Alexandria, Virginia, USA – IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 participants can attend four marque opportunities: Lunch and Learn, the Kickoff Event, the GM and Owners’ Breakfast, and IAAPA Celebrates at SeaWorld Orlando. The events provide unique opportunities to connect or reconnect with international attractions industry professionals from C-level executives to managers, suppliers, and those just beginning their industry careers.
IAAPA Attractions Expo is the premier conference and trade show for the global attractions industry and takes place Nov. 14-18, 2016 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. More than 30,000 industry professionals participate in this event that features over 1,000 exhibiting companies, and some of the most well-respected names in the industry gathered to network, learn, and purchase new products and technology.
Lunch and Learn: Disney Springs from Concept to Completion: Monday, Nov. 14, 12–2 p.m.*
Participants can enjoy lunch, network with colleagues, make new connections, and hear from respected industry leaders. Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Water Parks, and Mini-Golf, and Keith Bradford, vice president of Disney Springs, will provide an inside look at the three-year master planning effort that transformed Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. Disney Springs (above photo) is the newly renovated year-round outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort, prior to 2013 it was branded as Downtown Disney. Tickets are $75; IAAPA members can purchase tickets for only $50.
Kickoff Event: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 8:30–10 a.m.
All attendees are invited to celebrate the start of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 at the annual Kickoff Event hosted by IAAPA Chairman of the Board John McReynolds and IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland. Attendees will hear what’s happening in the industry, enjoy entertainment, and get a sneak preview of what is ahead for the global attractions industry and IAAPA in 2017.
The presentation of 2016 IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards will also take place at the Kickoff Event. Admission is included in Expo registration and all are invited to attend.
GM and Owners’ Breakfast featuring Steve Van den Kerkhof, CEO of Plopsa Group: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 8:15–9:45 a.m.*
Senior attractions industry executives from around the world can connect with one another during this premier networking event. The keynote address will be delivered by Steve Van den Kerkhof, Plopsa Group CEO and Studio 100 chairman of the board, who will share insights from the transformation and growth of his park, his experiences, and secrets for success. The Plopsa Group owns and operates six themed entertainment facilities in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany that together welcome more than 3 million visitors annually.
The presentation of the IAAPA Service Awards, including the Lifetime Service Award, Outstanding Service Award, and the Meritorious Service Award, will also take place at the breakfast. Tickets are $135; IAAPA members can purchase tickets for only $99.
IAAPA Celebrates at SeaWorld Orlando: Thursday, Nov. 17, 7–10 p.m.*
IAAPA Celebrates takes place at SeaWorld Orlando, and IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 participants will enjoy exclusive access to select locations within the park and enjoy some rides and attractions including the all-new “Mako” hyper coaster and “Kraken” roller coaster. Locations exclusively available to IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 participants are the Waterfront, Antarctica, and the Sea Garden. Tickets are $149; IAAPA members can purchase tickets for only $109.
*A separate ticket and IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 registration are required to attend each of the denoted signature networking events.
In addition to the signature networking events, IAAPA offers a wide variety of other networking events available at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016. The full list of regional networking and constituency networking events can be found here.
Additional details on the signature networking events and IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 registration are available at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo.
