From Left to Right: David Rosenberg and Marika Barranco from Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey, CA: The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) recognized two Monterey Bay Aquarium professionals at the IAAPA Attractions Expo on November 18.
IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Monterey Bay Aquarium is the first aquarium to have a staff member honored in the annual Service Awards.
David Rosenberg and Marika Barranco were selected from the staff of attractions and amusement parks across the globe to receive awards recognizing their contributions to the attractions industry.
David Rosenberg, General Manager of Guest Experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium ©Monterey Bay Aquarium, photo by Tyson V. Rininger
David Rosenberg, general manager of guest experience, received the Outstanding Service Award. This award was presented in recognition of David’s work to foster the spirit of goodwill, professionalism and higher levels of performance within the industry.
Marika Barranco was honored with the first ever International Young Professional of the Year Award. IAAPA celebrated her leadership, teamwork, and integrity as the guest experience administration manager for the aquarium.
Marika Barranco, Guest Experience Administration Manager at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. ©Monterey Bay Aquarium, photo by Tyson V. Rininger
IAAPA member facilities include the world’s leading amusement/theme parks, water parks, attractions, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts and casinos in more than 90 countries.
AmusementParksNews Bureau: news@amusementparksnews.com
I’m a listener and also a dnceot for the Steinhart at the Cal Academy. It’s always so nice hear from repeat visitors and get a chance to see more of the museum, especially since the place is always changing. The number of cold-water exhibits hasn’t really changed though, but animals come and go, whole new exhibits go up, and some of the smaller tanks have been revised. One of my favorite cold-water animals in a small thank is the Lion’s Mane Nudibranch, which come and go a few times a year. The aquarium has a less-than-straightforward layout so you may have simply walked into a section you previous never seen. The western side of the aquarium has always been all cold-water (California) exhibits, while the coral/tropical tanks occupy the entire eastern side, the middle section (where you found the archer fish) is a mix, and the far western side is the freshwater Amazon tanks.You highlighted one of my favorite stories to tell visitors about the archer fish and Burmese vine snakes living in opposite universes. You’re lucky to have seen the archer fish being fed because I’ve never been there when it happens. I’ve seen the vine snakes being fed small feeder goldfish, an incredible and fun sight to watch.