14 Things to Know About IAAPA Expo

Meet Badger, the IAAPA Expo AI EventBot
Got Questions? Text “IAAPA” to 25525 to find answers immediately.

Discover IAAPA Programs, Products, and Services

• New to IAAPA Expo, the “IAAPA Presents” series will guide attendees through a variety of IAAPA programs, products, and services.
• IAAPA Research: Today, 11:15 – 11:45 a.m., Room S330CD
• IAAPA Membership: Tuesday, 4:45 – 5:15 p.m., Room S330AB
• IAAPA Education: Wednesday, 11:15 – 11:45 a.m., Room S330AB
• IAAPA Institute for Executive Education: Wednesday, 3 – 3:30 p.m., Room S320D
• IAAPA Safety and Advocacy: Thursday, 11:15 – 11:45 a.m., Room S330AB

Get Exclusive Access to Central Florida Attractions Through EDUTours
From guided behind-the-scenes tours to presentations from attractions professionals, EDUTours give IAAPA members the opportunity to see how facilities create memorable guest experiences while learning best practices. Tickets are still available for the following EDUTours:

• SeaWorld Orlando Sesame Street: Tuesday, 11 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Gatorland: Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Aquatica Orlando – Promoting Positive, Sensory-Friendly Guest Experiences: Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Island H2O Live! at the Margaritaville Resort: Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Separate ticket and Expo badge required for entry. EDUTours are open only to IAAPA Members.

A Jam-Packed Session for Young Professionals
Young professionals and students looking to develop their attractions industry careers can attend the “Young Professional: Welcome to the Industry Forum” on Tuesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Room S320ABC. Young professionals from different sectors of the industry will speak on a panel, along with JRA’s Dan Schultz who will share advice from his storied career. Speed networking will follow the panel presentation.

Visit More Than 130 Exhibitors in Exploration Station
Exploration Station is an outdoor, climate-controlled structure located adjacent to the outdoor exhibits, which is accessible between Booth #6125 and Booth #6119 in South Hall B. Discover a variety of dining options from local food truck vendors and a seating area along the route.

Support Give Kids The World at IAAPA Expo
Give Kids The World Village, located in nearby Kissimmee, Florida, is a resort that brings children with critical illnesses and their families from all over the world to Central Florida for a week of rest and fun visiting area attractions. Participate in the 13th Annual IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5K Run/1-Mile Walk at the Village on Thursday morning. Registration runs from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., and the race begins at 7:30 a.m. Run past the world’s largest “Candy Land” game at Matthew’s Boundless Playground, wave hello to families staying at the resort, and high-five some of the Village’s most lovable characters. Prizes will be awarded to top individual fundraiser; top team fundraiser; and first-, second-, and third-place male and female runners. Individuals can participate as a 5K runner or one-mile walker for $45, and teams of five or more can participate for $40 each. The entry fee includes a participation medal and on-course and post-race refreshments.
If you can’t make it to the event but would still like to fundraise, sign up as a virtual runner for $35. For more information and to register, visit GKTW.org/IAAPA or stop by to see Give Kids The World on the trade show floor at Booth #4233.
Exhibiting companies can also donate products to the Village. Additional information will be distributed to each booth during the week.

Explore Experiences Created for Land and Sea
For the first time, IAAPA and Seatrade Cruise are joining forces to show both industries are in the same business when it comes to creating unparalleled immersive experiences for audiences. On Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Room S310ABC, “Experiences Created For the Land and the Sea: Creating Immersive Opportunities for Guests No Matter the Destination” will bring together top industry professionals to show how the practice of developing innovative productions and custom brand experiences complements the cruise line and theme park industries.

Gain Attraction Management Insights
The interactive “Mid-Level Manager Roundtable” on Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Room S230FGH will feature attractions leaders who will share experiences, insights, and resources as they dive into topics like managing up, effective meetings, and team dynamics.

Learn About Post-Labor Day School Start Date Legislation
IAAPA supports policy that sets a post-Labor Day school start for all K-12 schools that receive state funding. IAAPA also supports study bills that look at the impact a school start date has on the tourism industry and, in return, state and local tax generation. During “Implementing Post-Labor Day School Start Date Legislation in Your State” on Thursday from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room S330AB, learn how to take action and work on post-Labor Day school start legislation in your state. Speakers include Gov. Christopher T. Sununu of New Hampshire; Brian Gottlob, principal of PolEcon Research; and Henry Veilleux, partner at Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group.

Explore Creative Experiences During Game Changer Session
Vince Kadlubek, co-founder of Meow Wolf, will speak at “Game Changer – Creativity is the New Attraction” on Thursday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Room S310ABC about the consumer’s movement toward creative experiences and why unpredictable artistry is valuable, while sharing his futurist vision of the themed attraction industry.
Separate ticket and Expo badge required for entry.

Attend Spotlight Sessions Presented by IAAPA Expo Platinum Sponsors
Seven IAAPA Expo Platinum Sponsors—including Brogent Technologies, S&S-Sansei Technologies, Gateway Ticketing Systems, DOF Robotics, Hasbro Inc., Aluvii Software, and Leisure Development Partners (LDP)—will present sessions highlighting their latest developments and projects. Admission to these sessions is included with Expo registration.

• Brogent Technologies: Today, 9:10 – 9:30 a.m., Room S230CDE
• S&S-Sansei Technologies: Tuesday, 8:30 – 8:50 a.m., Room S230CDE
• Gateway Ticketing Systems: Tuesday, 9:10 – 9:30 a.m., Room S230CDE
• DOF Robotics: Wednesday, 8:30 – 8:50 a.m., Room S230CDE
• Hasbro Inc.: Wednesday, 9:10 – 9:30 a.m., Room S230CDE
• Aluvii Software: Thursday, 8:30 – 8:50 a.m., Room S230FGH
• Leisure Development Partners (LDP): Thursday, 9:10 – 9:30 a.m., Room S230FGH

Pick Up a Free Reusable Water Bottle
Free reusable water bottles, sponsored by Hasbro, are available for attendees to pick up at Registration on the South Concourse or IAAPA Central (Booth #3831). Free water coolers to refill water bottles are located inside and outside of the education sessions (South Concourse, third floor), along the South Concourse, near the Restaurant (Near North B Hall entrance on the trade show floor), IAAPA Central, outdoor seating area (South Outdoor Exhibits), and near the IAAPA Theater (North Concourse, third floor).

Renew Your IAAPA Membership at IAAPA Expo
IAAPA members who need to renew their membership for 2020 can visit member registration on the South Concourse or IAAPA Central (Booth #3831) for assistance. On-site renewals include a free gift!

New Exhibitors