WhiteWater’s IAAPA Expo Europe Highlights: CEO Appointment and Awards
Last week, WhiteWater IAAPA Expo Europe concluded in Amsterdam, marking a successful event for the world’s largest designer and supplier of water parks and attractions.
WhiteWater CEO Appointed to IAAPA Board
During the event, IAAPA announced the newly elected members to its Global Board 2025. WhiteWater’s CEO, Geoff Chutter, has been appointed as the Manufacturer/Supplier/Consultant (MSC) Director. With a wealth of experience since founding the company in 1980, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of the attractions industry, covering everything from materials and fabrication to construction and guest experience across various venue types.
Geoff has been a staunch supporter of IAAPA, having participated in every IAAPA Expo show—in Orlando, Europe, and Asia—since 1982. He received IAAPA’s Outstanding Service Award in 2019 and is a firm believer in the organisation’s mission. Geoff and the team at WhiteWater have actively contributed to IAAPA through their involvement in numerous committees, task forces, educational sessions, and sponsorships, and they plan to continue this engagement.
“IAAPA is not only a platform for networking and building relationships, it is becoming a driving force to advance the attractions industry in terms of safety, policy, and innovation, reaching more and more corners of the world,” Geoff stated. “WhiteWater’s participation in IAAPA has been extremely beneficial, and I am honoured to be able to give back by serving on its board.”
Three European Star Awards
The annual European Star Awards were also announced, celebrating the continent’s favourite attractions, including three supplied by WhiteWater.
“Stormfloden” at Fårup Sommerland in Blokhus, Denmark, and O2 SURFTOWN MUC in Munich, Germany, were recognised as Europe’s Best New Water Attractions. Standing at 21 meters, Stormfloden is Denmark’s tallest water slide and features the world’s first Boomerango + Tailspin Fusion. Meanwhile, O2 SURFTOWN MUC boasts the world’s first Endless Surf lagoon, providing the industry’s most advanced surf experience. Continuing its streak of European Star Awards since 2020, “High Five,” a Master Blaster + Constrictor Fusion at Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky, Czechia, secured its sixth award for Europe’s Best Water Slides.
“We are as ecstatic as our clients for winning these awards,” remarked Rainer Maelzer, President of WhiteWater ERA GmbH. “They not only recognise innovation but also the incredible fun these attractions bring to guests.”
Four Park World Excellence Awards
The Park World Excellence Awards, which honour exceptional achievements in the attractions industry across the EMEA region, were also held last week. Meryal Waterpark in Lusail, Qatar, with its record-breaking features, won three awards: Best Product Innovation, Best Water Park Experience with its Icon Tower, and Best Water Park.
Icon Tower is the world’s tallest water slide tower at 85 meters and launches 12 thrilling water slides—the most from a single tower. Meryal represents the most elaborate project WhiteWater has completed to date.
For its contributions to this groundbreaking water park and other outstanding projects in EMEA, WhiteWater was named Best Supplier.
“We are proud to be recognised for the dedication, expertise, and hard work that went into this massive undertaking,” stated Onno Meeter, President of Water Parks. “It takes an extraordinary team and extremely committed partners to bring this spectacular project to life, and these accolades are well-deserved. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
Creativity Collective—Inspiring Future Award-Winning Projects
At the WhiteWater IAAPA Expo Europe 2024, WhiteWater launched its latest corporate campaign, “Creativity Collective.” This initiative acknowledges that award-winning projects and memorable guest experiences arise from the creative energy within the industry. The campaign aims to gather inspiration from projects and professionals in the leisure sector through video interviews and short case studies, fostering a culture of learning from one another.
Find the library of resources here: https://www.whitewaterwest.com/create.
