Alexandria, VA, USA — IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012, which takes place Nov. 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., will offer more than 85 educational seminars, luncheons, roundtable discussions, behind-the-scenes tours, daylong institutes, and half-day symposiums designed to keep attractions industry professionals up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in attractions management. Supervisors, managers, senior executives, and CEO’s will all benefit from participating in the comprehensive education program.
The programs will provide peer-to-peer learning and spur ideas for the future in operational areas, such as: communications and public relations, entertainment, facility operations, emergency preparedness, finance, information technology, food and beverage operations, games, human resources, sales and marketing, retail merchandising, and safety. Hot topics include social media, integrated marketing, increasing revenue, training, guest engagement, industry trends, and more. Nineteen (19) sessions will be translated to Spanish.
“Respected industry leaders will deliver invaluable information about best practices, the latest trends, and the future of the attractions industry during the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 education conference,” said Doug Stagner, Corporate Senior Director of Operations at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and IAAPA Education Committee chair. “The conference offers practical takeaways that will appeal to all areas of attractions operations as well as management levels.”
Some of the most respected professionals in the attractions industry will share their knowledge and experience at different events throughout the week such as: Fernando Eiroa, President and CEO of Palace Entertainment; Tom Mehrmann, CEO of Ocean Park Hong Kong; Matt Ouimet, President and CEO of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company; Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President, and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation; and Thom Stork, President and CEO, Florida Aquarium.
Attendees can also participate in targeted learning tracks that address specific interests related to certain IAAPA member constituencies, including family entertainment centers, museums and science centers, parks and attractions, water parks, and zoos and aquariums. Daylong institutes offer in-depth professional development programs on select functions of attraction management and family entertainment center operations. Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours offer exclusive, hands-on learning at area attractions, including Fun Spot USA, “Turtle Trek” at SeaWorld Orlando, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World, Legoland Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa, and the Gaylord Palms Resort. In addition, there will be an accessibility tour of Give Kids The World Village, allowing participants to see how the village is equipped for guests with disabilities.
New this year, IAAPA will offer two half-day symposiums on Friday, Nov. 16: Inflatables Symposium and Incident Management Symposium.
The Inflatables Symposium is designed for inflatable attractions operators and leaders will discuss such topics as risk management, indoor operations, and more. There will also be an operators roundtable.
The Incident Management Symposium allows participants to experience decision making in a dynamic setting and learn best practices on incident management, command structures, critical response teams, and maintaining essential business operations. The event will lead participants through a variety of scenarios and, by working in small groups, participants will explore key elements and factors to consider in each scenario.
Both symposiums are part of the General Interest Education Program; however, due to space considerations advance registration is strongly recommended to reserve your seat. The General Interest Education Program is US$329 for nonmembers and free to IAAPA members with Expo registration.
IAAPA offers guided show floor tours in six product categories: Theming and design suppliers, museum suppliers, water park suppliers, participatory play suppliers, entertainment and show production and inflatable suppliers. Tour participants will be taken to exhibitors to learn more about products and services that fall within their specific area of interest. There will also be a guided tour for first-time attendees. Pre-registration is required.
Special programs such as luncheons, receptions, IAAPA Institutes, Zoo and Aquarium, and Museum and Science Center Day, and tours may require a separate ticket or registration in addition to Expo registration. Advance registration is required for all ticketed events.
About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 is the largest conference and trade show in the world for the attractions industry. With its theme “Game On,” the show will take place in Orlando, Fla., and 25,000 industry professionals from 100 countries are expected to participate in the event at the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 16. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 13, through Friday, Nov. 16. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 offers a full week of business opportunities and educational experiences, and features new ideas, products, and events. www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo
About IAAPA
Founded in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions, and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. The association’s global headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States, and it maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. www.IAAPA.org
