World's Largest Coaster Club Honors Local Resident
Steve Berto was honored with two awards during the 44th annual Coaster Con

Laguna Hills, CA (August 18, 2022) – The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) presented longtime, Laguna Hills resident, Steve Berto with an honorary membership. He was also selected by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. (PTCI) as the 2022 Spirit of ACE recipient. Berto was presented with both these awards during the banquet at Coaster Con 44, the flagship event of ACE.

While the parks hosting ACE change each year, Steve’s tireless efforts help provide consistent, excellent outcomes – great times and great memories with friends. ACE celebrates his impact in making ACE a better organization.

The Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. Manufacturer’s Award, popularly known as the Spirit of ACE Award, is presented annually at the banquet. This award honors a member of ACE who goes above and beyond simply identifying as a roller coaster enthusiast. Those nominated view ACE as more than just a club of coaster riding enthusiasts; they have a love for roller coasters and a passion for preserving the amusement industry while also helping it expand. Nominees foster and promote the conservation, appreciation, knowledge and enjoyment of roller coasters.

An ACE member since 1994, Steve has devoted a lot of his membership time to volunteering and service. He has been the ACE Southern California regional representative since 2005, building what was once a “oneperson-shop” into a solid regional team. Regional events have grown into well-received mainstays, thanks to the strong relationships Steve has made with the region’s park representatives.

Starting in 2014, Steve added even more to his responsibilities by volunteering at the national level. In a highactivity, high-stress position in which many of his predecessors only served a few years, Steve is the longesttenured events director. His professionalism working with parks is unparalleled. Both as a regional rep and events director, Steve has spent many years ensuring ACE is well represented in the amusement industry. Though he usually shuns the spotlight and deflects thanks or praise to others, he has his hands on almost all aspects of national events. When seen at events, he is always ensuring that attendees enjoy their time to the fullest, often sacrificing his opportunities to enjoy the activities himself

About ACE:

About ACE: Founded in 1978, American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,500 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running ride enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. ACE hosts more than 75 national and regional coaster events across North America every year and has been prominently featured on various news programs and many cable networks such as the Travel Channel.

Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.