IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit
IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit - 29 June – 01 July
Please note registrations are now closed for the IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit. If you were planning to attend, please contact Katia Malnati - [email protected] to check last-minute opportunities.
What to Expect During IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit?
Participants will experience four fantastic destinations, see several new attractions and multi-year investments opening this year, and network and connect with peers. They will also have the unique opportunity to take behind-the-scenes tours and hear from facility executives including an exclusive keynote from Steve Van den Kerkhof, CEO, Plopsa Group.
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Bellewaerde
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Pairi Daiza
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Plopsaland De Panne
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Walibi Belgium
Safety is our priority
- All participants will be required to show the proof of a negative PCR test upon arrival. The test should not have been taken more than 72 hours prior to the event start.
- Fully vaccinated participants are also requested to show the proof of a negative PCR test upon arrival.
- This event will follow the latest Belgium COVID-19 safety regulations to maintain the health and safety of all participants. These measures include mandatory masks (during official IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit functions, including parks visits, EDUTours and shuttle transfers), distancing requirements, and hand sanitizing stations onsite.
- Guests who are experiencing symptoms such as fever or feelings of being sick should refrain from attending.
- For more information, have a look at our IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit Health and Safety Guidelines.
Flexible cancellation and refund policy
In the current fast-changing circumstances related to COVID-19, a transparent cancellation and refund policy for our guests is our priority. In case IAAPA decides to cancel the event, a full registration fee refund will be applied. Please refer to the FAQ section for more details.
Pricing
Agenda
Speakers
Steve van den Kerkhof
Steve van den Kerkhof has been the driving force behind the success of the Plopsa parks for 20 years. Under his leadership, the group has grown from a one-day destination at one location (Plopsaland De Panne) to a group that now has six enchanting theme parks and two decorated water parks. Thanks to the many plans already in development or on the table, this number will also grow to as many as 11 theme parks, 4 water parks and 4 accommodation facilities (hotels/campsites) in the near future. One of his main philosophies is that offering a quality product will become even more important, as leisure time is becoming more and more precious to most families. Moreover, Steve has also been one of the pushing forces behind Begloparks, the umbrella organisation in which the interests of the main Belgian theme parks are discussed, for many years. In 2014, Steve was a guest speaker at the Leadership Breakfast of the IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam. In 2016, Steve was the first European to be a keynote speaker at the General Managers and Owners' Breakfast of the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, FL.
Stefaan Lemey
Stefaan Lemey started working in the Amusement Industry in 1999. He has a degree in Engineering and is the General Manager of Bellewaerde since 2010.
Jean-Christophe Parent
Jean-Christophe Parent is a top-performing CEO for multiple theme parks throughout Europe. He served Belgium’s n° 1 theme park almost continuously since 2001, and he has been managing the park as a CEO since 2012. His activities include developing and implementing strategic and tactical sales and marketing avenues, and leading large teams through the exchange of knowledge, experience and goal sharing. He is currently steering new investments into the park, which will transform as much as 75 per cent of the site by the time they are completed.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in your registration fees but IAAPA has secured rooms with special rates for you (upon availability) for the event:
- Van der Valk Hotel Mons Congress
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Hotel Address: Avenue Mélina Mercouri 7, 7000 Mons
Check-in date: 29 June 2021
Check-out date: 30 June 2021
IAAPA Rate: 122.5€ (incl.VAT) with breakfast in single occupancy + 3€ city tax
Room type: Non-smoking Comfort Room
Availability & conditions: In case of Force major such as COVID-19, the room can be cancelled for free. The IAAPA Special Rate and the Hotel are now SOLD OUT. Please find another location to stay in Mons in case you haven't booked your accommodation. - Plopsa Hotel De Panne
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Hotel Address: De Pannelaan 68, 8660 De Panne
Check-in date: 30 June 2021
Check-out: 01 July 2021
IAAPA rate: From 112.5€ (incl.VAT) for Theater Rooms with breakfast in single occupancy to 225€ (incl.VAT) for Premium Luxury Suites with breakfast in single occupancy + 3€ city tax
Room type available: Theater Rooms, Premium Theater Rooms, Premium Family Rooms, Luxury Suites & Premium Luxury Suites
Availability & conditions: in case of Force major such as COVID-19, the room can be cancelled for free. Rooms are available to booking till Wednesday 23 June.
Booking process: please follow these instructions to book your room.
Travel
- Arrivals to Belgium
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As you will be staying in Belgium for more than 48 hours (and/or if you are coming to Belgium by air or boat, or by train or bus from a country outside the EU or the Schengen Area), you will need to fill in the Passenger Locator Form at the earliest 48 hours before you arrive in Belgium.
Based on the answers you give, the form will work out whether you are regarded as a high-risk contact. For more information, please visit https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/. - National Travel Regulations
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Given the fast-changing vaccination landscape worldwide, please follow your national travel regulations and restrictions. Quarantine may be necessary.
- On-site travel
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An IAAPA shuttle is organised for the whole duration of the event from and back to Brussels-South Railway Station.
On 29 June, from 10:30 CEST, the IAAPA EMEA team will wait for you at Brussels-South Railway Station to guide you to the shuttle. Look up for the special IAAPA paddles! Shuttle will depart at 11:00 CEST sharp.
On 01 July, shuttle will depart from Plopsaland De Panne at 13:00 CEST and will stop at Brussels Airport Zaventem and Brussels-South Railway Station. The estimated time travel time from Plopsaland to Brussels Airport Zaventem is about 1:45 and an additional 45 minutes between Brussels Airport Zaventem and Brussels-South Railway Station, depending on traffic. Please allow enough time when booking your travel tickets.
You are also welcome to join the event using your own car. Please note that some additional parking fees may apply. - Departure & Belgium PCR test location
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On 01 July, shuttle will depart from Plopsaland De Panne at 13:00 CEST and will stop at Brussels Airport Zaventem and Brussels-South Railway Station. The estimated time travel time from Plopsaland to Brussels Airport Zaventem is about 1:45 and an additional 45 minutes between Brussels Airport Zaventem and Brussels-South Railway Station, depending on traffic. Please allow enough time when booking your travel tickets.
If you need to present a negative PCR test to travel back to your country, you can book an appointment in Brussels at Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels South Railway Station) via the following website: https://brussels.testcovid.be/en/#appointment
You can also book an appointment at Brussels Airport via the following website: https://brusselsairport.ecocare.center/test-without-prescription-code/
We Thank Our Sponsors and Partners
FAQs IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit
- What is IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit?
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IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit is a three-day event that includes park presentations, EDUTours and networking opportunities for global attractions industry professionals.
- Is it safe to attend IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit?
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The health and safety of IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit attendees, sponsors and the event team is our number-one priority. We are working closely with our partners to ensure we present an event that meets current recommended global and local health and safety requirements. IAAPA EMEA will follow the latest guidance and recommendations for large groups and meetings from Belgium authorities.
- Will participants require a negative PCR test to attend IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit?
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Please note that to guarantee the safety of IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit attendees, sponsors and the event team, you will be asked to show the proof of a negative PCR test upon arrival. The test should not have been taken more than 72 hours prior to the event start.
- I'm vaccinated or have received my first shot of vaccine, do I still require a negative PCR test to attend IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit?
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Yes, you will still be required to show a proof of negative PCR test to join the event as vaccination can only guarantee your safety.
- I'm a Belgian resident and I have not been abroad or near a red zone in the last three weeks, do I still require a negative PCR test to attend IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit?
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Yes you will still be required to show a proof of negative PCR test to join the event.
- Can I present a negative self-test instead of negative PCR test to attend IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit?
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In order to guarantee the maximum safety during this event, only proof of negative PCR test will be allowed to join the event.
- Will IAAPA EMEA require attendees to wear masks during IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit?
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In July 2020, Belgium issued a mandatory mask order for all organised events. IAAPA will also require masks to be worn during official IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit functions, including all park visits, EDUTours and shuttle transfers.
- Will IAAPA EMEA provide masks to participants?
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IAAPA will have masks available at registration.
- Is accommodation included in the registration fees?
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Accommodation is not included in your registration fees but IAAPA has secured rooms with special rates for you (upon availabilities). Please refer to the accommodation section for more details.
- Can I use my personal car for the duration of the event?
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IAAPA has organised a shuttle for the whole event but you are also welcome to join the event using your own car. Please note that some additional parking fees may apply. In case you wish to use your own car, please contact Katia Malnati at [email protected].
- Are there sponsorship opportunities?
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Sponsorship opportunities are now sold out for this event.
- Are children, spouses and/or partners allowed at the Spring Summit?
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IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit is a business event. No one under the age of 18 may take part. The summit programme access is limited to attendees only. Please note that due to the current COVID-19 regulations participation of spouse/partner is subjected to availability. An attendee fee will be charged.
- What are the terms and conditions and the refund policy?
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We understand that the fast-changing circumstances related to COVID-19 regulations make a constant review of cost and travel commitments necessary for everyone. In case IAAPA decides to cancel the event, a full registration fee refund will be applied. In case attendees decide to cancel their participation, IAAPA will assess cancellation requests on a case-by-case basis and ensure that cancellation fees are due in the amount of actual costs incurred only.
Please note that in the event of cancellation due to government-induced travel restrictions, attendees will be fully refunded if and only if, they can prove that their government has changed the travel regulations after their booking.
Refunds will only be processed on applicable registration fees. IAAPA will assess additional requests due to unforeseen circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Send cancellation requests to [email protected]. - Who can I contact at IAAPA for more information?
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The IAAPA EMEA Team is here to support you and provide the important information you need. Please contact the following representatives:
• Logistics and Operations : Katia Malnati - [email protected] or +32 489 253 683.
• Sponsorship: Manjana Roth - [email protected] or +49 1522 240 5513.