Camped Out at IAAPA Expo
By Arthur Levine | Funworld
(photo credit Arthur Levine).
I used to love going to summer camp. The time of year notwithstanding, IAAPA Expo reminds me of those long-ago cherished experiences.
We come from all over and, with great anticipation, return to the same place every year. We gather around the equivalent of a campfire to hear stories about legends and other captivating tales from our fellow campers. The mess hall is always stocked with goodies such as BeaverTails and Dippin’ Dots.
Like camp, the Expo gives us an opportunity to reconnect with one another. It may only be once a year, but we easily rekindle bonds and catch up with our buddies. Through my work, I’ve met some extraordinary people in the industry, many of whom I get to see at the Expo.
People like Jeffrey Siebert, park president of Six Flags Fiesta Texas. In everything he does, it’s evident this is a guy who adores his job. And he clearly gets a kick out of sharing his infectious enthusiasm with others. Among my treasured memories are experiencing Rocky Mountain Construction’s (RMC) first single-rail thrill machine, “Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster,” and another RMC masterpiece, “Iron Rattler,” with Jeffrey at his park.
Then there is John Kageorge, communications director for Dynamic Attractions. Without fail, he pulls me aside at every Expo to regale me with news about the company’s latest creative endeavors. I find it fascinating that a shop with such a diverse (and dare I say, dynamic) portfolio can continue to innovate and produce wild concepts and attractions. But it’s not just the info that John shares; it’s the way in which he shares it and the manner in which he conducts himself generally. John is a true gentleman and a champion of the industry.
There may be no bigger champion of the industry than Tim O’Brien, the only journalist in the IAAPA Hall of Fame. Long before we found ourselves on assignment together covering parks and chumming around, he was an inspiration to me. As an aspiring journalist, he was an ideal role model. Although I’d never grow a ponytail (granted, I don’t have the hair even if I did want to), I’ve tried to emulate Tim in other ways, such as infusing my writing with passion and treating the people and organizations I cover with respect.
This barely scratches the surface. There are so many incredible people doing phenomenal things who invite me into their worlds and allow me to chronicle their work. For that I am grateful. If we haven’t already, perhaps you and I will have a chance to connect as well.
I’ll see you at the Expo. I’ll be the one leading a rousing rendition of “Kumbaya” by the BeaverTails booth.
A lifelong park fanatic, Arthur Levine has been writing newspaper and magazine travel features about the industry he loves since 1992. He’s been the Theme Parks Expert at TripSavvy.com (formerly About.com) since 2002, and is a regular contributor for USA Today.
source: http://bit.ly/2WWJ2G5
via: IAAPA Expo