IAAPA Update
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Susan Storey: How long have you been in the attractions industry? Do you have a favourite park or attraction? Jim Pattison Jr.: I’ve been in the attractions industry for more than 30 years and have had the opportunity to work with and meet many characters along the way. I have two responses for the second part of your question. The House on the
Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin is my favourite attraction. It’s the most unique and almost indescribable place. Its collection of coin-operated music machines and so many other collections – which even includes a 200-foot-long indoor whale – makes it truly memorable and unlike anything else in the world. As far as parks go, there’s nothing like Puy du Fou in Les Epesses, France.
The park is all theatre and storytelling. The entire village is involved with the park and its productions. It’s like a life-size Cirque du Soleil that is immersive and incredible, and always delivers for its guests.
SS: Tell us a little bit about Ripley Entertainment. JP: Ripley Entertainment sells increments of time to guests so that they can spend time together. We have more than 100 attractions in 10 countries around the world, including three incredible aquariums.
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Jim Pattison Jr.
In the second of our two-part interview series, Park World’s Susan Storey hears from Jim Pattison Jr. of Ripley Entertainment as he replaces Ken Whiting as IAAPA Chairman for 2023
Our company was built on the foundation of Robert Ripley’s daily
newspaper cartoon which debuted in 1918. His hand-drawn cartoons highlighted people and their unique and often incredible abilities. For 104 years we have continued that tradition of embracing and celebrating people, traditions, and history, and sharing that it is OK to be different. Robert Ripley was a pioneer in helping to bring those who felt like they did not belong to the forefront, and we are all proud to continue to meet and celebrate incredible people around the world.
SS: How long have you been involved with IAAPA and how did you first get involved? JP: As a company, Ripley Entertainment is as old as IAAPA; we both started in 1918. Ripley Entertainment has been a member of IAAPA for almost 45 years. I’ve been involved with IAAPA for a long time, in many different
capacities. I’ve served on the Small Parks and Attractions Committee and the Government Relations Committee. I also worked with the Relocation Committee and provided support to the team when the global headquarters relocated from Virginia to Florida.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
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