Education Sessions Inspire New Ideas, Actions, and Trends
The education conference program at IAAPA EXPO features more than 90 education sessions and roundtables that cover trends and topics shaping the global attractions industry. Designed specifically for professionals from amusement and theme parks, family entertainment centers (FECs), museums and science centers, water parks, and zoos and aquariums, the Education Conference program will run Nov. 15-18. Education sessions led by industry leaders will help attendees grow their businesses in a post-COVID-19 world, develop new ideas, and advance their careers with insights on best practices and effective strategies in the areas of communications, entertainment, food and beverage, operations, revenue, security, and more. Several education sessions will be translated simultaneously into Spanish. Here’s a look at a few of this year’s sessions and tracks:
SIGNATURE SESSIONS
CEO Speaks
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
CEO Speaks gives attendees unique access to three of today’s most influential leaders in the attractions business. Audience members will get to listen in on a casual, unrehearsed conversation that will touch on topics such as what it takes to be successful in the industry of fun, maintaining focus on priorities, and building a company and culture that last into the future.
Legends 2021 – The Legends Behind The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Just over 20 years ago, “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man” ride opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Four Legends will explain how they conceptualized this breakthrough attraction and share insights, strategies, and lessons of a lifetime.
ENTERTAINMENT
Revolutionizing the Future of Theme Park Design
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 4 – 5 p.m.
Join leaders in visualization and themed entertainment for a discussion on how groundbreaking technologies and current virtual production methodologies in filmmaking are reinventing storytelling and design to bring complex stories and attractions to life.
FACILITY OPERATIONS
Ultra-Accessible™: The Morgan’s Wonderland Difference
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Morgan’s Wonderland has brought its mission of inclusion to life in its everyday operations by creating Ultra-Accessible™ attractions and eliminating barriers traditionally seen in the community. Learn how this unique park brings together those with and without disabilities in a safe, colorful, uplifting environment, where the common element of play leads to fun and a better understanding of one another.
FINANCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Increasing Uptime with CMMS, Predictive and Preventive Maintenance
Thursday, Nov. 18, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Keep operations running smoothly with automated tools and sensors to predict problems. Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) help track and ensure that regular and systematic maintenance is performed daily, weekly, and seasonally. Preventive maintenance helps keep equipment and facility support systems running with caretaking of normal and expected needs.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Skyrocket Your Food and Beverage Revenue and Maximize Profits!
Monday, Nov. 15, 4 – 5 p.m.
Learn best practices for cost control, standard operating procedures, menu marketing, and staffing. Plus, explore easy special events and creative ideas to excite guests and drive spending.
GAMES AND MERCHANDISE
Retail Goes Digital: How to Drive Retail Revenue All Year Round
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 10 – 11 a.m.
Learn how to develop a retail website to create energy and engagement on social media channels with guests and fans alike, bring your brand into guests’ homes, build loyalty, and generate an income for the retail department year-round. Find out how social shopping works, how to implement it on various platforms, and how to integrate it into your marketing mix.
HUMAN RESOURCES
A Seat at the Table: Diversity and Inclusion in Themed Entertainment
Monday, Nov. 15, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Join colleagues from across the industry to develop ways in which your organization can increase employee retention, improve morale, reduce harassment, and build a strong candidate pool by providing opportunities of training, support, and advancement for marginalized persons inside and outside of the entertainment workforce.
MARKETING
Responsive Marketing in Dynamic Times
Monday, Nov. 15, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Join marketing professionals as they share their experiences overcoming external events that forced immediate course corrections and how they maintained their authentic brand and messaging standards.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
I Can’t Steal My Face: Recognition Software and Risk Management
Thursday, Nov. 18, 4 – 5 p.m.
Facial recognition technology and biometric data are becoming increasingly utilized at amusement parks, water parks, and FECs. These technologies have the potential to create serious risk management and security issues. Learn about current and developing U.S. legislation on emerging technologies and consumer privacy that impacts the attractions industry and could have an impact on communication, marketing, operations, and risk management.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
What They Don’t Teach You About Becoming a Manager
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 4 – 5 p.m.
Learn best practices to conquer challenges such as addressing passive-aggressive teammates, how to lead people older than you, and the importance of taking care of yourself along the way. Sharpen your management skills and discover what may not be part of standard training.
- A valid IAAPA Expo badge must be worn to gain access to education sessions. The Education Conference is provided complimentary to IAAPA members. Nonmembers may attend education sessions by purchasing the Education Conference Program package.
EDUTOURS
Get Exclusive Access to Central Florida Attractions Through EDUTours
IAAPA EXPO EDUTours give IAAPA members the opportunity to explore a variety of attractions across Central Florida. From guided be-hind-the-scenes tours to presentations from attractions professionals, participants can see how facilities create memorable guest experiences while discovering the industry’s latest developments. Highlights from the EDUTour schedule include:
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Central Florida’s Largest Family-Owned Park, Fun Spot America, Delivers Safe, Clean Fun
Sunday, Nov. 14, 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Experience an exclusive tour of Fun Spot America and meet the owners as they share how Fun Spot started as a family entertainment center (FEC) and has grown into a successful theme park. Learn about the park’s operation and approach to customer service, enjoy a homestyle dinner, and then join Fun Spot team members for a guided tour of the park featuring four program tracks: operations, maintenance, human resources, and food and beverage. The evening will end with free time to network and enjoy attractions.
SeaWorld Orlando, A Food and Beverage Exposition
Thursday, Nov. 18, 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Take an inside look at the operations driving new and exclusive food and beverage (F&B) guest experiences across SeaWorld Orlando, including new venues, digital transformation, reimagined consumer events, and menu offerings. Attendees will hear from SeaWorld Orlando’s F&B leadership team and explore venues across the park. The EDUTour will conclude with an exclusive sneak peek and sampling of the 2021 “Christmas Celebration” event offerings.
- Only IAAPA members can participate in EDUTours. Information on joining IAAPA is available at IAAPA.org/Membership. IAAPA Expo registration and separate ticket required to attend.