21
November
2018
|
11:46 AM
America/New_York

Hersheypark Earns Numerous Industry Accolades

It has been an exciting fall for Hersheypark, as we were honored to receive various awards over the past month from amusement and waterpark associations. In total, Hersheypark was was the proud recipient of four industry awards. Read on to find out which awards the teams have added to their ever-growing collection.

IAPPA Brass Rings

Last week, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) presented the 2018 IAAPA Brass Ring Awards during the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The annual awards recognize amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers (FECs), and suppliers from around the world for excellence in food and beverage, games and retail, human resources, live entertainment, marketing, new products, and exhibits.

The tradition of the ‘brass ring,’ a term now synonymous with spectacular achievement, dates back to the 1800s. Rings were suspended above carousel riders — low enough for them to grasp, but high enough to pose a challenge. Skilled riders who grabbed a brass ring often earned prizes, including a free ride on the carousel. Most rings were made of iron, but a few were made of brass, so grabbing the brass ring was a valuable treat.

IAAPA Brass Ring Awards honor this tradition of reaching up and earning a prize by celebrating achievements of excellence throughout the global attractions industry. The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards are the most prestigious professional honors awarded to companies.

Hersheypark nabbed two of the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards:

  • Best Innovation in a Training Program – Annual Attendance More than 1 Million

  • Most Creative Christmas Show, “The Enchanted Journey.”

The IAAPA conference also featured a presentation by John Lawn, our President & CEO. In his remarks, John shared his professional journey, the legacy of our company, Hershey history and our next chapter - Hershey’s Chocolatetown. At the conclusion of John’s speech, the nearly 200 attendees were treated to a surprise visit from Hershey Bar and received treats from Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth.

      

Aquatics Excellence

In addition to the IAAPA awards, the Hersheypark aquatics team also received high honors. The team earned the 2018 Platinum International Safety Award awarded by Jeff Ellis & Associates (E&A). Securing this award demonstrates that our aquatic facility consistently exceeds industry standards in risk management and epitomizes aquatic safety excellence. This is such a prestigious accolade given by E&A that only 16% of their clients receive this award for 2018.

World Waterpark Recognition

Finally, World Waterpark Association presented Hersheypark with the Leading Edge Award for Breakers Edge Water Coaster and Whitecap Racer. This is awarded to individuals or parks for creativity in the development of new themes, facilities, programs, services or operational concepts in the water attractions industry; and to suppliers who have developed new concepts, products or services to the benefit of park members, their customers and the water attractions industry.

     

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is beyond proud of the numerous team members who worked tirelessly and devoted time to creating the best experiences possible for our guests and employees. We commend everyone for their continued commitment in striving for excellence.