IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced keynote speakers and further panellists for the 2024 IAAPA Honors event.
IAAPA Honors will take place on 3 March in Las Vegas and offers a full day of presentations, conversations and celebrations with some of the brightest talents in the industry. It is followed by the IAAPA North America Summit from 3 to 5 March.
Registration is now open.
Keynotes from Disney executives
The IAAPA Honors will open with a keynote address from veteran Disney executive George Kalogridis. Kalogridis has over 50 years of expertise in building strategic collaborations in North America, Asia, and Europe. He has held key positions at Disney, including vice president of EPCOT, president of Walt Disney World Resort, and COO of Disneyland Paris Resort.
Kalogridis will explore ways in which the work environment can promote excellence, innovation, and creativity. He will talk about how companies can stand out from the competition by offering unparalleled customer service.
In addition, the programme will feature “The Art of Disney Spectacular” with Steven Davison, vice president of parades and spectaculars at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment. Davison has more than 30 years of experience at Disney in various positions, and he provides an abundance of vision, expertise, and knowledge about the entertainment industry. This presentation is set to leave delegates encouraged, inspired, and motivated.
Further panellists revealed
Rex Jackson, managing director of Legoland North America Resorts; John Paul Geurts, founder of Funopoly, a creative consultancy that specialises in strategic solutions for worldwide themed entertainment businesses; and James Anderson, senior creative director at FORREC, have joined the IAAPA Honours programme. They will participate in a panel discussion focused on investigating creativity and innovative ways to produce unprecedented results.
Glenn Davidson, advisor at Miral Destinations, and Al Cross, vice president at PGAV Destinations will take part in the innovation panel discussion with Sascha Czibulka from Intamin, who was previously announced. They will reveal thought-provoking ideas which can help organisations to advance.
Earlier this month, IAAPA, shared details of the newest members of the IAAPA Hall of Fame who will be inducted at the 2024 IAAPA Honors ceremony. The awards show that all attractions can play a crucial role in driving the advancement of the entertainment sector, irrespsective of their size.
