Alexandria, VA, United States – IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 features more than 100 educational opportunities designed to inform attractions industry professionals of all levels on the latest business operations tips and techniques. The five-day conference offers educational sessions on the latest trends and developments in safety, operations, retail, human resources, food and beverage, entertainment, social media, public relations, marketing, and more. The content is presented via experiential learning and expert-led instruction. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) owns and produces IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016, which takes place Nov. 14-18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
From human resources techniques for facilities to new group sales ideas for family entertainment center (FEC) operations, the educational content at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 spans all of the unique aspects of the attractions industry. The Expo offers 80 educational seminars and more than 20 in-depth learning experiences, including EDUTours of prominent attractions, daylong institutes and symposia, individualized consulting sessions, and educational luncheons all specifically designed to lead to satisfied customers and bottom-line results.
“The dynamic education program at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 provides a great opportunity for attractions professionals to expand their industry knowledge and prepare for the future,” said Rebecca Turner, IAAPA’s vice president of education, professional development, and training services. “These programs will give participants a competitive edge and a sneak peek into the inner workings of some of the best known names in the attractions industry.”
All of the education programs available at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 are eligible for credit toward IAAPA Certification, the attractions industry’s premier professional distinction.
Educational Seminars
The more than 80 solutions-oriented educational seminars include programs for industry professionals from theme and amusement parks, family entertainment centers, water parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, and other attractions. Attendees will learn about new trends, best practices, and what’s next for the future of the attractions industry.
Education topics include 2016 Food and Beverage Trends, Fundamentals of FEC Success, Increasing Revenue with Mobile Technology, Securing Data and Technology, Exploring Security Best Practices, and much more.
“With more than 80 seminars available, there’s opportunity to discover many facets of the attractions industry to see where participants’ businesses can go next,” said Turner.
Additional highlights of education program are the IAAPA Hall of Fame Panel Discussion featuring IAAPA Hall of Fame members Dick Kinzel of Cedar Fair, Richard Nunis of Walt Disney World, and the 2016 IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees and the IAAPA Legends 2016 session. IAAPA Legends 2016 is moderated by Bob Rodgers, Founder, BRC Imagination Arts, and features panelists: Craig Russell, Project Integration Executive, Shanghai Disney Resort, Marty Sklar, Retired, Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob Weis, President, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Doris Woodward, Sr. Director/Executive Producer, Shanghai Disney Resort.
Participation in the education program is worth 19 credit hours applicable toward IAAPA Certification.
The educational seminars are free to IAAPA members who register for the Expo. Nonmembers must purchase the education program in addition to Expo registration. A valid Expo badge must be worn to gain access to the educational seminars.
Twenty educational seminars are translated simultaneously into Spanish and/or Portuguese.
In-Depth Learning
Comprehensive learning experiences provide IAAPA Attractions Expo attendees a deeper understanding of the attractions industry. Featured experiences include EDUTours to the Kennedy Space Center, Fun Spot America, Medieval Times, the Crayola Experience, SeaWorld Orlando, and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. Each tour has a unique focus and provides a behind-the-scenes look into the operations of world-class facilities. Participation in an EDUTour is worth three credit hours toward IAAPA Certification.
Several sessions include keynote presentations by senior industry leaders. The Lunch and Learn onMonday, Nov. 14, will feature speakers Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Disney Springs Water Parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Keith Bradford, vice president of Disney Springs. OnWednesday, Nov. 16, Plopsa Group CEO Steve Van den Kerkhof will speak to industry executives and share his unique insights and experiences during the GM and Owners’ Breakfast. Also on Wednesday, Nov. 16, Al Weber, Jr. Ph.D Apex Parks Group president and CEO, will keynote the Amusement Parks and Attractions Constituency Lunch.
There are also several extended and multiday programs for additional in-depth learning opportunities. Participation in these programs is eligible for IAAPA Certification credit hours: IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers (16 credit hours), IAAPA Rookies and Newcomers: FEC 101 (14 credit hours), IAAPA Human Resources Symposium – Making Every HR Experience Matter (13 credit hours), and the IAAPA Safety Institute (four credit hours).
The IAAPA learning experiences are individually priced and require registration, Expo registration and badge, and separate ticket. Tickets may be purchased during the online registration process or if space is available on-site.
More information on IAAPA Certification and how it can provide a valuable boost to any attractions industry professional’s career is available at www.IAAPA.org/Certification.
Additional information about all IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 educational offerings is available at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractions
