There is a lot of excitement at IAAPA, and without a plan the entire experience can quickly become overwhelming. Sensory overload is always a real possibility! Having participated in these events for number of years, we have some solid advice.
Learn from industry leaders
This year’s event will include more than 90 seminars for attraction owners and operators to gain valuable insights as they work to constantly improve their own operations.
Some of the topics that we find exciting include:
Secrets of Sparkle: Applying Theme Park Magic to Attractions at Any Level
Driving Revenue and Attendance with Themed Events
Creating an Environment of Operational Excellence
2019 Emerging Trends in Immersive Design — New Voices and Perspectives
Building Buzz: The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
The mere volume of opportunities means that there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out the complete list as you plan your trip.
Have fun in Orlando
Orlando has plenty of opportunities to have fun. Known as the No. 1 travel destination in the United States, Orlando is home to an array of theme parks from Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Orlando Resort to SeaWorld® Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
In addition to the thrill seeking adventures available at the region’s many award winning theme parks, Orlando also offers the traditional amusement park at Fun Spot America, as well as opportunities to explore the wonders and marvels at Madame Tussauds Orlando or SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
Catch up on industry news.
As the annual event for all things occurring around attractions, IAAPA often features a number of industry announcements. Just listen for the buzz and it won’t take long to realize exactly what’s happening – and why it’s important to you.
Enjoy some amazing food
Orlando area is blessed with a wonderful mix of places to eat. This includes opportunities to get a meal from a celebrity chef. For instance, Masaharu Morimoto’s Morimoto Asia, Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, Tony Mantuano’s Terralina Crafted Italian, Guy Fieri at Planet Hollywood and Chicken Guy!, Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. More are on the way, including José Andrés’ Jaleo, while Master Sommelier George Miliotes holds court at Wine Bar George.
Orlando has a nice mix of homegrown culinary geniuses who are ready to dazzle you with their skills and knowledge. For starters, Orlando is home to a semifinalist in the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chefs of the South” category: Brandon McGlamery of Winter Park’s Luma on Park and Prato, as well as Maitland’s Luke’s Kitchen and Bar. Fellow James Beard Award nominees James and Julie Petrakis are the masterminds behind Winter Park’s The Ravenous Pig and Disney Springs’ The Polite Pig.
Embrace Some Inspirations
Whether it’s on the show floor, in one of the educational sessions or while venturing throughout Orlando, inspirations are all around you. If you pay close attention to how people are interacting and reacting to the attractions and experiences, it may provide you with some valuable insights into what would work at your venue.
Again, shows like IAAPA are a lot to take in. If you are mindful about what you need, you may just find the one inspiration you are seeking.
Meet the Giants
This is the theme park capital of the world. And it is also the industry’s biggest annual event.
Where else can you go to one place and potentially meet the leaders in your field? From theme park operators to exhibit designers and builders, this is always on the top of the must attend list. It is such an amazing opportunity to engage. Embrace the opportunity to network and learn from one another.
Check out some awesome booths
This is one show where all of the key players have a solid presence. A visit to the show floor can provide you with an opportunity to learn about new technologies spotlighting exciting applications and hopefully sparking exciting new ideas for your attraction.
At the Electrosonic booth, you can meet with our team members, see some of our creative uses of technology and learn firsthand about some of the exciting projects we completed since the last IAAPA.
