Resources and Strategies for Attractions Professionals When Navigating Layoffs

In the wake of recent attractions industry layoffs, emerging and seasoned professionals alike are confronted with unexpected transitions and uncertainty about what comes next. Thankfully, in these circumstances, many organizations and individuals rally together to offer their support for those seeking reemployment.

Funworld brings valuable resources to attractions professionals looking for their next role. While the period following a layoff can be difficult to navigate, there are tools, support systems, and actionable tactics that may help pave the road to an exciting new opportunity.

Industry Job Boards

Job board resources can serve as a great first step in the job search process. IAAPA’s job board, the IAAPA Career Center, features active listings across the industry.

1. IAAPA Career Center

   The IAAPA Career Center, available to anyone as a resource for exploring potential job opportunities, also offers tools such as free resume reviews, career planning services, and a career coaches hub—giving job seekers additional tools to support their career goals.

   Applicants will find a wide range of job opportunities across attractions-related constituencies, including theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and beyond.

2. Themed Entertainment Jobs

   Themed Entertainment Jobs provides access to numerous active job listings across the industry on their website. Updated frequently and with thousands of current listings available to browse, Themed Entertainment Jobs does not require a membership to access its database. Themed Entertainment Jobs grew from the belief that “the easiest way to help other people is to leave the door open behind you,” according to Themed Entertainment Jobs founder Dave Hall.

   “It is an amazing resource to find roles in the industry you maybe didn’t know existed, or to find companies who aren’t hiring now, but may be worth watching in the future,” he says.

3. Slice Creative Network

   If choosing the freelancing route, numerous platforms cater to the gig economy. Sites like Slice Creative Network provide jobs for those with an active membership in areas such design, show writing, and more. Once members have crafted an online profile, industry companies can search for freelancers that fit their unique needs.

   Its creator, Melody Matheny, shares that she started Slice Creative Network out of necessity. “I was an art director at SeaWorld at the time, and I couldn’t keep the freelancers’ contact info straight, so I made myself a little website to keep track of them. Pretty soon, my fellow art directors were using it to hire as well, and then freelancers started recommending each other.”

   Slice Creative Network, a nonprofit organization, currently boasts more than 350 members nationwide and has hosted more than 1,000 freelancers in its 15-year history. “There are a great many freelancers who get gigs through Slice constantly,” Matheny adds.

    

It Takes a Village

Aside from independent research, an entire community of peers from across the industry is ready to help those impacted by the recent layoffs. Engaging on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and X connects applicants with a wide array of job openings and organizations.

Hall recommends job seekers lean on strong industry friendships as a supplemental effort. “Reach out to former coworkers, friends from the industry that you haven’t talked to for a while. Get coffee, grab a drink.” Hall also recommends that job seekers reach out to connections in current positions they could see themselves in one day and start a dialogue. “Approach from a place of curiosity,” Hall adds. “I have had a lot of success reaching out to folks on LinkedIn; the key is asking for something you know they can give you, like 20 minutes of their time for a phone call. Most people want to help.”

IAAPA’s LinkedIn page shares active job postings. To maximize reach, numerous industry leaders share these jobs with their networks on their pages. Connecting with others in the industry on LinkedIn increases the chances that the next job opportunity will be seen.

Many professionals generously provide resume reviews, mentorship opportunities, and general career advice, either at no cost or for a fee, depending on the level of services requested. Profile optimization will help link applicants to potential employers, Matheny adds. “LinkedIn is your friend,” she says. “Be sure to update your profile and let it be known that you are looking for work.”

Hall also suggests that industry professionals, regardless of employment status, create their own opportunities. He notes that the cyclical nature of the industry lends itself to staying vigilant.

“One of the interesting trends that I have seen, and would encourage more folks to consider, is taking the team from the project you just finished, all without work now, and organizing your own company,” Hall says. “Many of the pillar companies of our industry started when a major project ended, and knowing that the industry would need those services again, they formed a company to contract out for the next major project.” Hall notes that while this route is not ideal for everyone, it allows professionals to continue working as a contractor without becoming subject to the “boom and bust cycle” between major developers.

General Advice

Starting the job search process promptly after a layoff increases one’s chances of being noticed by employers. “Update your resume and online portfolio ASAP and start sending it to potential employers and people in the industry,” Matheny suggests. To capitalize on this momentum, “attend any and all online or in-person networking events possible,” she adds. These networking events offer opportunities to connect with other industry professionals. IAAPA’s website also features a calendar with upcoming expos and events, which provide opportunities to network with a diverse range of attractions professionals.

When seeking a new role, consider leveraging professional development tools, such as IAAPA webinars and certifications, to enhance skills and expertise.

Much like individuals on LinkedIn offering mentorship, formal mentor-mentee programs can help bridge the gap to the next employment opportunity. The IAAPA Young Professionals Mentorship Program can help early-career professionals find their way forward. The emerging professional demographic may also find IAAPA’s Show Ambassador Program beneficial. This program recruits recent graduates and young professionals to serve as volunteer interns at IAAPA Expo, IAAPA Expo Europe, IAAPA Expo Asia, and IAAPA Expo Middle East.

Experiencing job loss is common within the attractions world and never easy, but new opportunities inevitably follow. As Hall explains, “This industry is one of the most volatile in the world. The work fluctuates with major capital projects. We see these cycles every time a new park is built.” Even so, the attractions industry remains a close-knit community—one where many are ready and eager to support colleagues impacted by recent layoffs