AIMS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES STEVE BLUM TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT 2026 SAFETY SEMINAR
Event to be held January 11-16, 2026, in Orlando, Florida
[Dallas, TX] – November 17, 2025 – AIMS International, the global leader in amusement safety education, is proud to announce that Steve Blum, Executive Vice President of Safety and Engineering for Universal Creative, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 AIMS International Safety Seminar.
As head of the development division for Universal Destinations & Experiences, Blum serves as the chief technical officer for ride and show systems worldwide. In this capacity, he oversees all safety and engineering activities from concept through operation, directs technical requirements and compliance, and leads initiatives in patent development, research, and advanced interactive technologies.
Throughout his tenure at Universal, Blum has been instrumental in bringing many of the company’s most iconic projects to life. He led technical teams for Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Orlando), Universal Studios Japan (Osaka), Universal Mediterranea (Spain), Universal Studios Singapore, Universal’s Volcano Bay (Orlando), and Universal Beijing Resort—guiding engineering design, safety oversight, and performance validation. Most recently, Blum played a pivotal role in the development of Epic Universe, ensuring hazard and risk mitigation, safety compliance, and full regulatory adherence ahead of the park’s public debut.
Blum began his career in themed entertainment in the late 1980s with Walt Disney Imagineering, serving as Senior Ride Systems Project Engineer for EuroDisney in Paris. There, he successfully delivered multiple projects—including a new roller coaster, an innovative animated figure, and a multimedia show—on time and under budget.
A respected leader in industry safety standards, Blum has long been active in global professional organizations. He previously chaired the IAAPA Global and North American Safety Committees and has been a member of ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices for more than 30 years. He currently serves as an officer on the ASTM F24 Executive Committee, shaping worldwide safety practices across the industry.
With more than 800 attendees expected, this year’s AIMS International Safety Seminar will offer personalized education, hands-on learning, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Developed in collaboration with leading industry organizations, the program features over 400 hours of content, allowing participants to tailor their schedules to their specific interests and goals. Attendees will return to their organizations with actionable safety insights and enduring connections that promote excellence across the global safety community.
New for 2026, AIMS is introducing a 2-Day Inflatable Operators Package with Certification, developed in partnership with Inflatable Operators of America (IOA). Designed specifically for inflatable operators, this new program qualifies participants to take the IOA Owner/Operator Level 1 Certification exam upon completion of training.
Registration for the 2026 seminar is now open at aimsintl.org.
In addition to the Safety Seminar, AIMS International offers the Academy of Amusement Risk Management, Safety and Security (AARMSS)—a structured curriculum focused on four foundational pillars: safety, security, emergency management, and risk management. The program equips professionals with the skills needed to manage comprehensive amusement industry safety and risk programs effectively.
Applications for the Safety, Security, and Risk Management Academy and Certification are still being accepted. To learn more or apply, visit aimsintl.org/education/aarmss.
The 2026 AIMS International Safety Seminar will take place January 11–16, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. For more information or to register, visit aimsintl.org.
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About AIMS International
AIMS International is a non-profit 501(c)(6) association dedicated to improving amusement Industry safety through leadership in education. AIMS International provides training classes and certification for ride inspectors, operations, aquatics, and maintenance personnel through its annual Safety Seminar and at other venues throughout the year.
