The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) knows amusement parks and attractions never stop looking for better…
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) knows amusement parks and attractions never stop looking for better, brighter ways to make their park a must-visit. In response, IAAPA offers an ample collection of professional development and educational opportunities for the attendees of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 Annual Conference and Trade Show. This year`s seminars and special events focuses on what every industry executive strives for: to Be the Star Attraction.
The educational component of the Expo is always a large draw for us, said J. Clark Robinson, IAAPA president and CEO. We see that our attendees utilize these sessions as a way to develop new ideas for their facilities and businesses at home.
The 2005 Educational offerings include more than 90 sessions spread out among specialized tracks, educational tours, keynote sessions and more. IAAPA`s general Educational Sessions include discussions of emergency response management, haunted attractions, recruiting international students, reading financial statements, costume characters and more.
Additionally, attendees can focus their educational activities through a variety of specialized tracks offered this year. These programs offer multiple sessions centering around particular industry disciplines condensed into one day of learning. Tracks include the Attractions Management School, Finance Track, Small Amusement Parks Track, Spanish Track and more.
Keynote Sessions are provided for everyone`s benefit and enjoyment as well. Devised to evaluate broader topics affecting the entire industry, any theme park, attraction or manufacturer will find there is something applicable to their facilities through the keynote sessions. Presentation topics include: Atlanta: The Center of Attractions, a panel on Atlanta`s tourism success and partnering with regional contacts to increase exposure; What`s New Theatre, a multimedia presentation of the newest rides and attractions in the amusement industry universe; the General Managers and Owners Breakfast featuring Bernie Marcus and the Georgia Aquarium; and the Future of Compelling Places and Experiences, with representatives from the Themed Entertainment Association.
The conference program would not be complete without the Educational Tours, however. Attendees can travel beyond the tradeshow floor to Stone Mountain, Atlanta Mart, Six Flags Over Georgia, and CNN for a behind the scenes look of these attraction`s operations and successes.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.