IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 Offers Robust Education Program
September 3, 2012
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012, which takes place Nov. 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., will offer more than 85 educational seminars, luncheons, roundtable discussions, behind-the-scenes tours, daylong institutes and half-day symposiums designed to keep attractions industry professionals up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in attractions management.
Owned by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the event attracts supervisors, managers, senior executives, and CEO’s, who will all benefit from participating in the comprehensive education program.
The programs will provide peer-to-peer learning and spur ideas for the future in operational areas, such as: communications and public relations, entertainment, facility operations, emergency preparedness, finance, information technology, food and beverage operations, games, human resources, sales and marketing, retail merchandising, and safety.
Topics include social media, integrated marketing, increasing revenue, training, guest engagement, industry trends, and more. Nineteen sessions also will be translated to Spanish.
“Respected industry leaders will deliver invaluable information about best practices, the latest trends, and the future of the attractions industry during the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 education conference,” said Doug Stagner, corporate senior director of operations at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and IAAPA education committee chair.
He added, “The conference offers practical takeaways that will appeal to all areas of attractions operations as well as management levels.”
Attendees can participate in targeted learning tracks that address specific interests related to certain IAAPA member constituencies, including family entertainment centers, museums and science centers, parks and attractions, water parks, and zoos and aquariums.
Daylong institutes offer in-depth professional development programs on select functions of attraction management and family entertainment center operations.
Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours offer exclusive, hands-on learning at area attractions, including Fun Spot USA, “Turtle Trek” at SeaWorld Orlando, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World, Legoland Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa, and the Gaylord Palms Resort.
In addition, there will be an accessibility tour of Give Kids The World Village, allowing participants to see how the village is equipped for guests with disabilities.
New this year, IAAPA will offer two half-day symposiums: Inflatables Symposium and Incident Management Symposium.
The Inflatables Symposium is designed for inflatable attractions operators and leaders will discuss such topics as risk management, indoor operations, and more. There also will be an operators roundtable.
The Incident Management Symposium allows participants to experience decision making in a dynamic setting and learn best practices on incident management, command structures, critical response teams, and maintaining essential business operations.
The event will lead participants through a variety of scenarios and, by working in small groups, participants will explore key elements and factors to consider in each scenario.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment