SUMMIT One Vanderbilt donates to IAAPA Foundation, mission continues to support future leaders in attractions industry

Orlando, Florida (March 18, 2025) – The IAAPA Foundation is proud to announce SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, an immersive and artistic observatory experience with 360-degree views in New York City, is making two generous donations to the IAAPA Foundation. This contribution of $10,000 in 2024 enabled three students to attend the prestigious IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP) at IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida, covering their enrollment and travel expenses. The global association for the attractions industry the matched the donation, bringing the impact to a total of $20,000.

The supported students benefited from an immersive educational experience, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and actionable insights to launch their careers in the attractions field. “We are thrilled to see how SUMMIT One Vanderbilt’s investment has directly impacted these students and inspired the next generation of attractions professionals,” said IAAPA Foundation Board Chair Jim Seay.

Building on the success of this initiative, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt recently announced during the IAAPA Foundation Board meeting that they will contribute an additional $10,000 to fund a similar program in 2025. With IAAPA’s continued matching, this new donation will bring the total impact of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt’s generosity to $40,000 over two years.

“We are honored to partner with the IAAPA Foundation to support the advancement of education and professional development within the attractions industry,” said James Potter, Vice President of Guest Experiences at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. “Here at SUMMIT, we recognize the importance of access to education and professional experiences to best support the next generation of leaders within the hospitality and attractions industries, and we’re proud to do so with the IAAPA Foundation.”

To learn more and hear inspiring stories from the scholarship recipients, read the latest issue of Funworld magazine, where IAAPA spotlights SUMMIT One Vanderbilt’s contributions and their unwavering commitment to driving innovation and growth within the attractions industry.

For more information about the IAAPA Foundation and its mission to support the future of the attractions industry, please visit IAAPA.org/Foundation.

 

About SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is NYC’s premier immersive observation experience with 360-degree views of the city and beyond. Located in the crown of One Vanderbilt in Midtown, in the heart of the city, the story-driven, innovative destination combines unparalleled vistas, curated multi-sensory experiences and cutting-edge technology. Visitors will experience way more than just spectacular views as SUMMIT offers four rooms of unique immersive art installations spread out across three levels. More daring adventurers will enjoy stepping out into fully transparent glass sky boxes called LEVITATION that jut out of the building and suspend guests 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue. Completing the experience, on the top floor is Après, a bar and cafe that leads to the outdoor terrace.

About IAAPA Foundation
The IAAPA Foundation is dedicated to inspiring life-changing careers and professional development within the global attractions industry. Through scholarships, training programs, and leadership initiatives, the foundation empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the field. The foundation is a U.S. 501(C)(3) non-profit charity.

IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA.

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