will present a level of immersion and innovation that is unmatched as it unlocks the portals to five astounding worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe – each filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imagination.
Here is an official look at some of the breathtaking locations guests will be able to explore at Universal Epic Universe:
The Chronos – the icon of Universal Epic Universe
As guests start their day, they will pass through the stunning Chronos portal that serves as the gateway to the incredible adventures found in Epic Universe. The first world guests will encounter upon entering the Chronos is Celestial Park, where they can board a shooting comet for an exhilarating roller coaster adventure, dine on delectable cuisine, shop exclusive merchandise to commemorate their visit and more.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, guests will journey from a Muggle park in Paris into the breathtaking spectacle of 1920’s Place Cachée – a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris. Within Place Cachée, guests will find numerous dining venues like Café L’air De La Sirène, chic shopping options like Les Galeries Mirifiques, a live, full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus and more. They’ll also journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic to witness the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge in the thrilling ride, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.”
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
After guests emerge from the iconic green pipe into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, they’ll be immersed into the worlds of beloved Nintendo characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Donkey Kong and more. Within Universal Orlando’s most colorful and interactive experience yet, they’ll encounter familiar places inspired by Nintendo’s games, including Mt. Beanpole.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Upon entering the larger-than-life world of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, guests will be captivated by a real-life version of the iconic sweeping vista straight from the wildly popular “How to Train Your Dragon” films. As they take in the vast sparkling lagoon, two 40-foot-tall Viking statues and an energetic village perched above churning seas, guests can embark on a variety of Viking adventures inspired by the beloved film series – including experiencing what it’s like to fly on a dragon on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, competing to outscore and out soak fellow guests on Fyre Drill, posing for a photo with Toothless and so much more.
Dark Universe
In Dark Universe, guests will explore the shadowy village of Darkmoor – home to Universal Monster legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster and more. The icon of this ominous world is Frankenstein Manor, where guests will venture deep into its catacombs and face a horde of enraged monsters on Universal Orlando’s most chilling attraction ever – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo will kick off its season-long 60th birthday party on Friday, March 28. The season opening festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Entrance Plaza with musical performances and a ribbon cutting at noon with Mayor Sharon Tucker, Zoo Executive Director Rick Schuiteman, and Zoo Board President Tom Ackmann.
“We can’t wait to welcome the community back to the Zoo and begin celebrating our 60th birthday,” Says Executive Director, Rick Schuiteman. “ We are celebrating 60 years of support from our community and the unforgettable experiences of the 25,615,315 guests that have walked through the Zoo’s front gate.”
New this season, The Fort Wayne Zoo will transform for Glo Wild. Join us for Glo Wild on select dates beginning March 27 through May 26, 2025. Step into a land of glowing landscapes and stand toe to toe with towering animals in larger-than-life 3D lantern displays. Guests can learn more at fwzoo.com/glowild
This season will include the opening of Coastal Cove, a sea lion and seal habitat. This reimagined and updated space will feature a new species to the Zoo with Harbor Seals to join the Zoo’s sea lions, Cassandra and Valkyrie. More details including ribbon cutting and exhibit opening announcements later this summer.
Wild Wednesdays are back and sponsored by Lassus. Every Wednesday, May through July the Zoo will be open until 8 p.m. Visit the Zoo after 4 p.m. on Wild Wednesdays for the best ticket value – evening tickets are only $15.
“For generations, the Fort Wayne Zoo has inspired people through memorable animal encounters, cheerful family traditions, and one-of-a-kind experiences. This season we will celebrate how far we have come and welcome the next 60 years of connecting kids and animals, strengthening families, and inspiring people to care.”
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Pudgy Penguins, the digital-first brand making waves in toys, gaming, and entertainment, is partnering with Pipeline Games to introduce the Pudgy Penguins Claw Machine, debuting at Amusement Expo International 2025.
- See it in action at Booth #805
- Exclusive giveaways – Meet a life-sized Pudgy Penguin & win a machine for your location
- Limited-edition plush – Available only at the show, while supplies last
This state-of-the-art 31” claw machine features:
- Fully metal cabinet – Built for durability
- 3D backlit overhead sign – Maximum visibility in arcades
- Edge-to-edge glass display – Enhanced player experience
- Premium sound package – Featuring voices from the Pudgy Penguins universe
More than just an arcade game, this machine connects to Pudgy Penguins’ expanding entertainment ecosystem. Winning a plush isn’t just a prize—it unlocks digital collectible traits that give players customization in the Pudgy Penguins online universe.
With over 2 million Instagram followers, 500K+ TikTok followers, and 41 billion Giphy views, Pudgy Penguins has already cemented itself as a pop culture sensation, transcending its origins as a digital collectible to become a dominant force in entertainment, gaming, and toys. The brand has already seen massive success in retail, selling over $13 million in Pudgy Toys and expanding into major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Walgreens.
Now, Pudgy Penguins is rapidly growing its entertainment footprint. This year, the brand is launching Lil Pudgys, an original YouTube animated series developed in collaboration with TheSoul Publishing, the award-winning digital studio behind some of the world’s most-watched online content. Pudgy Penguins is also set to enter the gaming space in a major way, teaming up with Mythical Games to develop Pudgy Party, a Web3 mobile game aiming to become the #1 party game for fans of the Pudgy universe when it launches next year.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season is officially underway after the park’s namesake and Dreamer-in-Chief Dolly Parton welcomed guests and media during the park’s first day of operation today. The event marked her first public appearance following the passing of her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, on March 3.
During the morning media event, Dolly shared her appreciation for the outpouring of support she has received from around the world following Carl’s passing. Then, Dolly, alongside Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton, offered a look ahead to Dollywood’s upcoming anniversary season, as well as a sneak peek of a groundbreaking new project coming to the Smoky Mountain theme park in 2026.
Following a year of record attendance in 2024, Dollywood Parks & Resorts—the #1 U.S. theme park according to Tripadvisor reviews—has a lot to celebrate in 2025, its 40th operational season. Last year, the park added The Dolly Parton Experience—subsequently named by USA Today as one of the Top Five Best New Theme Park attractions in 2024—and celebrated the first full year of operation for the company’s second lodging property, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
Additionally, Dollywood’s Splash Country celebrates its 25th season, while Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa enjoys its 10th year of operation in 2025. In a year full of milestone anniversaries, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library marks its 30th anniversary, and as of today, has gifted more than 270 million books to children around the world under the age of 5.
During the event she thanked guests for their part in making her beloved Dollywood theme park one of the most recognized and awarded parks in the world.
“Thank you to our guests and the community for the support they’ve given to my Dollywood for 40 years,” Dolly said about the historic milestone for her award-winning park. “It’s hard to believe it has been that long, but it never would have lasted if it hadn’t been for you—our guests. On opening day in 1986, I was just hoping that people would really want to come visit a theme park with my name on it. And even though I always try to dream big, I’ll admit I was a little bit nervous that first morning. But people did come out to support us that first day, and I’m so proud to see that Dollywood has continued to grow through the years to become a place of fun and togetherness for everyone who has come to visit.
“I’m also very honored that we’re starting off the anniversary season with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival,” she added. “I hope that this festival inspires everyone to share their own special light with the world each day. It doesn’t matter what your dream is—even if it’s opening a theme park with your name on it—follow those dreams and never give up!”
One surprise highlight of the media event was a mysterious teaser video that hinted at something major coming to the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park in 2026. Naughton believes the addition will continue to elevate Dollywood’s status globally within the industry.
“Dollywood Parks & Resorts is growing at a rate that many people wouldn’t believe,” he said. “We had record attendance last year, and we’re setting ourselves up with continued growth thanks to our 40thanniversary season this year and what’s up ahead due to our 2026 attraction. We’re not ready to share the details, but I can tell you it will be a revolutionary new experience unlike ANYTHING anywhere else in the world. We’re able to add these experiences because of the unwavering support of our guests and the dedication of our hosts to create the friendliest and most welcoming theme park environment in the industry. This is our 40th anniversary season, but I can promise you, we’re just getting started.
“We truly believe the only way to provide that atmosphere is by asking guests for their honest opinions and listening fully to what they tell us. Our hosts are empowered to listen to our guests, and many of the projects our teams are working on right now are due to guest feedback we’ve received. We’re always trying to put wings on Dolly’s dreams, and taking care of our guests in the best way possible has always been her biggest dream.”
Today’s guests at Dollywood were the first to experience the results of several off-season construction projects, including overall area refreshes in Country Fair and The Village. Among the changes in Country Fair are a new splash pad and expanded seating area—the perfect place for parents and the youngest Dollywood fans seeking a quick break in the action—while The Village received bright new touches and the reimagining of the Imagination Playhouse.
The Imagination Playhouse, which features plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library, becomes a permanent fixture this season, offering its much-loved shows for younger guests from April 19 through the end of September. The theater will offer a rotation of playhouse favorites guests have enjoyed through the years. During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, new story time and character meet & greets are part of the Imagination Playhouse experience. Also in celebration of the 40th anniversary, “Heartsong: The Movie” will be remastered and moved—appropriately—to Dreamsong Theater as part of The Dolly Parton Experience. “Heartsong: The Movie” will run in the theater in conjunction with “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”
The season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival (now- April 13). This festival celebrates Dolly and her unmatchable talents as an internationally known performer through songs, shows and even culinary delights. Returning favorite “From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton” tells Dolly’s remarkable story in an inspirational and uplifting way as guests experience the emotional pull she faced as she left everything she had known in Sevier County to move to Nashville in pursuit of her dreams. The show takes place in Celebrity Theater and runs through the Flower & Food Festival.
For those who cannot contain their love of Dolly, “Sing-a-long with Dolly” invites guests to belt out the lyrics to some of her most-loved songs. This fun and interactive show takes place at the Back Porch Theater. Finally, “Trio, Again featuring Three Times A Lady” honors the “Trio” albums released by Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. The Three Times A Lady trio, made up of singer/songwriters Victoria Camp, Kennedy Scott and Hannah Blaylock, presents this timeless show for Dollywoodguests at the Showstreet Palace Theater.
Two of the parks’ largest projects in 2025 include the Wilderness Pass Restaurant and a new 750-space parking lot; both are set to open later this spring. Projects like the new parking area and Wilderness Pass Restaurant are important pieces of the company’s half-billion dollar, 10-year expansion plan announced by Dolly and Naughton in 2021.
WOOSTER, Ohio — Wooster Products, the industry leader in anti-slip safety stair treads and walkway products, has added Sean Brown as a new Regional Sales Manager. In his new role, Brown will work with sales channel partners to promote the entire line of Wooster Products safety stair nosings and treads, anti-slip tapes, and coatings to architects, specifiers, contractors, OEMS, and end-users within the Central and West regions, as well as Canadian territories. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Akron and has extensive experience with Wooster Brush Company and most recently for WQKT Sports Country Radio in Wooster. Wooster Products are ideal for new construction, renovation, and OEM products. They are installed in schools and universities, public buildings, multi-family environments, sports stadiums and arenas of all sizes, transportation venues, restaurants and foodservice facilities, retail stores, shopping centers, and more.
“Sean has a long history of building customer relationships, training and educating reps and distributors, and keeping multiple projects moving forward simultaneously,” said Wooster Products Sales and Marketing Manager Tim Brennan. “His positive attitude, attention to detail, and customer-centric focus will be a benefit to our channel partners and end customers in this important territory.” Sean works from the Wooster, OH home office, and may be reached at [email protected].
Ms. Erin Miller, who formerly managed the Central and Western Region will take over the Southern Territory and Puerto Rico.
Wooster Products is the industry leader in anti-slip nosings, stair treads, and walkway products. They have been manufacturing anti-slip products for new construction, renovation, and OEM applications since 1921 from their Wooster, OH facility and have since expanded to incorporate a second plant also located in Wooster. Long respected for quality and innovation, their products include cast aluminum (Alumogrit®), extruded aluminum (Spectra, Supergrit®, Stairmaster®, and Flexmaster®), pressure sensitive adhesive tape (Flex-Tred®), and coatings (WP-70, Walk-A-Sured®, and Safe-Stride®), as well as photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) nosings and treads (NITEGLOW®).
NEW YORK — RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments, today announced it has acquired Harmony Helper, a patented app which helps singers learn their part of a song. Through the acquisition of Harmony Helper, RWS Global’s clients will unlock significant rehearsal cost savings, while thousands of singers in productions around the world will benefit from a one-of-a-kind tool that streamlines learning vocal parts anytime, anywhere. This is the fifth acquisition in the company’s history and the third software acquisition the company has made in the last year.
The Harmony Helper app – which has been used in many professional settings by some of the biggest brands in the entertainment space – functions as a digital rehearsal room for singers to learn songs and practice their vocals on demand outside of rehearsals. When integrated into the company and its productions, all musical pieces will be uploaded into the Harmony Helper app, providing additional support to music directors so singers can come to rehearsal more prepared and ready to focus on the performance aspects of the rehearsal process.
“We are thrilled to welcome Harmony Helper to the RWS Global family as we continue to deepen and diversify our investments in production and technology and deliver best in class shows around the globe,” said Ryan Stana, Chairman & CEO, RWS Global.
“This tool allows vocalists to practice at their own pace so they come to rehearsals more prepared with show ready vocals,” said Craig Laurie, Chief Creative Officer, RWS Global. “Harmony Helper will be a game-changer for our clients who are looking to elevate and save on their vocal productions.”
As a provider of premium entertainment around the world, RWS Global offers performers a worldwide talent trajectory program with unique development opportunities for performers at every stage of their careers. Through the program, a performer can start their career working across RWS Global’s worldwide opportunities, and work their way up to being cast in a Broadway production. As RWS Global grows talent within this pipeline, Harmony Helper will be another tool in their portfolio to develop talent and help them to achieve their career goals.
“When I was rehearsing for my first professional show at the age of 12, I had trouble singing harmony, it was in that moment the idea for Harmony Helper was born,” said Andrew Goren, founder of Harmony Helper. “I know that the hassles of practicing for a performance can leave singers feeling frustrated and unprepared. Now, through this exciting new venture, Harmony Helper will be accessible to thousands of professional singers hired by RWS Global around the world. It’s great to be a part of a like-minded organization that sees the value in supporting talent throughout their careers!” RWS Global will continue to offer the Harmony Helper app as a free download for its performers.
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Forget pots of gold at the end of the rainbow; at LEGOLAND California Resort, guests are finding their own leprechaun treasure by spotting the elusive “Mr. Gold” this St. Patrick’s Day season! Year round, the family theme park offers kids the chance to search for this rare golden collectible pop badge as the ultimate LEGOLAND keepsake that can only be found by a child actively asking Model Citizens (employees) throughout the Resort if they have seen Mr. Gold. Children search day after day and the luckiest guests who find one make others green with envy! To make the St. Patrick’s Day hunt even more thrilling, LEGOLAND is multiplying the luck, increasing the number of coveted Mr. Gold pop badges throughout the Resort by five times each day from today through St. Patrick’s Day! That means, fifty chances to find the gold every day!
This unique St. Patrick’s Day celebration allows families to create lasting memories while engaging in a fun, interactive experience. With the current “buy three, get one free” annual pass offer, families can return time and time again to continue the search for Mr. Gold, and enjoy the more than 60 rides, shows and attractions LEGOLAND California has to offer, all year long!
ST. LOUIS — Intercard, the world leader in cashless technology for the amusement industry, will exhibit at the cinema industry’s CinemaCon 2025 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas from April 1-3. Account executive Joe Guccione will be at booth 319J to showcase Intercard’s cashless payment systems for use in cinemas.
Featured this year is Intercard’s award-winning iQ system of readers and kiosks that leverages QR codes, setting the new standard for cashless, unattended arcades and attractions. iQ devices use built-in scanners to read customer presented QR codes for payment and redemption point collection. This enables customers to use mobile devices or paper receipts instead of play cards to activate games, reducing labor and supplies costs for operators.
Intercard received a Best New Product Award at IAAPA Expo 2024 for the innovative iQ system, which was recognized in the category of Technology Applied to Amusements – Product or Service used by Facilities. The judges praised the iQ system as a “QR code reader for games allowing easy way to play. Can sell online or at kiosk on-site. Easy way to get to the fun.”
“With the iQ system, customers can purchase or recharge game play and use a mobile device or paper receipt with QR code to play games, collect points and even redeem prizes,” says Guccione, “all without the help of a center employee. That helps lower costs for operators, and iQ system customers have reported an ROI of as little as 90 days.”
Cinergy Entertainment is one of several influential cinema entertainment operators that use Intercard’s versatile and integrated system for their arcades and more. “Cashless makes the experience that the guest has within our facility so much more streamlined,” says Darek Heath, COO of Cinergy. “It lets them spend money when and where they want to … as quickly possible without having another transaction.”
Other leading cinema operators who use Intercard include B&B Theatres, Marcus Theatres, Roadhouse Cinemas and Santikos Entertainment.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — The GrowthPro Group, an emerging innovator in business growth solutions, proudly announces its official launch. With a foundation built on proven strategies and a forward-thinking approach, The GrowthPro Group is ready to empower businesses across a wide range of industries.
This exciting announcement coincides with the 20th birthday of TrainerTainment, the industry leader in sales training, leadership development, and coaching for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs.) TrainerTainment is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses grow with a year-long campaign filled with giveaways, success stories, and a $5,000 SalesPro Certification Grand Prize.
Founded on a legacy of over 20 years of industry experience, The GrowthPro Group’s mission is to help ambitious businesses thrive by offering tailored coaching and proven methodologies. Its three distinct brands -TrainerTainment, SalesPro, and ExecPro- are designed to address the unique needs of businesses across various industries, from family entertainment centers to corporate enterprises.
TrainerTainment’s 20th birthday celebration officially kicks off at Amusement Expo International (March 18-21, 2025, Las Vegas, NV), where attendees can enter to win and take part in exciting booth activities.
Throughout the year, TrainerTainment will continue the fun at major industry events, including KartExpo, Amusement 360, Bowl Expo, the SouthWest Trade Show, and IAAPA, with the grand prize winner announced at IAAPA in November.
“For 20 years, we’ve been dedicated to helping businesses in the FEC industry thrive. This celebration is not just about us—it’s about the incredible operators we’ve worked with and the success they’ve achieved,” said Beth Standlee, CEO & Founder of TrainerTainment. “We wanted to give back in a meaningful way, and what better way than offering coaching that can truly impact a business’s bottom line.”
How to Participate in the TrainerTainment 20th Birthday Celebration:
- Visit the TrainerTainment Booth at Industry Events – Stop by our booth at participating trade shows to win special prizes including training resources, discounts, and be entered to win our Grand Prize.
- Follow the Celebration Online – TrainerTainment will be sharing 20 success stories from businesses they’ve helped over the past two decades, highlighting growth and transformation across the industry. Operators are encouraged to share their own TrainerTainment success stories using #TrainerTainment20 on social media.
Grand Prize Winner Announcement at IAAPA 2025 – The $5,000 SalesPro Grand Prize Winner will be announced live at IAAPA in November. “We’ve worked with thousands of people over the last two decades, and the impact has been incredible. This celebration is about honoring those businesses and continuing to empower more operators with the tools they need to succeed,” said Candi Kelley, COO of TrainerTainment. “We’re bringing fun, energy, and opportunities to grow at every stop along the way.”
MYSTIC, Conn. — Over 140 industry professionals from across the NEAAPA region and beyond gathered to learn, network, and celebrate distinguished contributors to the attractions industry at the 112th Anniversary Education Conference & Annual Meeting, held at the Hilton Mystic Hotel.
A Gathering of Industry Leaders
NEAAPA – The Northeast’s Entertainment Association – represents the attractions industry across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, including the manufacturers and suppliers that support the sector. This year’s multi-day event was a dynamic forum for education, collaboration, and recognition.
Engaging Educational Sessions & Networking Opportunities
The event kicked off with a meet-up of Family Entertainment Center (FEC) members, focusing on points-of-sale systems. Leinad Borman of Semnox Solutions and Dorothy Lewis of Xpressposts Marketing led the session, showcasing new features and services available across various platforms.
Following this, a crucial safety and security session, Managing and De-Escalating Aggressive Behavior, was led by Casey Ford of Canobie Lake Park, providing valuable insights on fostering positive interactions between guests and employees.
Attendees later enjoyed a private reception at Mystic Aquarium’s Main Gallery, home to a variety of marine life, including sand tiger sharks, green sea turtles, and comb jellies. Suzette Tibus, CEO of Mystic Aquarium, welcomed the attendees before they concluded the evening with dinner at the hotel.
Informative Sessions & Leadership Elections
Tuesday, March 4, began with an education session by Kevin McNulty of NetWeave Social, Rise of the Machines: AI is Here… Now What?, exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into digital platforms in the attractions industry. This was followed by the NEAAPA Roundtables, covering topics from human resources and training to security and food and beverage operations.
During the NEAAPA Board of Directors Meeting, Ed Hodgdon was re-elected Secretary for the 15th time. Later sessions included Effective Onboarding and Retention, led by Kevin Joly of the Employer’s Association of the North East (EANE), and Learning from Z to A: Rethinking Training for Our Newest Generations, presented by Laura McNerney of Leadership Learning Group, offering fresh insights on adapting training methods to younger employees.
The NEAAPA Vendor Showcase followed, highlighting event sponsors introducing their latest products and services. Attendees then enjoyed a Broadway-themed reception and dinner, complete with a showbill-style program, designed by RWS Global.
Celebrating Leadership & Excellence
The Annual Business Meeting was chaired by outgoing NEAAPA President Chris Nicoli of Canobie Lake Park, who expressed gratitude to the board and his employer for their support. The President’s Award was presented to Kenzie Goode of Canobie Lake Park for her exceptional contributions to NEAAPA and her work on the Annual Meeting.
Twelve new members and 22 milestone members were recognized, including Six Flags New England (85 years) and Philadelphia Toboggan Company (95 years). An ad-hoc committee’s updates to the Association’s By-Laws and Articles of Organization were approved unanimously.
Newly elected officers and directors include:
- President: Erik Beard (International Ride Training)
- 1st Vice President: Ron Patalano (Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village)
- 2nd Vice President: Melissa Plane (CLM Risk Management)
- Treasurer: Charlene Conway (Carousel Family Fun Center)
Board members re-elected for three-year terms include Tom Brady (Stag Hollow Mining), Cindy Brewer-Lavoie (Southwick’s Zoo), Cory Cormier (Funtown Splashtown USA), Steve Gioe (Level99), and Sandra Manougian (Fun World). Anthony Berni III (Canobie Lake Park) and Melissa Bamford (Baynum Solutions) were elected to fill shorter-term roles.
Recognizing Industry Achievements
New NEAAPA President Erik Beard turned the stage over to Awards Committee Chair John Guertin for the evening’s awards presentation.
- Alan E. Ramsay Safety Award: Steve Vourderis (Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park) for maintaining a safe and exceptional experience in Coney Island.
- Paragon Award for Marketing Excellence: Story Land for its innovative 70th season promotions and the introduction of a new Halloween event.
- Meritorious Service Award: Tom Tessitore for his 14 years of dedicated board service.
NEAAPA Hall of Fame Inductions
The event concluded with the prestigious Hall of Fame inductions, welcoming Steve Lipkin (formerly of NANCO/Nancy Sales) and Kevin Naughton (Naughton Insurance). Both are Past Presidents of NEAAPA and join their fathers in the Hall of Fame, bringing the total number of inductees to 52.
Additionally, the 50/50 raffle raised over $2,000 for the Pinnacle Scholarship Fund, with the winner generously donating their portion back to the fund. There were also two second-chance prizes, provided by RWS Global, which included a show poster of The Lion King signed by the Broadway cast, copies of Playbills, and other exclusive items.
