IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP)
September 21 - 22, 2024
The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals
The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP) is a hybrid program that uses adult learning methodologies. This edition will take place between 21 - 22 September, just before IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam, Netherlands. A separate ticket and Expo badge are required to attend.
Participants should be highly motivated learners with an interest in cross-departmental industry functions. Participants will gain a global attractions perspective, learn more about all areas of operation, and will share best practices across member types. The intensive two-day in-person program is designed with a blend of classroom instruction led by industry experts and small group activities. Participants will dive deeper into topics during their three-month access to self-paced online coursework specially curated for IAP. By combining in-person and online learning, participants will gain a solid understanding of the key disciplines and processes required to manage a successful attraction.
During the program, participants will: identify industry trends and challenges and opportunities for different entertainment show types. They will explore best practices to predict, meet, and exceed guests’ expectations. They will conduct a risk assessment for your facility and proactively prevent hazards. They will also interpret food and beverage metrics and data.
Pricing Details
Speakers
Neil Dwyer - ICAE
Neil Dwyer has spent the last 16 years in theme parks and has extensive experience in many areas of attractions (both revenue and non-revenue generating).
Born and educated in the UK, Neil begun his career working with some of the UK’s most famous theme parks. Neil held prior roles as the Director of Carnaval Entertainments with Global Village, and the Director of Operations at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park. He also held the Park Operations Manager position at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, UK’s largest amusement park. Neil also spent time in various other theme parks in the UK including managing the operations of Camelot Theme Park and being instrumental in the development of Spooky World - a multi-million-pound Halloween attraction in Cheshire, UK.
Neil is also a Committee Member for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) where he sits on the Amusement Parks and Attractions Constituency Committee. He is also recognized by IAAPA who conferred their highest level of accreditation, IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE).
In addition to his Bachelor’s degree and various management qualifications, Neil holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Central Lancashire, UK in International Tourism, specializing in Visitor Attraction Management. He is currently working towards a Doctorate in Business Administration.
Jan Taylor
Food Service Executive with over 35 years of experience in high volume food and beverage operations. Expertise in Design/Build, HR Recruitment,Training and Team Building, Fiscal Capital and Operating Budgeting and building highly successful and profitable food service operations
Career Experience
- Theme Parks: Sea World of Florida, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Dubailand, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Qiddiya.
- Sports & Entertainment Catering and Concessions: NASCAR, National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, National College Athletics Association, The University of Notre Dame, and multiple Arena and Stadium Concerts and Special Events.
- Current Role – Director of Food & Beverage Operations for Six Flags Qiddiya and Wahat Water Park, the two flagship theme parks to open in 2024 as part of the Qiddiya Giga Project near Riyadh, KSA
Nyck Murphy
Yael S. Coifman
Yael is a founding partner of LDP. With over 20 years of experience conducting market and financial assessments of projects throughout the EMEA region, Asia, Africa and the Americas. She applies global knowledge and passion for the industry to every local market situation. Based in London, Yael conducts studies on stand alone attractions and museums or innovative leisure real estate projects that incorporate entertainment, retail and attraction elements into resorts and tourism destinations. She provides qualitative and quantitative analysis regarding entertainment concepts and content, strategic development and financial feasibility.
Massimiliano Freddi - ICAE
After being in charge of marketing and press for the Italian market of Disneyland Paris, he joined Leolandia, the most popular Italian amusement park for children under 10. As general manager and vice president of strategic development, he oversaw the park's 300 percent expansion.
Since 2016, he has been a member of the coaching staff for Seth Godin's AltMBA and a professor of Marketing and Experience Design at IULM University in Milan. He teaches consumer experience, marketing, and soft skills as an adjunct professor at the same university where the first Italian course in Theme Parks and Attractions Management was introduced.
He founded Wonderwood, an adventure park for all ages, in 2018 and currently serves as the park's CEO.
Since 2023, he serves as the Second Vice Chair on the IAAPA board of directors.