IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has revealed more details ahead of the inaugural IAAPA Expo: IAAPA Virtual Education Conference.
IAAPA is pleased to announce more information about its upcoming IAAPA Virtual Education Conference which takes place from 16 – 18 November 2020, in place of the cancelled IAAPA Expo 2020. The event will include 24 educational sessions, allowing industry professionals to come together online and gain insights into how to move their businesses forward through the pandemic.
“IAAPA Expo: Virtual Education Conference is a first of its kind event for IAAPA,” says Hal McEvoy, President and CEO, IAAPA.
“While we remain disappointed we could not host IAAPA Expo 2020 in person, we still want to provide a global event for members. Throughout the year our dedicated member volunteers planned the education conference portion of IAAPA Expo, and our team did not want that hard work – or the outstanding planned content – to go unheard or shared.”
Keynote presentations and educational sessions
As well as the educational sessions, which will explore key topics for FECs, amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, water parks, museums and more, there will also be four keynote presentations from industry experts.
Andreas Andersen, President and CEO of Liseberg; Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Pamela Landwirth, President, Give Kids The World and Tilak Mandadi, Executive Vice President, Digital & Global Chief Technology Officer, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will share their experience and insights during the event.
In addition to this, the annual IAAPA Expo ‘CEO Speaks’ session will look at important industry issues, such as how to succeed in the attractions industry, how to focus on priorities and building a lasting company culture. This year’s panel features Rick Hunter, President and CEO of ProSlide Technology, Inc.; Sharon Aguillen, President of TCB Productions; and Sarah Cole, President and CEO of Glazer Children’s Museum will present together in the popular panel discussion format.
By participating in the Conference members will receive 14 credits toward IAAPA Certification.
Awards and fundraising
The event will also celebrate leaders in the field with the presentations of the 2020 IAAPA Awards, including the IAAPA Hall of Fame, IAAPA Service Awards and IAAPA Young Professional of the Year. Attendees will also be able to benefit from virtual networking sessions and discussion lounges.
“We could not be more excited about IAAPA Expo: Virtual Education Conference,” McEvoy says. “We recognize this year there have been many challenges facing our members around the world. This new event allows IAAPA to serve and support them in a timely, simple manner. It is fitting we are hosting this event during the week originally planned for IAAPA Expo. While the event is virtual, the training and insights are just as valuable as the content attendees usually find in Orlando.”
The annual IAAPA Expo fundraising event for Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) in Kissimmee, Florida, will also take place online this year. The 14th Annual IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5K Run/1 Mile Walk will take place – virtually. Members can register to complete a 5K run or 1-mile walk between 12 October and 18 November, helping IAAPA reach its donation goal of $25,000.
Registration is open and more information can be found here.
Earlier this year, IAAPA also announced that it will be hosting an EMEA Trade Summit at Europa-Park from 2 – 4 February 2021.
