IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has revealed speakers for its premier panel at this year’s IAAPA Expo, which the organisation has slated as certain to be a favourite among attendees.
The theme of this year’s Legends panel is a celebration of Walt Disney World’s second park, EPCOT, which originally opened to guests in 1982. In recognition, IAAPA Expo has invited some of the leading figures behind the creation and modern-day operations of the park to take centre stage at the international event.
Imagineering Walt’s dream
“Legends 2022: Epcot, 40 Years in a State of Becoming” will be hosted by Bob Rogers, founder and chairman of BRC Imagination Arts.
The session will feature Walt Disney Imagineering global ambassador Bob Weis, Walt Disney Imagineering executive portfolio producer Jodi McLaughlin, EPCOT vice president Kartika Rodriguez, and Rick Rothschild, founder and chief creative officer of FAR Out! Creative Direction.
This panel will explore the tools and lessons learnt from the creation and continuing evolution of EPCOT, originally envisioned by Walt Disney as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Speakers will explain how the park’s core identity has evolved and refreshed itself over the decades, sharing insights and strategies that attendees can apply to their own careers. The park is currently undergoing a major renovation project which will see an improved park layout and new attractions.
“We could not be happier with the speaker lineup we have for this year’s Legends panel,” says IAAPA North America VP and executive director Michael Shelton. “This popular session lets IAAPA shine a spotlight on just some of the outstanding industry leaders who have truly carved the path to where we are today. Getting to focus on EPCOT as it turns forty should offer greater insight into the future of the park and provide inspiration to everyone in attendance.”
The Legends panel takes place on 16 November from 4 – 5:30 pm during IAAPA Expo, held at the Orange County Convention Center.
Registration is open
The Legends 2022 panel is one of almost 100 EDUSessions being offered as part of IAAPA Expo’s Education Conference this year. IAAPA Members will receive Education Conference access complimentary with registration to IAAPA Expo. Not-yet-members may purchase an Education Conference Upgrade for $379.
Each year, the IAAPA Expo welcomes industry professionals and emerging leaders to discover the latest sights, sensations and thrills of the amusement industry, from the biggest names in the business. The 2022 conference runs from 14-17 November, with the trade show open from 15-18 November. Tickets and further information are available on the IAAPA website.
Earlier this month, IAAPA Expo Europe welcomed industry professionals to London, with a varied schedule of speakers and educational sessions.
Images: The Walt Disney Company
