IAAPA PREVIEW
Every
experience
matters
PLAY METER
If you’re reading this and you haven’t
experienced the amusement monster that is
the International Association of Amusement
Parks and Attractions Expo, then you’re
missing the one experience that may matter
the most; and it’s being held Nov. 14-18 at
the Orange County Convention Center in
Orlando, Fla.
This year’s “Every Experience Matters”
theme is meant to guide the expected
30,000 attendees with meaningful educa-
tional opportunities, exposure to more than
1,000 exhibiting companies, and a myriad of
occasions to mingle with other professionals
during networking events.
LEARN AND EARN
This year’s theme highlights an edu-
cational program geared toward learning
from experiences, even ones that seem like
failures, that relate to safety,
operations, retail, food and
beverage, entertainment,
social media, public rela-
tions, marketing, and more
for industry professionals
of amusement parks, theme
parks, attractions, water
parks, family entertainment
centers (FECs), and much
more.
The 2016 IAAPA Expo
Education Program includes
the Educational Semi-
nars and the In-depth Learn-
ing Experiences programs.
The Educational Seminar
program contains more
than 100 educational semi-
nars, sessions, and roundta-
bles constructed for amusement park, FEC,
water park, museums, zoo, aquariums and
theme park professionals.
Seminars centered on FECs include the
Fun Spot America FEC Edutour, the Town
Hall Birthday Party Forum, Fraud in the FEC,
Arcade 101 and 201, Identifying the Hidden
Risks in Your FEC, and many more. The pro-
gram also tackles topics relevant to all in the
attractions industry with seminars centered
on human resources and the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
The In-depth Learning Experiences
program includes a professional develop-
ment program called the IAAPA Institute
for Attractions Managers (IAM), Learning
24
Lunches, and one-on-one consulting sessions.
Through the popular EDUTour series, the
In-depth Learning Experiences program will
also take participants behind the scenes of
area attractions like Walt Disney World and
the Kennedy Space Center.
Back for its third year is the IAAPA Certifi-
cation Program. Participants in the education
sessions will earn credit hours for the IAAPA
Certification Program. All of the education
programs available at this year’s expo are eli-
gible for credit toward IAAPA Certification.
EXHIBITS
The 550,000 square-foot trade show floor
will feature exhibitors’ products in 125 dif-
ferent categories, such as coin-op and arcade
games, computer systems and software,
design and theming, entertainment, food and
beverage, midway games, novelties and sou-
venirs, rides, ticketing and admission, water
features, and much more.
The Food and Beverage Showcase is a
dedicated area where buyers can sample the
newest trends in the food and beverage sector
including new products, service technology,
preparation and concession equipment, green
and eco-friendly products, franchise oppor-
tunities, and more. Other dedicated areas
include the High Tech and Themimg Pavilion
and the First-Time Exhibitor Pavilion, where
more than 140 first-time exhibitors will show-
case their latest products and services.
NETWORKING AND
SPECIAL EVENTS
Special events include the 14th Annual
IAAPA International Golf Tournament, the
7th Annual IAAPA Motorcycle ride, and the
IAAPA 5K Fun Run & Walk, the IAAPA
Rookies & Newcomers: FEC 101 presenta-
tion, keynote lunches, industry-specific recep-
tions and trade show floor tours, the GM and
Owners’ Breakfast, the IAAPA Brass Ring
Awards, and many more.
Note: Expo registration is required for all
events. The educational seminars are free to
IAAPA members. Nonmembers may attend
the educational seminars by purchasing the
Education Conference Program package. The
In-depth Learning Experiences are individual-
ly priced and require a ticket for participation.
Tickets are limited and some events sell out
quickly. Attendees are encouraged to pur-
chase tickets in advance. For more informa-
tion, visit (www.iaapa.org). s
OCTOBER 2016