The first in-person IAAPA North America event in more than a year took place on March 10 at country music singer Blake Shelton’s entertainment venue, Ole Red Orlando at Icon Park. The sold-out event safely welcomed more than 75 IAAPA members and attractions professionals, with some traveling from as far as Arizona to join the evening event.
The private event closed off the upstairs area of the venue just for participants, allowing ample room for socially distant networking (maintaining 6 feet of space or, as the event’s signage stated, more than a ride vehicle apart). Guests enjoyed delicious appetizers, drinks, and the cool Florida breeze on the open-air patios.
As live music amplified the atmosphere, masked guests elbow-bumped and smiled with their eyes, excited to finally see their colleagues again after an unprecedented year. Throughout the event, behind-the-scenes tours offered attendees a peek at Ole Red’s back-of-house operations.
The evening concluded with a ride on The Wheel at Icon Park, a 400-foot tall observation wheel that gave participants a skyline view of Orlando’s beloved attractions like no other.
“It has been over a year since the last IAAPA North America gathering, so to see our
industry friends in person again was very exciting. The feedback from ‘Meet IAAPA’ attendees was overwhelmingly positive,” said John Hallenbeck, vice president and executive director of IAAPA North America. “We appreciate the support from Icon Park and look forward to hosting more events in 2021, of course, continually keeping safety protocols in mind.”
Visit IAAPA.org/Events to view the current schedule of IAAPA’s upcoming events.
