IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP)
February 15 - 16, 2025
IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP)
The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP) is a hybrid program that uses adult learning methodologies. This edition will take place between 15-16 February 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, coinciding with IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit.
The course material is aimed at highly motivated learners with an interest in cross-departmental industry functions. Participants will gain a global attractions perspective, across seven (7) professional areas to learn more about best practices across member types. The intensive two-day in-person program is designed partly of classroom instruction led by industry experts from Six Flags Qiddiya, Aquarabia Water Theme Park Qiddiya City, Sarovski Kristallwelten, Europa-Park and Familypark (Compagnier des Alpes). Small group activities encourage networking among attendees along with opportunities to share perspectives from the learnings. Upon completion of in person learning, participants have three-months access to self-paced online coursework, specially curated for IAP to deep dive into topics. 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 develop the skills necessary to become an integral member of a management team through identifying industry trends, challenges and opportunities for different entertainment show types. They will explore best practices to predict, meet, and exceed guests’ expectations and demonstrate an understanding of the complexities involved in business development and expansion. They will conduct a risk assessment for your facility to proactively prevent hazards and will also gain understanding for interpreting food and beverage metrics and data.
Included in Registration:
• Access to workshop sessions
• Handbook and handouts
• Coffee and snack breaks
• Two lunches
• Three-month access to curated coursework
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.
Lukas Metzger
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
Leander de Wit
Scott Swenson
Filip De Witte
With more than 25 years of experience managing leisure parks of varying sizes (300,000 to 1.8 million visitors), Filip de Witte is a seasoned professional who has consistently driven both profitability and visitor satisfaction. He previously served as General Manager at Bellewaerde Park in Belgium, Parc Astérix in France, and Walibi Sud-Ouest in France, where he introduced highly successful events and activities—including winter, Halloween, and summer programs. In these roles, Filip led teams of up to 200 permanent employees and 700 seasonal workers, achieving significant increases in attendance while enhancing each park’s operational performance.
In 2014, Filip joined the International Development Department at Compagnie des Alpes and currently serves as General Manager of FamilyPark, Austria’s largest theme park. He has also given back to the industry through his past service on the IAAPA Global Membership Advisory Board and continues to volunteer with IAAPA to this day.
Olivia Wyrick
Philipp Gamper
Maya Mattar
French Lebanese born and raised, Maya Mattar is a people-development professional, educator, and speaker. In her 20 years of working in the service industry, with international experience across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, she has helped more than 10,000 individuals develop their skills. Maya has a master’s degree in Coaching Psychology and is passionate about helping individuals and organizations “change their doing by changing the viewing”. Maya was part of the award-winning Emirates Airline service training team and has led the core opening teams responsible in setting up, opening and operating different businesses in the leisure and entertainment sector for worldwide franchises and local organizations. Maya is the author of Amazon best seller book "Lasting Impressions - The Framework for Consistent Service Delivery". This book is a must-read for those in the service industry who are looking for practical tips and techniques on delivering excellence.