New Hall of Fame Inductees: Four Pioneers of the Global Attractions Industry Receive Honors
(eap) The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced four new inductees into its “Hall of Fame”. This special recognition is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the global leisure and attractions industry. This year, Dick Chance, Geoff Chutter, Rick Hunter and Clark Robinson († 2023) will be honored for their lifetime of service. The IAAPA Hall of Fame was founded in 1990 – renowned pioneers, including Walt Disney, Alberto Zamperla, Philippe de Villiers, Franz and Roland Mack are immortalized in it.
After graduating from college in 1970, Dick Chance joined the family business Chance Rides, which had been founded by his father Harold. In 1985, Dick took over as CEO and led the company to significant growth. His involvement in the amusement industry included presidency of the non-profit organization AREA (today AIMS; focus: development of uniform safety standards for amusement rides & consulting services) and leading the Showmen’s League of America.
Geoff Chutter is the founder and CEO of British Columbia-based WhiteWater West, a leading global manufacturer of water park attractions. In 1980, Chutter opened a water park and built all of its slides himself. The resulting company, WhiteWater, now has seven regional offices worldwide, employs around 500 people and can look back on more than 5,000 projects for leading entertainment brands.
Another veteran of the water park industry is Rick Hunter, who founded ProSlide Technology, based in eastern Canada, in 1986. His work in the industry was and is characterized by strong entrepreneurial courage and a continuous drive for innovation. He led his company, which is now represented on several continents, to the top of the international league of providers of state-of-the-art water park attractions.
Clark Robinson († 2023), former General Manager of Lagoon Park, had dedicated a large part of his professional life to structuring and shaping the future of the global leisure association. He took over as IAAPA President and CEO in the early 2000s, but had previously served the organization in various volunteer positions for over 27 years. Under his leadership, the IAAPA headquarters (now in Orlando, Florida) moved from Chicago to Washington, D.C. The association is now honoring Robinson’s great service to IAAPA with his induction into the Hall of Fame.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. These four individuals truly represent more than 100 years of influence and imagination that has resonated throughout our industry,” said John McReynolds, Chairman of the IAAPA Hall of Fame Committee. The official ceremony honoring the new Hall of Fame members will take place on November 18, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The show floor (IAAPA Expo 2024) opens on November 19. ■
