Park World magazine’s highly coveted Park World Excellence Awards are now open for entry.
Founded in 2018, the Park World Excellence Awards invites entries and nominations from operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, together with suppliers, manufacturers and entertainment specialists with projects launched in the EMEA region between 1 July 2019 and 1 July 2020.
In consultation with its expert judging panel, the Park World Excellence Awards team has refreshed the categories and criteria for the 2020 event, providing even more exciting opportunities for members of the industry to demonstrate their skill and expertise.
“The 20 awards reflect perfectly the various facets of our vibrant EMEA region,” says renowned industry journalist and Park World Excellence Awards judge, Francois Mayne, adding: “We are really lucky to have so many outstanding projects to review, as our industry keeps pushing the boundaries of design and creativity.”
Very exciting this year is the introduction of the award for ‘Best of the Best’. Richard Pawley, director of operations for rides and safety, VTP Global Holdings and Park World Excellence Awards judge, explains: “Celebrating the ‘Best of the Best’ within our industry, this award will be given each year and will be nominated by the judges only. We will be looking for a class of ride or attraction, which may have been launched at any time, in terms of its content, operation and business model, that stands out above all others.”
Building on the success of the last two years, the 2020 event also sees the addition of two new judges to the panel: Nicole RoJo and Duncan Phillips.
Nicole is ranked in the Top 10 women for having ridden the most rollercoasters, currently over 1900. As a representative of the European Coaster Club (EEC) for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and an attraction industry blogger, she travels the globe in search of the industry’s best attractions and water parks.
As a representative of the EEC, Nicole is also involved in promoting the industry to members and the mainstream media, as well as organising events at theme parks.
Duncan Phillips comes from over 30 years operational experience at the sharp end of the UK theme park sector, seeing the industry develop from small beginnings in the early 1980s to a multi billion pound highly complex industry today.
Founder and managing director of 360 Play and leisure consultancy DP Associates, Duncan is also vice chair of industry association BALPPA, which represents the interests of the UK’s commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos, visitor attractions and family entertainment and indoor play centres.
Nicole and Duncan join Marek Pisarski, an established author in the Polish leisure sphere; amusement industry consultant, Marcus Gaines; Emmanuel Mongon, founder and director, ImaginVest; Aleatha Ezra, director of park member development, World Water Park Association; Phil Taylor, managing director, Team Leisure, Francois and Richard – who are all delighted to return and looking forward to receiving this year’s entries and nominations.
The Park World Excellence Awards ceremony will take place on 23 September at Atmosphere Venues in London, which boasts a 360’ view of the capital’s skyline. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception, award presentations for outstanding achievement, a three-course meal, entertainment, and after dinner networking with key buyers and decision makers.
The event has already won the backing of Digital Centre, Hologate, Polin Waterparks and Simworx with further opportunities for companies and brands to connect with a highly targeted audience via the various sponsorship opportunities available.
Event director, Paul Ryder comments: “The Park World Excellence Awards is fast becoming one of the most important dates in the industry calendar and we look forward to delivering another premium event this September.”
For more information and to enter and/or find out about sponsoring the awards visit www.parkworldexcellenceawards.com