Student Resources & Guidelines for IAAPA Expo
Students looking to start a career in the attractions industry have an exciting opportunity to network with industry leaders, learn from the brightest minds in the industry, and unlock resources to guide you through the early years of your career, all waiting for you at IAAPA Expo.
This page is dedicated to providing helpful recommendations and guidance on events and education sessions tailored to students. Additionally, this page will outline best practices and policies when interacting with exhibitors on the trade show floor.
Trade Show Floor Guidelines
The trade show floor at IAAPA Expo is a highly dynamic and exciting display of the latest products and services available in the attractions industry. Navigating miles of aisleways is an exciting and fun experience however, the trade show floor plays an important business function to many exhibitors who host client meetings and conduct business sales within their booths. To make the most of your experience on the trade show floor we encourage you to be familiar with and follow the guidelines outlined below.
Students are encouraged to visit and network with Exhibitors on Thursday 11/21 and Friday 11/22
- How to Approach Exhibitors
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- Before discussing job opportunities, check the IAAPA Connect+ app to see if an Exhibitor is hiring.
- Be sure the Exhibitor is not currently in a conversation with a potential client or in a business meeting.
- Keep your badge visible and introduce yourself as a student. You may share what college or university you attend and what degree you are pursuing.
- DO NOT interrupt or stop conversations already in progress.
- DO NOT stop exhibitors outside of their booths to provide resumes, business cards, or discuss job postings unless you have already organized a meeting with that individual.
- How to Engage Exhibitors
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- Ask if they are available to speak to you at that time. Be prepared to schedule a meeting later on if necessary.
- Talk about what interests you about their booth, product, or service.
- Ask questions about the company and what that individual’s role is within their organization.
- If discussing job openings, ask what they are looking for from individuals to fill a particular role.
- Ask if you can leave a resume or business card or if you can connect with an individual on IAAPA Connect+, LinkedIn or other social sites.
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Remember that IAAPA Expo is a business-to-business trade show and exhibitor’s primary focus is to sell their product or service.
- Connect+
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- Be sure you update your profile information including a nice Headshot, and a short bio about yourself.
- Reference the exhibiting company’s profile to see if they are currently hiring in the “we’re hiring!” section.
- If appropriate, connect with those you spoke with in the app, and send a short thank you message with your connection request.
Education and Events
IAAPA Expo offers a handful of events and education sessions tailored to Students looking to break into the industry. These events offer a unique opportunity to grow your network, and hear from up and coming, and current, industry leaders. View the agenda for all sessions curated for Students and Young Professionals taking place at IAAPA Expo 2024.
Registration
Members of IAAPA receive excellent benefits and discounts on IAAPA Expo registration and Ticketed Event purchases. View the table below to see how much you can save by joining as an IAAPA Member. View a full breakdown of Ticketed Event pricing.
Student Pricing for IAAPA Expo |
Members |
Non-Members |
---|---|---|
IAAPA Expo Registration | $50 | $150 |
4 Days of Trade Show Floor Access | Included with Registration | Included with Registration |
Education Conference & On-Demand Content | Included with Registration | $449 |
IAAPA Connect+ | Full access to agenda, exhibitor list, show floor, plus select on-demand content | Limited access to Connect+ features |
Ticketed Events | 40% Discount on event prices | No Discount on event prices. See pricing page for individual event costs |
IAAPA Member Lounge sponsored by Storibox | Access to Lounge | No Access |
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) | Eligible to earn CEUs towards IAAPA recertification | Ineligible to earn CEUs towards IAAPA recertification |
Ready to register?
Connect +
IAAPA Connect+ is the official mobile app for IAAPA Events. It’s the best way to connect and stay in touch with Speakers, Attendees, and Exhibitors you network with while at IAAPA Expo.
Looking for a job with an exhibiting company? You can see who is hiring by looking for the “we’re hiring!” section on an exhibiting company’s profile in Connect+. Job seekers can also search for open listings and post their resume on the IAAPA Job Board. Search through verified listings around the globe for roles within the industry and submit a resume today!