Uniquely designed for attractions professionals, the Education Conference program at IAAPA Expo 2022 will run Nov. 14-17 and feature myriad sessions covering trends and topics from around the industry. Industry leaders will offer new perspectives, best practices, and innovative ideas to help attendees advance their careers and grow their businesses, particularly after pandemic-related difficulties with closures, delays, and interruptions. A complete list of education sessions is available at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpoSchedule. Here are a few selections from this year’s lineup:
SIGNATURE SESSIONS
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
CEO Talk 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 conversation among executives that touches 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.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Attractions industry pioneers will discuss their careers and share insights on projects they’ve had a hand in developing. Moderated annually by Bob Rogers, founder, chairman, and chief creative officer of BRC Imagination Arts, the Legends panel is known for honest conversation and wisdom from creative visionaries.
ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Learn how to best approach bringing a customized Halloween event to a park, attraction, or family entertainment center (FEC)—from child-friendly events to bloodcurdling haunts—and how integrating a story can not only assist in the event’s development, but also bring brand awareness to guests year-round.
FACILITY OPERATIONS
Monday, Nov. 14, 4 – 5 p.m.
Accountability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical leadership strategy that could mean the difference between high performance or high turnover. Matt Heller, founder of Performance Optimist Consulting, will discuss actions that operations leaders can take to hold themselves and their staff accountable.
FINANCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Migrating to a cashless economy is major topic as of late, particularly in the shadow of the pandemic. Key leaders from the industry will go beyond the hype and speak about the benefits and challenges of going cashless, as well as the future of currency transactions.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Monday, Nov. 14, 4 – 5 p.m.
Catch up on the latest food trends in the industry from theme parks, water parks, museums, science centers, and FECs. Speakers will discuss the hottest new products and trends that have found success.
Funworld Presents
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
The pandemic and the “great resignation” created not only disruption, but opportunities to grow in new ways. Expert panelists will share how they’ve remained working in the industry, navigated change, found new opportunities, and seen their careers excel in fresh ways.
GAMES AND MERCHANDISE
Monday, Nov. 14, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
The team at Integrated Insight has worked on merchandising for several popular theme parks and attractions. Stephen Davis, vice president of pricing and revenue services, and CEO Joni Newkirk will guide attendees through the science behind successful merchandising execution and impart strategies to boost retail business.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
A group of speakers from around the industry will share current directives about inclusion, diversity, equality, and accessibility.
MARKETING
Monday, Nov. 14, 4 – 5 p.m.
The importance of an e-commerce sales strategy continues to grow as consumers increasingly shift to online purchases. This session will look at improving e-commerce conversion, pricing best practices, marketing, upsell messaging, consumer journey, and more.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 8:30 – 10 a.m.
In the event of an active shooter, it is of paramount importance to be prepared and have a clear plan of action. Chad Ayers and Andy Sexton, founders of ProActive Response Group LLC, as well as Jake Allen and Drew Tewksbury of McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance, will lead this discussion.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Four young professionals representing manufacturers and suppliers, parks and resorts, and more will tell their career journeys, share successes and failures, and help attendees learn to position and market themselves to become the next generation of technical professionals within the attractions industry.
