Tuesday, March 19, 2024

IAAPA EMEA holds Winter Conference for first time in Canary Islands

More than 60 attractions industry professionals from 14 countries gathered on the Canary Islands, Spain, Jan 29-30 to take part in the IAAPA EMEA Winter Forum 2019. During the event, organized by IAAPA EMEA, attendees visited globally renowned attractions including Loro Parque and Siam Park.

“IAAPA was thrilled to host the EMEA Winter Forum on the Canary Islands for the first time ever,” said Jakob Wahl, executive director and vice president, IAAPA EMEA. “The event brought together industry professionals to experience the area’s world class attractions and to learn from each other. IAAPA strives to host valuable events for our members, and we hope this year’s participants left with new connections and key learnings to apply to their organizations.”

Attendees heard a keynote presentation on crisis communications and public response from industry leaders. James Crampton, corporate affairs director, Merlin Entertainments; Michael Kreft von Byern, representative of the board, Europa-Park; and Christoph Kiessling, general manager, Siam Park and vice president, Loro Parque, spoke about incidents at their facilities and discussed how each dealt with the aftermath of the crisis, media relations, and resulting public perception.

In addition to enjoying extended hours at Siam Park and Loro Parque, attendees learned about the work of the Loro Parque Foundation, and its commitment to animal welfare and biodiversity conservation efforts around the world. The event post-tour on Jan. 31 included a visit to Grand Canary to explore the newly opened Poema Del Mar aquarium.

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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