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Connections

IAAPA Meetup: Ignite Your Career

Oct 08 2025 | 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM America/New_York
Ticket Required
EDU - PursueYourPassions2.0-MakeYourDreamJobaReality

Event Details

Ignite Your Career!

This engaging session, designed for Young Professionals (18-35) and Students, will focus on professional development and active steps you can take to stand out for growth and development opportunities in a competitive talent market. 

This event will feature a panel of seasoned leaders in the attractions industry who will offer their perspective and answers to your questions, followed by a networking session with fellow attendees.

Learning Objectives:

  • Self-Reflection: Audit your own skills and work history to determine next steps to take with your own development
  • Standing Out: Learn about actionable and scalable steps you can take to posture yourself as a great candidate
  • Redefining Success: Develop a new way to identify personal success outside of a promotion or new job 
Ticket Required
Region:
North America
Event Time: 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM America/New_York
Location: IAAPA HQ
Address:

4155 W. Taft Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32837
United States

Session Type: Connections

PRICINGMemberNonmember
Registration Fee
10.00 25.00

AGENDA

24-Hour Time

Wednesday | October 08

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Check In

Check in and network with your fellow attendees over coffee and soft drinks. 

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Opening Remarks

Hear from Rob McNicholas, Executive Director & Vice President, IAAPA North America, as he kicks off the evening.

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Panel Discussion: Standing Out in a Sea of Talent

Hear from professionals representing a wide range of roles within the attractions industry as they share stories, insights, and strategies for success—regardless of department or career stage. Attendees will also have the chance to pose their own questions, submitted during check-in, for a dynamic and interactive conversation.

Speakers

Jonathan Reuel Product Director, OpSheet Ecosystems, Walt Disney World

Franceen Gonzales Attractions Industry Executive Leader

Todd Hougland Senior Director, Design and Development, Ripley's Entertainment, Inc.

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Interactive Room Exercise: Barriers & Breakthroughs

Attendees will rotate between posters stationed around the room, adding their perspectives on common challenges in professional growth. This is your chance to contribute ideas, identify patterns, and surface the topics that matter most.

Speakers

Bella Cortier Technical Coordinator - Engineering & Safety, Universal Creative

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Table Talks: Turning Insight into Action

Gather with your tablemates to discuss themes from the room exercise, compare notes, and reflect on shared experiences. The goal? Leave with at least one actionable takeaway.

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Closing Remarks

A short wrap-up to thank attendees, reinforce key themes, and share what’s next in IAAPA’s professional development journey.

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Networking

Head to the lobby for continued conversations, casual networking, and goodbyes. A final opportunity to connect before the night wraps up.

Please Note: Agenda is subject to change

See What Our Members Are Saying

Discover how IAAPA membership has positively impacted businesses across the attractions industry

    • Jamie Flaherty - Headshot of man

      From the M&S side I love the app and its come so far in recent years. No matter if you are on the M&S side or park side be sure down download and spend some time in the app before the show. There are people and companies in the building next week at IAAPA Expo who you want to meet with but don’t even know they are attending - the app is your answer!

      Jamie Flaherty, ICAE
      VP, Business Development and Marketing | Netserv Applications
    • Brett Beadle - Headshot of women

      We’ve really enjoyed working with the Connect+ platform over the past few shows. It’s been a game-changer in helping us connect with attendees more efficiently and keep track of meaningful conversations throughout the event. The interface is intuitive, and the personal training session helped our team feel confident using all the features right away.

      Brett Beadle
      Digital Marketing Specialist | Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.
    • Megan Gannon - Headshot of women

      Connect+ is a great tool that I can use to prepare and participate in IAAPA events. Being able to see the attendee list allows me to strategize what conversations and meetings I want to have ahead of time, and I can connect with those people directly in the app. It also keeps me organized during an event. Each day will have a full schedule, and if I turn on push notifications, it will let me know what event is coming up and where it is so I can stay on track.

      Megan Gannon
      Business Development Manager | Themed Entertainment
    • Cassidy Newman - headshot of women

      IAAPA Expo is always a whirlwind, but IAAPA Connect+ kept me organized and focused. Before the show, I was able to map out my entire experience, from scheduling meetings to bookmarking EDUSessions and booths I wanted to visit on the show floor. During the event, I just pulled out my phone and the app guided me through my schedule, ensuring I didn't miss a thing. It was like having a personal assistant dedicated to making my expo experience a success. I felt more organized, more connected, and more confident than ever before. I can't imagine attending another IAAPA Expo without it!

      Cassidy Newman
      Managing Director | Carousel Communications
    24-Hour Time
    35 Upcoming Events

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