IAAPA Expo 2023: Day 1 - Coaster Train Reveals, Announcements and Excitement

As many seasonal parks begin their winter hibernation, the theme park community is keeping busy this month with the IAAPA* Expo in Orlando.  Most members of our intrepid podcast team will be at the Expo, ready to share highlights with you.

We will be recording often, so stay tuned for exciting announcements from parks and manufacturers and a taste of the excitement from the show floor! 

In this episode, co-host Jessica Gardner chats with our guest co-host and Podcast Production Manager, Corey Wooten. They share their thoughts and excitement from the first day of the Expo, including some featured interviews with top professionals in the attractions industry.

Our featured guests include Tony Clark, Director of Communications at Cedar Point; Lauren Crosby, Director of Entertainment and Events, and Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Director of Communications at Holiday World; Brad Thomas, Park President at Silver Dollar City; and Preston Perkes, Executive Director of Administration at S&S Worldwide.

 

Timestamps: 

• [03:32] Cedar Point/Zamperla - Top Thrill 2 (feat. Tony Clark)
• [11:30] Hersheypark/Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc. - Comet 
• [14:32] Sally Dark Rides - Spongebob's Crazy Carnival Ride 
• [15:35] Busch Gardens/Premier Rides/ACE - Loch Ness Monster Revamp at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 
• [18:01] SeaWorld/B&M - Penguin Trek (the first first B&M family coaster built in the United States) 
• [20:42] Holiday World/Vekoma - Good Gravy (feat. Lauren Crosby and Leah Koch-Blumhardt)
• [32:15] Silver Dollar City/RMC - Fire in the Hole (feat. Brad Thomas)
• [41:43] S&S Worldwide/SEVEN (feat. Preston Perkes)

Did you know that ACE members/volunteers can attend the IAAPA Expo?  If you’re chosen to work one or more shifts during the show, you’ll get access to the entire show.  Watch your email for more information about working at next year’s show.

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

• Having an impact on the future of ACE
• Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences
• Developing friendships in a small group
• Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE
  
  

Podcast Volunteer Team 

Hosts: Jessica Gardner and Corey Wooten (Guest)
Producer: Derek Perry
Correspondent: Bryant Yeager
Editors: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten 

 

Footnotes

• IAAPA: International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions