Johnson City, Tennessee— Jan. 22, 2026 — FACE Amusement Group has been named a finalist for the Best Talent Acquisition Program category in the IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in the global attractions industry.
The finalist designation was recently announced by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. Finalists were selected by IAAPA task forces representing each award category, recognizing organizations that demonstrate creativity, innovation and operational excellence.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized by IAAPA alongside so many respected organizations from around the world,” said Bucky Mabe, CEO of FACE Amusement Group. “This finalist designation reflects the intentional work our team has done to build strong talent pipelines, invest in people, and create a culture that supports growth, engagement and long-term success.”
IAAPA President and CEO Jakob Wahl announced the finalists, highlighting companies that are pushing boundaries and shaping the future of the attractions industry through leadership in talent development, guest experience, sustainability, entertainment innovation and marketing excellence.
The IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Awards honor best-in-class execution across a wide range of categories, including talent and workforce development, immersive entertainment, food and beverage innovation and operational leadership. This year’s finalists represent attractions and entertainment destinations from around the world, underscoring the global scope and impact of the awards.
Winners will be announced live on IAAPA’s YouTube channel on Feb. 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. EST, and officially celebrated during IAAPA Honors, taking place May 12–14, 2026, in Xcaret, Mexico.
For more information and ongoing coverage of the IAAPA Awards, visit IAAPA.org or follow @IAAPAHQ on social media.
About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic global community of attractions professionals. As the world’s largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA connects industry leaders to learn, collaborate, and grow while promoting the highest standards of excellence and safety worldwide.
Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents more than 9,000 attractions, supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from over 100 countries. Its membership spans amusement and theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.
IAAPA’s global headquarters and North America office are located in Orlando, Florida, with additional offices in Brussels, Dubai, Hong Kong SAR, Shanghai and Mexico City.
About FACE Amusement Group
FACE Amusement Group owns and operates a growing collection of entertainment experiences with locations throughout the United States. Specializing in good, clean, family fun, their unique amusement portfolio includes Arcade City, Big Top Arcade, Rockin’ Raceway Arcade, 7D Dark Ride Adventure, LuLu’s Beach Arcade and Mountain of Youth Ropes Course, The Mirror Maize, while their growing hospitality side of the business includes Guy’s Branson Kitchen and Bar as well as Downtown Flavortown Pigeon Forge and Downtown Flavortown Myrtle Beach that is opening in summer of 2026. With games of skill and rides that thrill, crazy mazes, and racetrack blazes, FACE Amusement Group showcases the newest interactive technology as families and friends compete for the ultimate prize – memories that will last a lifetime.
FACE Amusement Group has received the Great Place to Work® recognition for its company for 2025 for the third year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at FACE Amusement Group.
In addition to providing exceptional entertainment options, the company’s core values of Faith, Attitude, Consistency and Excellence (FACE) drive its wide-reaching philanthropic efforts, including the unique Bear Hugs program. For every stuffed bear plush toy won in a FACE Amusement claw machine, the company donates another bear to a local charity. To date, FACE Amusement Group has donated nearly 20,000 stuffed bears to a variety of charities. FaceAmusement.com.
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