Virtual event announced for Park World Excellence Awards

The Park World Excellence Awards will not take place in London this September. While the UK government has provisionally stated that business events, conferences and trade shows may resume from 1 October, after much careful consideration Park World magazine publisher Datateam Business Media has decided not to host the Awards in its traditional format. Instead, it is excited to reveal plans to move the event to a digital platform for 2020 – enabling even more professionals to participate.

The first virtual Park World Excellence Awards ceremony will be hosted on the dedicated awards website on Tuesday 8 December 2020.

With many parks having faced delayed openings due to the pandemic, the eligibility period for operators, manufacturers, suppliers has been extended to 31 August while the deadline for entries is now 30 September.

Renowned industry journalist and Park World Excellence Awards judge, Francois Mayne said: “This global pandemic is certainly affecting our industry in a spectacular way, but that has not prevented a large majority of operators, manufacturers and suppliers from setting up their projects to the end. And that’s because our industry is strong and resilient no matter what. We have to acknowledge the tremendous work they have done to keep their business to the top despite the situation. That’s why I’m happy that Park World has decided to maintain the 2020 edition of their Excellence Awards. This event will once again celebrate the best of the best in our industry in the EMEA region, and bring that positive twist we all need after what we have been through!”

Richard Pawley, director of operations for rides and safety, VTP Global Holdings and Park World Excellence Awards judge, agreed: “It is important for us park people in this dark time of our operation to participate in the above awards. This helps in protecting jobs, keeps our economy moving and hopefully brings us back to a normal situation for 2021.

“We have to remember to keep people safe and I appreciate there are a lot of technical issues but with our passion for our industry we can again bring the illusion the fantasy and the magic back within our operations. This is why I ask you to participate with the passion we have for our industry. To nominate yourselves for the above awards. I think everyone who nominates or participates in these awards this year is a winner. As a judge to seeing those magnificent efforts that you are all out there trying to achieve, not just for ourselves as operators but also for our manufactures, and that I thank you for.”

Judge Marcus Gaines of Ride and Park Media said: “With the worldwide crisis, now more than ever is the time to recognise the successes and triumphs of those striving hard to offer millions of guests a safe and fun day out. 2020 hasn’t been an easy for anyone, but it’s important to take a moment to celebrate the work that has gone in to overcoming the challenges and to give the entire industry a pat on the back.

“I’m proud to be a judge once more, helping to champion the attraction industry and to give thanks to all those pouring blood sweat and tears into making people smile.”

Event director, Paul Ryder said: “Despite the difficulties faced this year, we think it is vitally important that the industry has still has the opportunity to celebrate everything it has achieved since the 2019 edition of The Park World Excellence Awards. With the eligibility period now spanning 13 months (1 July 2019 – 30 August 2020), we hope all of the new rides, attractions and events that we saw before the pandemic are reflected in this year’s award entries, along with openings that have taken place since. “

He continued: “Although we may have been able to host a physical awards ceremony after 1 October, our main concern is the health and safety of our guests and the need for them to be able to plan ahead. When the Park World Excellence Awards returns next year, it will only be enhanced with many of the digital features seen in this year’s virtual event. I’d like to thank all of our 2020 sponsors for supporting us in this endeavour”