Judging is underway and the countdown is on for the inaugural Park World Excellence Awards ceremony…

With Europe’s leading park operators, suppliers, manufacturers and entertainment specialists putting forward their top projects for consideration over the past few months, entries and nominations are now in the capable hands of an independent panel of expert judges.

Tasked with the difficult job of reviewing every valid entry against the criteria and producing the finalists – and ultimately one winner – in each category, the judging panel features an eclectic group of individuals who each bring a specialised industry background and unique perspective to the decision-making process.

Bringing over 20 years’ experience in the attractions industry to the panel is Teri Ruffley, the principal of Attraction Brand Consulting and IP director for The London Resort. Having held senior roles in world leading companies, Teri possesses vast knowledge surrounding the licensing, design, development and supply of global attractions.

With the Awards focused on recognising cutting edge projects, innovation and creativity, other members spearheading the group include owner of Ride and Park Media, Marcus Gaines, who has been covering theme parks and rides for over 15 years for trade and mainstream publications; Marek Pisarski, established author in the Polish leisure sector, trailblazing consultant in the edutainment sector and owner of Marek Pisarski Imagineering; and Emmanuel Mongon, whose company Imaginvest has assisted leisure industry clients from concept through to realisation for over 12 years.

Also on the panel is freelance author and businessman 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.

An evening to remember

Finalists will be announced in mid-August, while the winners are set to be revealed at a ceremony in Amsterdam on Wednesday 26 September 2018.

Bringing together professionals from across the sector for a premium experience, the event offers the chance to make new connections at an exclusive champagne reception and enjoy a dazzling evening of celebration – including high-profile award presentations, a three-course meal with wine and entertainment.

Tickets are available to buy online now through the dedicated Park World Excellence Awards website.

Sponsor line-up continues to grow

The Park World Excellence Awards continues to receive the backing of global industry leaders, with wiegand.maelzer and ProSlide the latest to join Bertazzon, MACK Rides and Polin Waterparks in the sponsor line-up.

Rainer Maelzer, owner and CEO of wiegand.maelzer, said: “Our industry is driven by constant development created by innovative individuals and revolutionary thinking; and the Park World Excellence Awards is an esteemed platform for acknowledging these achievements.

“In addition, the Awards enables the participating companies to strengthen their market-leading positions and draw attention to their newest innovations.”

Speaking about the ceremony, Robin Edwards, marketing event specialist at ProSlide, said: “This prestigious event offers a great opportunity to showcase ground-breaking work, connect with the most prominent players in the industry, and celebrate outstanding achievements. Even if you haven’t entered, you should definitely attend!”

With limited opportunities remaining, now is the time for companies to get involved as a premium sponsor and reap all of the benefits that come with it, including association with industry excellence, pre-event promotion, enhanced networking potential and maximum on-the-night visibility.

To find out more or to discuss bespoke packages, contact Pippa Dugmore on 01622 699103 or at pdugmore@datateam.co.uk.

For more information on the Park World Excellence Awards or to book tickets to the Awards ceremony, visit www.parkworldexcellenceawards.com.