IAAPA North America Summit 2025

March 30 - April 1, 2025

Event Type: Connections
Region: North America
Event Time:
Venue: In-Person
Location:
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
1600 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim CA 92802
United States
Member Price: $999 | Nonmember Price: $1,699
Description: Get inspired and change the future of the industry, today!
Early Bird Pricing now through Jan. 5, 2025 - Members Only: $899

What is North America Summit?

Where executives, innovators, and thought leaders in the attractions industry come together in vibrant Anaheim, California to make lifelong connections, explore cutting edge trends with unique local behind the scenes EDUTours, and learn strategic insights to put into action at your facility tomorrow. 

Pricing Details

Speakers

Sharon Parker Headshot

Event Emcee: Sharon Parker

Director of Marketing
Gateway Ticketing Systems

Sharon Parker is the Director of Marketing at Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc., where she leads the 
company's strategic marketing initiatives, oversees communications efforts, and manages the 
development of its brand.

Sharon's professional background includes spending 15 years in the theme park industry, where she 
held various positions, from General Manager to Director of Marketing and Manager of 
Communications. In addition to her theme park experience, Sharon spent ten years on-air as a news 
anchor and general assignment reporter.

If you’ve ever spent time with Sharon, you know that her passion for people cannot be denied. 
Sharon is known for never meeting a stranger; her goal is to help people understand that everyone 
has a purpose, and everything is for a purpose.

Sharon is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and serves on the
North America Regional Advisory Board for IAAPA.

Chris Herschend Headshot

Featured Keynote: Chris Herschend

Chair
Herschend

Chris is a third-generation owner and Board Chair of Herschend, the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company. For 75 years, Herschend has been Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Its 12,000 passionate hosts collectively entertain 15 million guests annually across North America.     Chris has worked “outside and alongside” the family business for most of his career. His early experience included The Coca-Cola Company and the direct investment arm of a private family office. He joined Herschend as a Business Development Manager after earning his MBA and left the company a decade later as he led a divisional management buyout. Throughout these experiences, Chris served on the company’s majority-independent board and was elected Chair in 2019. As Chair, he serves the company’s board, CEO, and stockholders.     Chris holds a BA from Emory University and earned his MBA from Emory’s Goizueta Business School. In addition to his responsibilities at Herschend, Chris is co-founder of Elmwood Management, a private investment firm, and an active thought leader in multigenerational business strategy and governance. Current and past affiliations include the IAAPA Applause Award Board of Governors, the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises at The Kellogg School of Management, E Ritter & Company, the Ida and Cason Callaway Foundation, Whitefield Academy, Passion City Church, and the Young Presidents Organization. Chris and his wife Ashley have four children and live in Atlanta, GA.  
Scott Steenrod Headshot

Keynote: Scott Steenrod

Chief Operating Officer
Live! Hospitality and Entertainment

Scott brings nearly 30 year’s leadership experience to Live! Hospitality and Entertainment.  As Chief Operating Officer, Scott provides overall operational leadership for nearly 3500 team members across the entire Live! Hospitality and Entertainment portfolio, including entertainment districts, restaurants, bars, clubs, casinos, and lounges.    Scott began his career with a summer job as a line cook in a casual dining restaurant.  Falling in love with the industry, his career has since progressed from the front lines through senior leadership roles, including serving as Corporate Vice President of Food and Beverage operations with Celebrity Cruises, Chief Operating Officer of Garces Group, Managing Director of Constellation Culinary Group/Elior North America, and his current role with Live!

Agenda

 
All Day

Arrivals to Anaheim, hotel check in

Location: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
4-5:30 p.m.

Registration Open

Location: Sequoia West Registration | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
6:30-9 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Join us as we welcome you to sunny California to prepare for success! Come connect with fellow industry professionals and enjoy refreshments as we kick off IAAPA North America Summit 2025.
8-9 a.m.

Breakfast with Trade Connections

Location: Sequoia South A-D | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Welcome Remarks and Keynote

Location: Sequoia North E-H | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
12-1:30 p.m.

Lunch with Trade Connections

Location: Sequoia South A-D | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
1:30-8:30 p.m.

Depart to EDUTours

Experience exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to gain unique insights to see what’s working and how you can put best practices into action at your facility.
8-9 a.m.

Breakfast with Trade Connections

Location: Sequoia South A-D | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Keynote Speakers

Location: Sequoia North E-H | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
12-1:30 p.m.

Lunch with Trade Connections

Location: Sequoia South A-D | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
1:30-5:45 p.m.

Depart to EDUTours

Experience exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to gain unique insights and network with fellow attendees and other industry professionals.
6-8 p.m.

Farewell Reception

Join us at the Farewell Reception for the final evening of getting inspired to change the future of the industry.
Please Note: Agenda is subject to change.