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IAAPA Attractions Expo Nov 14-18 includes 125-session Education Conference

Alexandria, Virginia USA — Some of the brightest minds and most well-respected leaders in the global attractions industry will gather this November in Orlando for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) annual conference and trade show, IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011. CEOs from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Herschend Family Entertainment, Science Center Singapore, and more will share their insights and perspectives on the attractions industry as part of the Expo’s weeklong conference program.

The Education Conference features 125 education sessions that will examine the current state of the attractions industry, provide peer-to-peer learning, and spur ideas for the future. Hot topics, include the new U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recreation rules, travel trends based on the 2010 U.S. Census, new attraction development and expansion around the world, building and maintaining a strong brand identity, and making use of new technologies. This year’s education conference also includes 15 sessions translated into Spanish and one into Portuguese. The week of learning will culminate Friday with a half-day mobile marketing, communications, and technology symposium. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 will take place Nov. 14-18, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

At this year’s expo participants will have several opportunities to learn from top-level executives and industry leaders, such as James Atchison, president and CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Pat Koch, director of values at Holiday World & Splashin Safari; Joel Manby, president and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, Kim Schaefer, CEO of Great Wolf Resorts; Jim Reid-Anderson, chairman, president, and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation; and Lim Tit Meng, chief executive of Science Centre Singapore. Additional program highlights include a presentation by Disney legends who will share their experiences and offer advice for lasting success in the attractions industry, and a session featuring six young, creative thinkers and designers who will provide insight into emerging trends and attempt to predict the next “big thing.”

“The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 education conference delivers fantastic learning opportunities for all types of attractions, and operational areas,” said Doug Stagner, IAAPA Education Committee chair. “The knowledge gained is invaluable and practical enough to be implemented immediately. Professionals in the attractions industry will hear about current trends and best practices from respected industry leaders and experts.”

The conference is comprised of general interest sessions and roundtable discussions in operational areas such as communications and public relations, entertainment, facility operations, food and beverage, finance, games, government relations, safety, human resources, marketing, and technology. Targeted learning tracks have been designed to address specific interests of IAAPA member constituencies, including amusement parks and attractions, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos and aquariums, and museums and science centers. Daylong Institutes offer in-depth training on select functions of an attraction, and the Expo’s Orlando location provides participants with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of some of the latest attractions, including Legoland Florida, “Star Tours” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Cheetah Hunt” and “Cheetah Run” at Busch Gardens Tampa, Fun Spot USA, and “One Ocean” at SeaWorld Orlando.

Most education programs are free to IAAPA members who register for the Expo. Special programs, institutes, tours, and events may require a separate registration fee and/or ticket. Nonmembers must pay a US$329 fee in addition to Expo registration to attend the general interest sessions. They must also pay a separate registration fee and/or purchase tickets for special programs, Institutes, tours, and events.

About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011
IAAPA Attractions Expo is the largest conference and trade show in the world for the attractions industry. With its theme “The Force Behind the Attractions,” the show will take place in Orlando, Florida, and draw 25,000 industry professionals from 100 countries to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 14, through Friday, Nov. 18. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 15, through Friday, Nov. 18. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 offers a full week of business opportunities, educational experiences, and features new ideas, products, and events. This is the gathering place for attractions industry professionals and decision makers to view the latest innovations, plan for the future, learn from one another, and network. More information is available at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo.

About IAAPA
IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded more than 90 years ago, 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 global headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia and maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. 

Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin ([email protected]) is a leading journalist, content marketing specialist and connector in the international attractions industry. She reports on design and technical design, production and project management, industry trends and company culture. From 2005-2020 she ran communications and publications for the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). In 2013, she was honored with the TEA Service Award. She was development director of IMERSA and publicist for the Large Format Cinema Association, and has contributed to the publications of PLASA, IAAPA and the International Planetarium Society. Judith joined World’s Fair magazine in 1987, which introduced her to the attractions industry. She joined InPark in 2010. Judith earned a BFA from Pratt Institute. She has lived in Detroit, New York, Oakland, and now Saint Louis, where she is active in the local arts community.

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