Erik Beard

Erik H. Beard is a managing member and general counsel of International Ride Training, a consulting firm dedicated to ride and aquatic operations safety through operator certification, training, and auditing. He is a driving force behind the International Ride Operator Certification program and the creator of ADA FAQ: Disability Training for the Attractions Industry. Beard has more than 30 years of amusement industry experience spanning park operations, safety, and law. He began his career with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and later worked on the pre-opening operations team at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. As a practicing attorney, his work focused on product liability, amusement and leisure counseling, ADA compliance, litigation, and ride and aquatic safety. A frequent industry speaker, Beard serves in leadership and advisory roles with several amusement safety organizations and committees, including WWA’s Government Relations Committee and ASTM F24. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from George Mason University School of Law.