Park World Excellence Awards open for entry

Designed to celebrate the industry’s most outstanding parks, people, rides, and attractions, the Park World Excellence Awards 2019 will take place on Wednesday 18 September, in Paris.

Now open for entry, the awards are split into three sections: the ‘Operator’ awards will honour the stand-out theme parks, family parks, waterparks and family entertainment centres across Europe; the ‘Manufacturer/Supplier’ awards will showcase everything from the top rollercoasters to flat or spinning rides, water rides and waterslides; while the ‘Individual’ category will recognise an individual who has gone above and beyond in the quest for excellence, through a special ‘Industry Icon’ award.

“You can enter into any of the relevant categories online, via the dedicated Park World Excellence Awards website – for free. Plus, nominate other companies and individuals for any of the awards using the same easy online form,” says event director, Paul Ryder, following which a panel of expert judges will select five finalists and the winner in each award category.

 Commenting on the importance of the Park World Excellence Awards, judge Marcus Gaines says: “It’s an honour to be invited back to the judging panel. As an attraction industry film maker, journalist and European Coaster Club committee member I get to travel to parks right across Europe, experiencing first hand the incredible work that goes on to thrill and entertain guests.”

Marcus comments further: “The Park World Excellence Awards are special in that they recognise both the parks and the suppliers for all they do in making people smile.

 “From rollercoasters to water parks and FECs to ticketing systems, no other awards recognise the industry as a whole. Coming at the end of the main season they are a chance to reflect on the industry’s successes and to promote that healthy competition to strive to do even better next season.”

 Fellow judge Marek Pisarski, an established author in the Polish leisure sector, trailblazing consultant in the edutainment sector and owner of Marek Pisarski

Imagineering agrees: “This initiative increases the possibility of proper assessment of parks and themed attractions,” he insists.

Judge François Mayné, whose websites played a key role in the formation of French-speaking fan communities in the early noughties and has since founded OOPARC; an online guidebook for visitors about theme parks around Europe, continues: “One would think that since the European attractions industry is economically mature, operators would rest on their laurels, just doing the minimum to profit. How wrong! We are witnessing that operators are still doing their best to stand out, whatever their size.

“They create new experiences, work on innovative projects or bet on new technologies, in order to enhance their visitor’s experience at all costs.

 “Both manufacturers and suppliers have a key role in this positive mood, because they are always looking for innovations and original ways to offer new experiences, services and products. This is why I’m glad we salute the excellence of our industry with these awards!”

The full line-up of judges will be in April issue.

The Park World Excellence Awards 2019 already has the backing of several high profile sponsors, including Alterface, Bertazzon, Digital Centre, Polin Waterparks, Semnox and Wiegland Maelzer and Alterface.

Benoit Cornet, CEO & founder of Alterface comments: “I find initiatives like the Park World Excellence Awards very important for the industry. It helps spur creativity and innovation, connecting attraction vendors and park owners.”

Joseph Tarrés, CEO of Digital Centre says: “This fabulous initiative by Datateam Business Media and Park World magazine fosters creativity and the desire to grow the sector by rewarding the best. It’s the perfect opportunity for operators, suppliers, manufacturers and entertainment specialists to meet under one roof to form business relationships and create new business opportunities by sharing information and creating new friendships.”

“This is one of the very few park industry focused networking events. It gives an opportunity to find and interact with likeminded Industry specific professionals. We are always on a look out for new partners who we could work with to add value. We believe it gives us the required brand presence and recognition we need in the global park industry,” comments Semnox.

Rainer Maelzer, CEO of Wiegland Maezler continues: “These Awards really celebrate and define excellence. With our sponsorship we want to motivate business partners and other industry leaders to participate in the competition or to nominate exceptional companies for an accolade.”

 Sohret Pakis, director of marketing and communications at Polin Waterparks believes that encouraging professionalism and innovation contributes directly to the sustainability of industries. “This prestigious event is crucial for highlighting pioneering contributions to industry, strengthening the network and market leader status of the companies involved,” she says.

 For more information and to enter, visit www.parkworldexcellenceawards.com