Fun. Memories. Unique experiences. Gratitude. Connection. Uplifting moments.
Those are the words that lingered with me after the Spring Conference, and they still make me smile. Seeing so many of you in person after months of waving through Zoom squares, chatting on social media or exchanging emails felt like a breath of fresh air.
During our final meal together on Sunday, I shared something personal: at every ACE event, I choose one standout memory to tuck into my suitcase and carry home. It’s never just a ride or a photo, but a moment shared with someone. A laugh, a conversation, a spark of connection often wrapped around a coaster ride or a delicious bite to eat. That’s the magic of this hobby. Our memories aren’t flat; they’re layered with people, places and feelings.
One moment that stood out for me was a short conversation with Heidi Holland, Frontier City’s events manager. Heidi’s creativity and joy were contagious, and her passion reminded me how much fulfillment comes from creating experiences that bring others happiness.
As I reflected on that, I realized this ritual of mine captures my own definition of fun. Watching all of you throughout the weekend, laughing, talking, taking photos, cheering as trains rolled back into the station, I was reminded how personal each ride experience truly is. We may ride the same coasters, walk the same midway and attend the same ERT, but no two people experience it the same. That’s the beauty of ACE events: you make them your own. Your fun doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. What matters is that we share the experience together, and, as Heidi reminded me, the fun isn’t just for attendees; it’s for the park teams too.
As summer begins and we travel to more parks and ACE events, I want to offer you a small challenge: choose one memory from each trip and intentionally pack it to take home. Let it be the souvenir you treasure most — the one that reminds you why this community matters, why these experiences stay with us and why we keep coming back. Not just for the coasters, but for each other.
What’s in your suitcase?
I’d love to hear from you. What memory from Spring Con or any ACE event have you packed in your suitcase and carried home? Share your story and help us celebrate the moments that make this community extraordinary.
— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE President
#ACENews