Awards
AIMS International Hall of Fame
Presented to individuals and organizations that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and foresight in improving safety in the amusement industry.
The AIMS International Board of Directors has recognized these individuals with awards named for icons in the industry, true pioneers in improving safety in the amusement industry. In 2016, these awards were replaced by a single award: The AIMS International Safety Award, presented annually to the individual or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and foresight in improving safety in the amusement industry. With safety as the industry’s number one concern for guests and employees worldwide, efforts in improving safety are shown in many forms: the design and implementation of new products and technology, the development of safety education programs and training, and by exemplary leadership in influencing others.
Nominations for the AIMS International Safety Award can be submitted by individuals within the amusement industry. The winner will be selected by a vote of AIMS International’s Board of Directors and presented during Amusement Today’s annual Golden Ticket Awards.
The deadline for award nomination is June 15, 2026
AIMS International Safety Award
Presented to the individual or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and foresight in improving safety in the amusement industry.
2025 Recipient
Ellis & Associates
See all past award recipients
2024 Patty Beazley
2023 Jeff Abendshien
2023 ASTM F24 Committee
2022 CW Craven
2021 Hugo Loyola
2020 John Riggleman
2019 Ronald E. Burback
2018 Patrick Hoffman
2017 Har Kupers
2016 Harold Hudson
AIMS International Lifetime Contribution Award
Presented on the occasion of recognition of outstanding dedication and service to AIMS International.
2025 Recipient
Jerry Aldrich
See all past award recipients
2024 Jim Seay
2019 Gary Slade
2018 Mark Moore
2006 Pat Hoffman
AIMS International Antonio Zamperla Award
Most outstanding contribution to Operational Safety in the Amusement Industry.
See all past award recipients
2013 Len Morrissey, ASTM
2010 Les Wilkins, Six Flags
2009 Roger Berry, Ralph Alberts Company
2009 Greg Hale, Walt Disney
2008 Damon Andrew, BEC
2007 Ron Burback, Funtastic Rides Company
2006 Patty Beazley, When Pigs Fly
2005 Steve Elliott, Rides Action Limited
2004 Jason Freeman, Six Flags
2003 Ray Cammack Shows
2002 Cindee Patrick, C&P Enterprises
2001 George Hurley, BEC Texas
2000 Pat Hoffman, Six Flags
1999 Jerry Aldrich, Amusement Industry Consultants
1998 Jim Dooley, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
1997 Greg Picon, Knott’s Berry Farm
AIMS International John Allen Award
Most outstanding contribution to Amusement Ride Safety within the park.
See all past award recipients
2010 Mark Hammerling, Universal Studios Orlando
2009 Franceen Gonzales, Great Wolf Resorts
2009 C.W. Craven, Doppelmayer
2008 John Nielesky, Universal Studios Hollywood
2007 Brian King and Jeff Abendshien, Recreation Engineering, Inc.
2006 Barry Richard, BR Consulting
2005 Fred Hackworth, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2004 Rick Hamilton, Worlds of Fun
2003 Mike Martin, BEC Orlando
2002 Silver Dollar City, Silver Dollar City
2001 Mark Haywood, Knott’s Berry Farm
2000 Scooter Mangold, BEC Texas
1999 John Hinde, J.P. Hinde Enteprises, Inc.
1998 Harold Berry, CNA Ins.
1997 Rocky Picard, Riverside Park
1996 Gary Chubb, Dutch Wonderland
1995 Doug Schmidt, BEC Tampa
AIMS International Frank Hrubetz Award
Most outstanding contribution to Amusement Ride Safety in the Carnival Industry.
See all past award recipients
2010 Kim Jones, Funtastic Shows
2009 Guy Sherborne, Ori Ind.
2009 John Hinde, J.P. Hinde Enteprises, Inc.
2008 Guy Leavitt, RCS
2007 Jerry Aldrich, Amusement Industry Consultants
2006 Keith Inners, Majestic Midways
2005 Patty Sullivan, Eli Bridge
2004 Steve Laycock, Chance Rides Manufacturing, Inc.
2003 Howard Hilliard, Ray Cammack Shows
2002 Dennis Warner, Crabtree Amusements
2001 James Graybell, Drew Shows
2000 Jinoyce Hutchs, Wood Entertainment Company
1999 Jim and Ernie Bishop, Bishop Rides
1998 Murray Brothers, Murray Brothers
1997 F.G. “Red” Wood
1996 Walker Leroy, Oaks Park
The AIMS International Red Wood Award
Most outstanding contribution to Amusement Ride Inspection and Midway Safety.
See all past award recipients
2010 Dan Dudley, Dudley Consultants
2009 Doug Conlan
2009 Joe Bixler
2008 Alan Ramsey, CLM Entertainment
2007 Jim Caskey
2006 James Graybeal, Drew Exposition
2005 Tony Rossi, Leisure Tech Services
2004 Clyde Wagner and Carl Dills, North Carolina Dept. Of Labor / State of Kentucky
2003 Rick Achard and Barry Schaible, Independent Amusement Industry Consultants
2002 Rick Achard and Barry Schaible, Independent Amusement Industry Consultants
2001 Harold Berry, Hass Wilkerson Ins.
2000 John Dodson, State of Ohio
1999 Rick Achard and Barry Schaible, Excalibur Specialty Risk
1998 Fred Weber, Kennywood
1997 Jim Fenwick, K&K Insurance
The AIMS International George Millay Award
Most outstanding contribution to Water Ride and Water Park Safety.
See all past award recipients
2011 Wally James