Webinar: Sugar, Strategy, and Spectacle: The Power of Play in Your Retail Space Presented by - WD Partners

Theme parks and attractions have mastered immersion. But what happens after the ride ends or the show lets out? Today’s guests expect that same sense of magic, interactivity, and wonder to continue inside your attraction’s retail spaces.

Traditional retail principles aren’t enough. Shelf space alone can’t compete with screen space or destination experiences.

We see retail not as a shop—but as a stage for play, purpose, emotional connection, and product discovery that extends the guest journey and drives sales. We design experiences that shoppers remember, talk about, and return to.

Things You’ll Learn

How attraction retail can leverage entertainment-driven design to drive product sales
Why today’s consumers expect shopping to feel like a destination, not just a transaction
Ways to transform photo-worthy experiences into revenue opportunities
Lessons from Hershey Chocolate World: turning candy play into product performance
Practical takeaways to reimagine your own attraction’s retail as an encore, not an afterthought

This webinar is free for IAAPA members; however, registration is required. Attendees are eligible to earn one continuing education unit (1 CEU) towards IAAPA recertification. For more information about IAAPA Certifications, please contact Alissa DeMeglio.

Region:

Asia Pacific

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Latin America, Caribbean

North America

Event Time:

October 30, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

October 30, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Venue: Online

Session Type: Webinar

Continuing Education Units: 1

Currency

PRICING	Member	Nonmember
Registration Fee	Included	49.00

Member Registration

Nonmember Registration

AAVEA members benefit from the same price as IAAPA members

Speakers

Mat Gurda

Creative Director, Environments, WD Partners

Sarah Miyagawa

Director, Strategy & Insights, WD Partners

See What Our Members Are Saying

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

- 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
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  Brett Beadle
  Digital Marketing Specialist | Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.
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  Business Development Manager | Themed Entertainment
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  Managing Director | Carousel Communications