Steven W. Hix - Circum Vitae

1113 Belie Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
(817) 738-3344 (817) 738-6622 Fax

Steven Wayne Hix is a research analyst, who specializes in amusement and recreational industry marketing research and analysis. Steven W. Hix received a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A. Marketing) degree, from the University of Texas at Austin, in 1980. Steven Hix has over twenty years of experience as a research analyst for the hospitality, food services, entertainment, and amusement industries.

Steven is a Certified Amusement Ride Safety Inspector (NAARSO Certification Number CN-757) and Certified Operations Technician (AIMS International), who performs insurance underwriting risk management surveys, state inspection licensing for amusement rides and devices, amusement project management, management training, and administrative development services. Mr. Hix is also an NSPF Certified Pool-Spa Operator. Steven Hix has successfully provided expert witness services in cases related to amusement ride or facility injuries, recreational-amusement facility business planning, market feasibility analysis, design, operational performance and financial projections; and project development management. Amusement and hospitality industry oriented companies, who have retained or contracted Mr. Hix's expert witness, risk management, inspection and consulting services include, but are not limited to: American Specialty Insurance: K & K Insurance Group; T.I.G.; Zurich U.S.; A.I.G. Insurance; Acceptance Insurance; A.I.E. Insurance; Allied Insurance; AON Risk Services; Kemper Insurance Services; Lockton Insurance; Marsh Insurance; ACE-USA Risk Services; Malibu Entertainment Worldwide Inc.; The Hampstead (Investment) Group; Festival Fun Parks Inc,: Palace Entertainment; The Rockwell (Design) Group; Landry^'s Restaurants, Inc., and Premier Parks-Six Flags.

Since 1991, Steven Hix has been the Executive Director of the International Recreational Go-Kart Association (IRGA). As the Executive Director of the IRGA and the Miniature Golf Association U.S. (MGAUS), Steven consults with operators, developers, and manufacturers of family entertainment center products regarding market research and feasibility analysis, financial performance, operational, and development issues on a daily basis. Steven Hix has been instrumental in the development of engineered testing protocol and quality assurance design criteria for a variety of amusement products, equipment, and systems.

During 1994-95, at the request of a leading industrial engine producer and several equipment manufacturers, Mr. Hix established the International Fun Kart Association, to begin the process of developing standards and guidelines for the fun karting industry. In 1995, Mr. Hix was instrumental in establishing the ASTM F 15.41 Subcommittee for Fun Karts, which have promulgated industry standards for consumer oriented off-road go-karts.

Steven has written, directed, and produced award winning training programs for companies in the amusement industries including, but not limited to, the GBA Training Systems video series for: Roller Skating Rinks, Fun Centers, Concession Go-Kart Tracks, Miniature Golf Courses, and Waterparks, The ADA: Accommodating Human Abilities; and the IAAPA Training Videotape: Concession Go-Kart Operations. Steven Hix's research and writing are regularly featured in many national and international amusement trade and business publications.

Steven Hix is a featured speaker and seminar panelist, on the topic of the concession go-karting, recreational motorsports, risk management analysis, staff and management training programs, miniature golf and the family entertainment center industry, at amusement industry trade shows and conventions including, but not limited to: the Amusement Machine Operators Association, Amusement Showcase International, Fun Expo, the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, the LeisurExpo, the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, the World Water Park Association; AIMS, and the World Waterpark Association^'s Advanced Leisure Management Training Institute.

In 1997, Steven Hix accepted the responsibility for the establishment, management and administration of the Miniature Golf Association U.S., in conjunction with the major developers, designers, manufacturers, and operators of miniature golf courses, systems, equipment, and products. Steve is a recognized advocate and spokesperson, representing various segments of the family entertainment center and amusement industry, in business relations and negotiations with local state, and federal regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Committee (ADA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Mr. Hix was instrumental in the development and adaptation of the ASTM F 24 Designation F2007-00 Standards for the Classification, Design, Manufacture, and Operation of Concession Go-Karts and Facilities, which were based on the IRGA Standards & Guidelines document (1993-1999), that was passed and published by ASTM in January-April 2000.

Mr. Hix is a participating member of: the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials; the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; the World Water Park Association; the Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers International; the International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association; the Board of Directors of the New England Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions; the State of Massachusetts Governor's Amusement Advisory Board; the Outdoor Amusement Business Association; the ASTM F 15.41 Subcommittee for Fun Karts; formerly a Director-At-Large of the Executive Committee of the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) F-24 Committee for Amusement Rides & Devices; formerly the Recording Secretary of the ASTM F-24.60 Subcommittee on Special Rides & Attractions; and currently the Subcommittee Chairman of the ASTM F24.60 Subcommittee on Special Rides & Attractions, which is currently promulgating standards for the slides, rides, and attractions used in the waterparks, amusement or scenic tourism trains, inflatable devices, bumper boats, climbing walls, and indoor concession go-karting facilities.