IAAPA Virtual Conference

​

Together we'll rebound, rebuild, and return to the fun.

2021 will be more than just a new year. It’s going to be a whole new world for the attractions industry. To help prepare you for this challenge, IAAPA brought together industry leaders and top speakers for an IAAPA Virtual Conference focused on resilience and recovery. 

On day one, presenter focused on recovery planning with valuable forecasts from a top economist. Additional experts shared solutions for safe, profitable operations in a COVID environment. Day two featured presenters that specialize in motivation and how to inspire your attractions team. Hear from speakers who have overcome major obstacles and learn new strategies for managing your work force in uncertain times.  

The attractions industry is going to bring back the fun in 2021. And bouncing back starts with finding new ways forward at IAAPA Virtual Conference. 

Did you miss the live event? You can still register to access all content on-demand until May 31, 2021. 
 

REGISTER NOW

Save on registration, plus unlock valuable connections, resources, and tools as an IAAPA Member. Learn more about becoming an IAAPA Member here. 

Agenda-At-Glance
Note: all times listed are in Eastern Time (ET). 

Wednesday, April 7 | RECOVERY (click drop-down arrow for full details)

9 - 9:10 a.m.	IAAPA Daily Highlights Event host Johnathan Lee Iverson, Ringmaster, Omnium Circus
9:10 - 9:45 a.m.	Keynote Presentation | Preparing for the Recovery Featuring Adam Sacks, President, Oxford Economics Company Historic travel industry losses continue to mount. However, economic fundamentals and traveler sentiment data point to significant near-term opportunities. Adam Sacks will share Tourism Economics’ latest views on the economy, the mindset of travelers, and expectations for how and when travel will fully recover.
9:55 - 10:15 a.m.	Learning How to Win by Learning How to Lose: Stories of Recovery and Resilience from Around the World  In JRA’s dynamic M&S Solution Talks session, industry professionals across various countries, markets, and disciplines will share their thoughts on how COVID-19 has impacted their organizations, their visitors and themselves. They’ll also share their hopes for how the attractions industry will eventually reflect on this period of challenge and change. As the panelists discuss their strategies for recovery and resilience, emotions of fear and uncertainty give way to expressions of optimism and opportunity. A can’t-miss session for anyone looking to rebound and rebuild. Host: Keith James, Owner and CEO, JRA
10:15 - 10:25 a.m.	Speed Session | Multiplayer VR Explored
10:25 - 10:30 a.m.	Update and Panel Introduction from Ellis & Associates
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.	Panel Discussion | Safety First, Fun Second: How the Attractions Industry is adapting to a COVID World  With the multitude of information being released on COVID-19, it is important to know fact from fiction.  A top infectious disease doctor will debunk common COVID-19 myths and provide an update on what is happening to help you understand how to continue to be prepared. Experts from the attractions industry will share their perspectives on creating a successful operation during a pandemic.  They will share examples of  what is being implemented at their locations as they reopen and create new experiences for guests. Moderator: Linda Freeman, Entertainment Industry Specialist, Rockwell Automation Panelists: Anthony Palermo, Co-founder, Connect&GO, Dr. Marc Allan Tack, DO, Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine, Jason Freeman, Corporate Vice President of Security, Safety, Health & Environmental at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
11:20 - 11:40 a.m.	How digitally enabling your employees has become a necessity  As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic and our industry is changed, digitally enabling your employees has become a necessity. This session discusses how communication and collaboration platforms such as Beekeeper can help organizations in our industry navigate the changes and be successful in the new normal - from reaching employees instantly and keeping them informed, trained and engaged, to empowering them to deliver the best guest experience. Speaker include: Andrada Paraschiv - VP Hospitality, Beekeeper; Patricia Larocca - Director Key Accounts, Beekeeper; and Josh Jorgensen - General Manager, Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort.
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.	Case Study | SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment: Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis Since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has confronted the industry’s new operating reality with urgency, flexibility, and creativity. From the Board to the park teams, the Orlando-based company, which owns and operates 12 parks across the United States, has worked collaboratively with streamlined and efficient decision-making to maximize its financial flexibility, adapt operations, and prioritize health and safety. One year in, CEO Marc Swanson discusses how the company has navigated and continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic — and what they have done to make the business a stronger business on the other side.  Marc Swanson, Interim Chief Executive Officer, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
12:25 - 12:40 p.m.	M&S Solution Talks: ProSlide Technology Inc.  This past year has been unlike any other. ProSlide, their clients, and the entire attractions industry have faced incredible challenges brought about by COVID-19. Being resilient in the face of these challenges, ProSlide has always, and continues to, made it their mission to do everything for customers, firmly believing that the customers' success is their success. Join as their team shares some of their stories of resilience and putting the customer first.
3:45 - 4 p.m.	Preview of National Beer Day 2021 with Special Guest Debbie Yuengling, Employee Engagement & Culture Manager, Yuengling

Thursday, April 8 | RESILIENCE (click drop-down arrow for full details)

9 - 9:10 a.m.	IAAPA Daily Highlights Event host Johnathan Lee Iverson, Ringmaster, Omnium Circus
9:10 - 10 a.m.	Keynote Presentation | The Power of Human Connection Featuring Leon Logothetis, Global adventurer, motivational speaker, & author/creator of the book and Netflix show, The Kindness Diaries As host of the Netflix series, The Kindness Diaries, Leon circumnavigated the globe on his vintage yellow motorbike 'Kindness One', giving life-changing gifts along the way to unsuspecting good Samaritans. All of this whilst relying on the kindness of strangers. From his experiences, you will learn how to ignite a spark of love, adventure, and humanity within your messaging and expand your global awareness.
10:10 - 10:15 a.m.	Update and Panel Introduction from Gatemaster
10:15 - 11 a.m.	Panel Discussion | Leadership and Adaptability to Change Throughout the past year, change has become more rapid and continual and adaptability has never been more important. Hear from leaders on how they overcame challenges, addressed accelerating change, and continue to equip themselves to navigate and lead to a better future for all.  Moderator: Johnathan Lee Iverson Panelists: Tracy Lanza, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, Brand USA, Hal McEvoy, ICAE, President & CEO, IAAPA, Amanda Thompson OBE, ICAE, Chairman of the Board, IAAPA, Managing Director, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
11 - 11:20 a.m.	IAAPA Oral History Interview: Richard Sherman, Songwriter with Disney and IAAPA Hall of Fame Member
11:20 - 11:30 a.m.	Thoughts from Dippin' Dots
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.	Case Study | Food and Beverage Response at Typhoon Texas Join us as we talk to the Typhoon Texas leadership team about the adaptations and learnings their food and beverage teams encountered as they battled the disruptions caused by COVID-19. We’ll take a dive into the physical, informational, cognitive, and social changes they dealt with, and discuss how they plan to continue to meet these challenges and exit the pandemic even stronger. Moderator: Bernie Campbell, ICAE, Whirley-Drinkworks! Panelists: Evan Barnett, President, Typhoon Texas, Walter Teem, Director of Revenue, Typhoon Texas, Houston, Cade Vereen, Director of Revenue, Typhoon Texas, Austin
12:15 - 12:35 p.m.	Ideas that Elevate: Workcation Fixation with Great Wolf Lodge Speakers: Jason Lasecki, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., Susie Storey, ICAE, Global Communications Director, IAAPA
12:35 - 1 p.m.	Fireside Chat | Event Host Johnathan Lee Iverson, Ringmaster, Omnium Circus and Keynote Speaker Leon Logothetis, TV Host, Author, Philanthropist, Global Traveler

Speakers

Additional Speakers: 

Bernie Campbell, ICAE, Whirley-Drinkworks!
Linda Freeman, Entertainment Industry Specialist at Rockwell Automation 
Jason Freeman, Corporate Vice President of Security, Safety, Health & Environmental at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

IAAPA Certification