Movie World and Sea World win IAAPA ‘Brass Ring’ merchandise awards

Gold Coast theme parks Sea World and Warner Bros. Movie World have each received Brass Ring awards for merchandise excellence at this week’s The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida, USA.

In a thin year for Australasian attractions, Sea World was awarded ‘Best Plush More than 1 Million Attendance’ for its Shuffles the Emperor Penguin Chick merchandise while Movie World was awarded ‘Best Apparel More than 1 Million Attendance’ for its Batman Flat Brim Cap with Removable Mask.

Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi, also won a merchandise Brass Ring.

Other Asian attractions fared well in the Brass Ring live entertainment categories.

Brass Rings were presented to Universal Studios Japan for its Sesame Street Funky Party; Ocean Park Hong Kong for its Kaleidoscope Spectacular; Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore for its Santa Allstar Christmas; the Legoland Malaysia Resort for its LEGO Ninjago & the Realm of Shadows and Shanghai Disney Resort for its Ignite the Dream: A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic & Light.

The Spirit Award, given to the most outstanding person who works behind-the-scenes to support high-quality entertainment, was presented to Gizmo Ng Tung Shuen of Ocean Park Hong Kong.

Presented this week during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016, the Brass Ring awards were presented to amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centres (FECs), and suppliers from around the world to acknowledge excellence in food and beverage, games and retail, human resources, live entertainment, marketing, new products, and family entertainment centers. 

The tradition of the brass ring, a term now synonymous with spectacular achievement, dates back to the 1800s. Rings were suspended above carousel riders; low enough for them to grasp, but high enough to pose a challenge. Most rings were made of iron, but a few were made of brass, so grabbing the brass ring was a valuable treat. Skilled riders who grabbed a brass ring often earned prizes, including a free ride on the carousel.

The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards are the most prestigious professional honours awarded, marking achievements of excellence throughout the international attractions industry. 

Images: Movie World's Batman Flat Brim Cap with Removable Mask (top) and retail at Sea World (below)

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