IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has provided further details of its upcoming IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit taking place between 11 – 13 May.
The three-day event will be hosted by IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) next month, featuring a panel, keynotes, and opportunities for networking with industry colleagues.
IAAPA EMEA vice president and executive director Peter van der Schans says: “In a few weeks, leisure industry professionals will be gathering at the IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit in Rome, Italy.
“We have organized opportunities for learning and networking, as well as three tours of local attractions – Cinecittà World, MagicLand, and Zoomarine.
“We think that it will be an insightful journey, filled with historical sights and predictions for the future.”
This year’s event has created an opportunity for attractions professionals to experience authentic Italian culture. Schans continues: “The summit will offer attendees a chance to visit Villa Torlonia, a centuries-old home converted into a museum, where guests will get the chance to be transported back through time by viewing these historical treasures of Italy.
“But, at the same time, throughout the rest of the event, our attendees will be looking into the future, as well, by gaining inspiration from industry experts and presentations on new ideas, trends, models, and ways of thinking.”
Industry speakers
Park representatives from the toured attractions will be speaking including Cinecittà World CEO Stefano Cigarini, The Dolphin Company chief operational officer Dr Renato Lenzi, and MagicLand CEO Guido Zucchi.
The event’s panel will feature Wonderwood CEO Massimiliano Freddi, who is also chairman of the IAAPA EMEA Education Subcommittee, and a member of IAAPA’s Board of Directors, industry expert Filip De Witte, and Der Verband Deutscher Freizeitparks und Freizeitunternehmen (VDFU) managing director Jürgen Gevers. Karls Tourismus GmbH‘s Stephanie Dahl will also deliver a keynote.
Schans says: “Leaders will be presenting on various topics, such as the current state and outlook of the leisure industry, different aspects of sustainability, and ecological and social interactions with stakeholders, including younger generations.
“They will also speak on how to create new experiences for guests and the hybridisation of attractions—such as “phygital” approaches, the use of digital experiences to connect with guests, and how to monetise on expansions with a case study of retailtainment.”
Educational experience
The summit commences with welcome reception and buffet, followed by the various activities and educational opportunities being offered by the IAAPA EMEA team. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to connect and gain new insights into practices, strategies, and the future of the industry.
Prospective attendees can find out more about the May event and register on IAAPA’s website.
IAAPA president Hal McEvoy recently announced his retirement from the position of president and CEO. The association will soon begin the search for McEvoy’s replacement.
