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.

Nominations should be emailed to info@aimsintl.org and include a brief (150 words or less) statement on why the nominee should be selected to receive the AIMS International Safety Award. This information will be used by the AIMS Awards Committee and board to evaluate the nominee, so please be as detailed as possible. Please include any relevant documents (magazine articles, other awards, and recognition, etc.) to support your nomination.

The deadline for award nomination is June 30, 2024.

The AIMS International Safety Award

Presented to the individual or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and foresight in improving safety in the amusement industry.

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
The AIMS International Lifetime Contribution Award

Presented on the occasion of recognition of outstanding dedication and service to AIMS International.

2024 Jim Seay
2019 Gary Slade
2018 Mark Moore
2006 Pat Hoffman
The AIMS International Antonio Zamperla Award

Most outstanding contribution to Operational Safety in the Amusement Industry.

1997 Greg Picon Knott's Berry Farm
1998 Jim Dooley Busch Gardens Williamsburg
1999 Jerry Aldrich Amusement Industry Consultants
2000 Pat Hoffman Six Flags
2001 George Hurley BEC Texas
2002 Cindee Patrick C&P Enterprises
2003 Ray Cammack Shows Ray Cammack Shows
2004 Jason Freeman Six Flags
2005 Steve Elliott Rides Action Limited
2006 Patty Beazley When Pigs Fly
2007 Ron Burback Funtastic Rides Company
2008 Damon Andrew BEC
2009 Roger Berry Ralph Alberts Company
2009 Greg Hale Walt Disney
2010 Les Wilkins Six Flags
2013 Len Morrissey ASTM
The AIMS International John Allen Award

Most outstanding contribution to Amusement Ride Safety within the park.

1995 Doug Schmidt BEC Tampa
1996 Gary Chubb Dutch Wonderland
1997 Rocky Picard Riverside Park
1998 Harold Berry CNA Ins.
1999 John Hinde J.P. Hinde Enteprises, Inc.
2000 Scooter Mangold BEC Texas
2001 Mark Haywood Knott's Berry Farm
2002 Silver Dollar City Silver Dollar City
2003 Mike Martin BEC Orlando
2004 Rick Hamilton Worlds of Fun
2005 Fred Hackworth Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2006 Barry Richard BR Consulting
2007 Brian King and  Jeff Abendshien Recreation Engineering, Inc.
2008 John Nielesky Universal Studios Hollywood
2009 Franceen Gonzales Great Wolf Resorts
2009 C.W. Craven Doppelmayer
2010 Mark Hammerling Universal Studios Orlando
The AIMS International Frank Hrubetz Award

Most outstanding contribution to Amusement Ride Safety in the Carnival Industry.

1996 Walker Leroy Oaks Park
1997 F.G. "Red" Wood
1998 Murray Brothers Murray Brothers
1999 Jim and Ernie Bishop Bishop Rides
2000 Jinoyce Hutchs Wood Entertainment Company
2001 James Graybell Drew Shows
2002 Dennis Warner Crabtree Amusements
2003 Howard Hilliard Ray Cammack Shows
2004 Steve Laycock Chance Rides Manufacturing, Inc.
2005 Patty Sullivan Eli Bridge
2006 Keith Inners Majestic Midways
2007 Jerry Aldrich Amusement Industry Consultants
2008 Guy Leavitt RCS
2009 Guy Sherborne Ori Ind.
2009 John Hinde J.P. Hinde Enteprises, Inc.
2010 Kim Jones Funtastic Shows
The AIMS International Red Wood Award

Most outstanding contribution to Amusement Ride Inspection and Midway Safety.

1996 Bob Gill
1997 Jim Fenwick K&K Insurance
1998 Fred Weber Kennywood
1999 Rick Achard and Barry Schaible Excalibur Specialty Risk
2000 John Dodson State of Ohio
2001 Harold Berry Hass Wilkerson Ins.
2002 Rick Achard and  Barry Schaible Independent Amusement Industry Consultants
2003 Rick Achard and  Barry Schaible Independent Amusement Industry Consultants
2004 Clyde Wagner and Carl Dills North Carolina Dept. Of Labor / State of Kentucky
2005 Tony Rossi Leisure Tech Services
2006 James Graybeal Drew Exposition
2007 Jim Caskey
2008 Alan Ramsey CLM Entertainment
2009 Doug Conlan
2009 Joe Bixler
2010 Dan Dudley Dudley Consultants
The AIMS International George Millay Award

Most outstanding contribution to Water Ride and Water Park Safety

2011 Wally James