Amusement Park News

  With grieving hearts, Gold Medal Products Co. announces the sudden passing of our esteemed former president, CEO and chairman, Dan Kroeger. On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, he passed away at the age of 72. Our sincere condolences go out to the Kroeger family and friends at this time of devastating loss.Dan was truly a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence. He got his start at Gold Medal by answering a newspaper ad for a sales position at Gold Medal in 1979. When he told his wife, Janet, that he was in the popcorn business, she was skeptical and asked how he could support a young family that way. Yet, Dan went on to build a highly successful 40-year career, culminating in his position as the president and CEO. Under his leadership, overall company sales grew a striking seven times over, marking some of the largest periods of growth for Gold Medal. However, Dan's greatest impact went beyond sales. His gift was in his relationships with others. He was known throughout ...   [read more]

  Today, we are introducing our exciting new Podcast feature, Amusement Warehouse Podcast. In the podcast, we will interview fair managers, carnival owners, park owners, entertainers and concessionaires. Each episode lasts about an hour, and we get into the business of the interviewee's various pursuits. In our first Podcast, we interview Phil Vivona of Amusements of America, the last surviving Vivona brother, one of the founders of the iconic company. Phil shares stories about the company's history and insight into how five brothers were able to work together and grow one of the most most recognizable carnival companies in the industry without breaking apart. Phil was very generous with his time, and as one of the oldest showmen still involved in the industry, he has a lot to share. From their start at the World's Fair in 1939 in NY through ventures into the US south and Canada, the Amusements of America story is truly a fascinating one. In the coming weeks, we will also feature ...   [read more]

  AMSTERDAM -- June 10, 2024 – IAAPA, the leading global association for the attractions industry, is thrilled to announce the return of IAAPA Expo Europe to Amsterdam. From September 23 - 27, the leisure industry's premier event will take place at the RAI Convention Center in the heart of Amsterdam. Known for its vibrant culture and high concentration of theme and amusement parks, The Netherlands was an obvious choice to host this year's exposition. The event promises to be an unmissable experience, featuring big names like Efteling, Toverland, and Tomorrowland, and showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and networking opportunities. This is a must-attend event for anyone in the global attractions industry. Registration is now open for attendees and media.With a sprawling 18,500 sqm tradeshow floor, IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 will feature over 650 exhibitors from across Europe. Attendees will have the chance to engage with some of the world's most acclaimed manufacturers and ...   [read more]