IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals

The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals is the global attractions industry’s premier professional development program for individuals with five or fewer years’ working within attractions. These include museums, science centers, aquariums, attractions, LBEs, amusement parks, and zoos.

The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP) is a hybrid program that uses adult learning methodology.

Course Agenda:

• 2 full days of in-person learning
• Attraction site visit
• 3-month access to curated coursework

Participants should be highly motivated learners with an interest in cross-departmental industry functions. Participants will gain a global attractions perspective, learn more about all areas of operation, and will share best practices across member types. The intensive two-day in-person program is designed with a blend of classroom instruction led by industry experts and small group activities. Participants will dive deeper into topics during their 3-month access to self-paced online coursework specially curated for IAP. By combining in-person and online learning, participants will gain a solid understanding of the key disciplines and processes required to manage a successful attraction.

During the program, participants will:

• Identify industry trends
• Identify challenges and opportunities for different entertainment show types
• Explore best practices to predict, meet, and exceed guests’ expectations
• Conduct a risk assessment for your facility and proactively prevent hazards
• Interpret food and beverage metrics and data

And more!

Agenda

Sunday Nov. 17

• 7:45-8:05 a.m. – Course Check In, IAAPA Staff and Ambassadors
• 8:05-8:20 a.m. – Welcome to IAP, Jorge Cabrera
• 8:20-9:20 a.m. – Food and Beverage, Ken Whiting
• 9:20-9:30 a.m. – Morning Break
• 9:30-11 a.m. – Human Resources, David Gray
• 11 a.m. -12 p.m. – Marketing, Todd Andrus
• 12-1 p.m. – Lunch (Classroom)
• 1-2 p.m. – Marketing (cont.)
• 2-2:10 p.m. – Afternoon Break
• 2:10-4:30 p.m. – Facility Operations, Tim Murphy
• 5:30 p.m. – Bus to FunSpot America (Depart from South Concourse)
• 6-10 p.m. – Voluntary EDUTour: Fun Spot America (includes dinner, tour, and rides)

Monday, Nov. 18

• 8-8:15 a.m. – Arrival for Day 2
• 8:15-9:15 a.m. – Entertainment, Scott Swenson
• 9:15-9:30 a.m. – Morning Break
• 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Entertainment (cont.)
• 10:45-11:45 a.m. – Games and Merchandise, Lynn Lowry
• 11:45 a.m. -2:15 p.m. – Lunch and Learn
• 2:15-3:15 p.m. – Information Technology, Marc Pollack
• 3:15-4:15 p.m. – Finance, Sameera Dalal
• 4:15-4:30 p.m. – Online Learning Overview, Certifications Review, Group Picture, and Conclusion, Alissa DeMeglio, Angela Foster, and Jorge Cabrera

*Please note: Individuals who previously completed the Institute for Attractions Managers course should not register.

Attendance on two classroom days and the self-paced content is required. Registration covers the complete course program.