IAAPA TO LAUNCH FIRST-EVER IAAPA VIRTUAL EXPO: ASIA

BY GABRIELLE

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is to host the first-ever IAAPA virtual expo. The Virtual Expo: Asia event will take place live daily from July 28 until 30, enabling attendees to connect, network, and buy from virtual locations.

The immersive, three-day experience will feature innovative and unchartered ways for professionals from the attractions industry to connect digitally. The event will include a virtual trade show floor, education sessions, networking areas and lounges, and on-demand content.

June Ko, executive director and vice president, IAAPA Asia Pacific Operations, shared her excitement about the forthcoming virtual expo. “We are excited to introduce our first IAAPA Virtual Expo to the Asia Pacific market to meet the needs of our members during this time.

“IAAPA Virtual Expo: Asia is a new, innovative way for IAAPA to provide a unique experience for global attractions industry professionals to learn, buy, and connect. And while this event is unlike any other IAAPA has hosted before, it will still deliver high-quality, engaging, and important content and opportunities that IAAPA is known for,” Ko added.

Registration for IAAPA Virtual Expo: Asia is now open. Registration is free for IAAPA members and includes full access to the virtual trade show floor and on-demand education conference. Exhibition space is now available to reserve. Interested parties can find out more on the IAAPA website.

IAAPA IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2020 AWARDS PROGRAMS

BY GABRIELLE


IAAPA is calling for nominations for a series of awards including the IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards, IAAPA Young Professional of the Year Award, and the IAAPA Service Awards.

These esteemed awards will be presented at the IAAPA Expo 2020 in Orlando, Florida, to celebrate the contributions professionals have made in the global attractions industry.

The IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards honours individuals for work that has made a lasting impact on the industry. The IAAPA Young Professional of the Year Award celebrates members under the age of 35 who have demonstrated real commitment to the attractions sector through teamwork, strong leadership, and integrity. The deadline to submit a nomination for both the IAAPA Hall of Fame and the Young Professional of the Year Awards is July 13, 2020.

The IAAPA Service Awards include the Lifetime Service Award, the Outstanding Service Award and the Meritorious Service Award, honour individuals for their outstanding contributions to IAAPA and the attractions industry worldwide. The deadline to apply for these awards is July 31, 2020.

Nominations for the awards can be submitted on the awards page of the IAAPA website.

IAAPA Expo 2020 in Orlando is scheduled to take place in November at the Orange County Convention Centre.

IAAPA PUSHES FOR AID FROM CONGRESS ON BEHALF OF ATTRACTIONS INDUSTRY

BY GABRIELLE

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is urging for aid to be given to the sector to ensure businesses are ready for recovery and the 700,000 plus employees in the US in the industry are considered in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, which has led to theme parks and attraction sites across the world close indefinitely.

The association has submitted critical policy requests to Congress, seeking critical changes are made to the CARES Act.

IAAPA president and CEO Hal McEvoy, said in a press statement: “The CARES Act is an important step in the right direction to help America successfully emerge from this global crisis. Now, work must be done quickly to ensure critical changes and additional support are earmarked to ensure attractions industry needs are met.

“Parks and attractions remain closed and thousands of employees are either unemployed or indefinitely furloughed. With the start of the traditional summer season growing closer, these businesses need support now to ensure they can reopen when the time is right and continue to support the economies in the communities in which they are located,” McEvoy added.

The IAAPA is urging Congress to take steps to support the attractions industry through the likes of small business administration loans, emergency stabilisation funds and increasing funding for the Paycheck Protection Program.

IAAPA OFFERS COVID-19 EDUCATIONAL SERIES ONLINE

BY GABRIELLE

IAAPA’s online learning management system is offering e-learning courses to provide information about COVID-19.

Topics include pandemic planning, crisis management, coronavirus preparedness, infection control, precautions and prevention, working from home and other key topics to help members get through the current crisis.

Subtitles are provided with the courses in multiple languages, including European Spanish, European Portugal, Thai, US English, Chinese, Canadian French, European French and German.

In a statement on its website, IAAPA notes the importance of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: “eLearning provides an efficient path to rapidly educate employees about preventing the spread of coronavirus, as well as how to work and manage tasks remotely.”

The duration of the courses range from 3 minutes to 30 minutes. All the courses are free and are available to IAAPA members until May 15.

IAAPA CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW HEADQUARTERS IN ORLANDO

BY GABRIELLE

IAAPA, the world’s largest association for the attractions industry, has officially opened its new 22,000 sq.ft. global headquarters in Orlando, Florida.

Located on seven acres, the custom-built headquarters has been designed to support IAAPA members across the globe. The site is home to meeting rooms, event space and workstations. An outdoor kitchen and spacious patio cater for al fresco dining and socialising, while overlooking the natural landscape.

The exterior of the building boasts a unique wave pattern, designed to reflect the dynamism of the attractions sector. Internally, the building features dramatic artistic elements, including a vibrant mural and ceilings positioned at varying heights.

David Rosenberg, 2019 chairman of the IAAPA Board of Directors and vice president of Monterey Bay Aquarium, commented on the new headquarters: “We are thrilled to begin this next chapter of IAAPA’s history with the completion of this beautiful new building,”

“Orlando is the heart of the attractions industry, and the perfect location for IAAPA. The headquarters will serve as the place for industry professionals to come together, to work, and to collaborate.  It is also perfectly positioned to support the association’s global operations,” Rosenberg continued.

Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA, said: “We are incredibly proud to officially call Orlando home and welcome members from all over the world.

“We look forward to engaging and collaborating with members when they are in town and continuing to serve the global attractions industry. This building is the result of three years of hard work and teamwork with our members and many community partners and organisations, who came together to create this amazing space,” McEvoy added.

Worldwide, IAAPA employs 73 people. Around 50 team members are based in Orlando, Florida.

S&S WORLDWIDE APPOINTS JOSH HAYS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

BY GABRIELLE

S&S Worldwide, specialists in the design of pneumatically powered amusement rides and rollercoasters, has appointed Josh Hays as executive director of sales and marketing.

The son of Larry Hays, who has sold amusement attractions for over 30 years, Josh Hays is more than familiar with the amusement and attractions industry.

Josh Hays joined the amusement attractions industry five years ago, as director of sales for Setpoint and JR Automation Setpoint and thereby brings a wealth of knowledge of sales operations and strategies to S&S.

Hays has a BA from the University of Utah and an MBA from Westminster College and has taken part in many prestigious industry events, including IAAPA, the TEA Summit and Thea Awards.

Tim Timco, S&S president and CEO commented on the new appointment.

“Very pleased to have Josh join our team and oversee our sales and marketing efforts, his skill set and prior accomplishments provide us with a great deal of confidence in taking our organisation to new heights,” said Timco.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR IAAPA FEC SUMMIT 2020 IN STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA

BY GABRIELLE

Registration is now open for the IAAAPA FEC Summit 2020 that’s taking place in Stone Mountain, Georgia on January 26 – 28, 2020.

Owners and operators within the family entertainment centre (FEC) from around the world, will gather in Georgia to learn about the latest trends, ideas and practices within the industry.

This annual event is organised and hosted by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry.

The three-day conference will feature education sessions on a number of issues affecting the sector and the opportunity for visitors to connect with professionals from the FEC in the event’s networking sessions.

Breakout sessions will cover a range of subjects, including attractions, games, marketing, food and beverage, risk management, birthday parties and more.

There will also be a unique behind-the-scenes educational event at Andretti’s Indoor Karting and Games.

Alan Miltz, financial analysis expert and co-author of “Scaling Up,” focused on teaching entrepreneurs how to simplify their business while concurrently increasing profits, will lead a workshop which highlights case studies from two FECs.

Industry experts will also be present at the “Launch into Arcade Panel: 2020 Vision for Arcade Operators,” where they will discuss what’s in store for the gaming industry.

A tour taking place after the event on January 29, will allow attendees to visit local FECs in a “dine-around” manner to learn from the owners and operators.

The post-tour will feature Urban Air’s newest 100,000 square foot facility, Malibu Norcross Grand-Prix, and Stars and Strikes.

Details on how to register for the IAAPA FEC Summit 2020 and more information about the event is available at www.IAAPA.org/FECSummit.