Franceen Gonzales, executive VP of the Americans at WhiteWater, was inducted into the World Waterpark Association Hall of Fame at its 2017 Symposium and Trade Show.
Franceen Gonzales, executive VP of the Americans at WhiteWater, was inducted into the World Waterpark Association Hall of Fame at its 2017 Symposium and Trade Show.

As industry associations one by one have decided to take their trade shows and conferences to a virtual format, one association had held out. It, too, has now announced it will pivot.

The World Waterpark Association this morning announced to its members that its Annual Symposium and Trade Show, previously to be held in Las Vegas, will be presented online.

This will be the organization's 40th annual event.

"Adaptability has been the name of the game this year," said WWA Board Chair Damien Latham and WWA President Rick Root in the communication. Later in the communication, they added, "Cancelling the in-person portion of our 40th anniversary show was not what we had hoped for, but as we have so many times this year, we will continue to adapt to challenges as they arise."

They went on to say that, in May and June, organizers were receiving input suggesting it would be possible for WWA members to operate and travel to an in-person event.

"Unfortunately, that has not been the case," they said. "Based on current public health advisories and travel restrictions around the world, including the state of Nevada, which currently bans gatherings of more than 50 people, it is not possible for us to move ahead with this year’s WWA Show in Las Vegas," they said.

More information about this year's event will become available.

Next year's WWA Annual Symposium & Trade Show is scheduled for Oct. 19-22, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas.