Education

E - LEARN

 

E-Learn Quick Links:

Upcoming Webinars

Webinars are open exclusively to current IAAPA members.
These sessions are offered for free as a benefit of your membership.

 

Preparing for Emergencies the Right Way

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 1 p.m. EST
Are you prepared to manage an emergency at your facility? Understand simplified, step-by-step procedures that will reduce losses, protect people and property, and help you get back to normal operations as quickly as possible. Learn practical tactics that have helped other facilities minimize the extent of certain emergencies and improve response times and techniques.

Supplemental materials will be available for download in conjunction with this program.

IAAPA webinars are free and available exclusively to IAAPA members. Advance registration is required.
Speaker: Stevan Layne, CPP, CIPM, CIPI; President, Layne Consultants International

 

ADA for the Attractions Industry

Monday, March 5, 1 p.m. EST
The 2010 Standard for Accessible Design is required for new construction or major modification of attractions facilities after March 15, 2012. Webinar participants will learn about the 2010 Standard, when and how to apply it, and steps that can be taken immediately to improve accessibility in an attractions facility. IAAPA webinars are free and available exclusively to IAAPA members. Advance registration is required.
Speakers: Bob Minnick, PE , Worldwide Facility Safety and Accessibility, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Stephanie See, Safety and Advocacy Director, IAAPA

 

ABNT Safety Norms presented in Portuguese

"Normas técnicas para Parques no Brasil - Elaboração e Implantação"
Speaker: Eng. Francisco Donatiello Neto - Presidente da Adibra, Eng. Alexandre Moraes - Diretor Técnico da Adibra
Tuesday, March 6, 1 p.m. EST

  • Save the Date - more details coming soon!

 

IAAPA Attractions Expo: Exhibitor Space Allocation Webinar

Wednesday, March 7, 10 a.m. EST
Current and prospective IAAPA Attractions Expo exhibitors are invited to attend this fast-paced presentation that will explain the Space Allocation process, rules, and tips from IAAPA staff and the IAAPA Manufacturer & Supplier (M&S) committee members. We’ll also share how to participate the day of the event, and what information you need to provide IAAPA in advance to receive your preferred booth. No matter if you're a new exhibitor or a 30-year veteran, we encourage you to take 30 minutes to ensure your investment in IAAPA meets its full potential. IAAPA webinars are free and this unique webinar is available to IAAPA members and prospective exhibitors.
Presented by: IAAPA staff and IAAPA Manufacturer & Supplier (M&S) committee members

 

 

Watch your email, IAAPA news, and this website for the announcements. For more information about IAAPA webinars, please contact Linda Gerson.

Partnership Plus: These Webinars are offered exclusively for IAAPA members as a FREE benefit.
Note: you must register seperately for each Webinar before attending.
IAAPA WEBINAR DISCLAIMER

 

 

Past Webinars

Visit the IAAPA Members-Only Archive for full recordings and other materials from past Webinars (Login required).

 

Planee el futuro organizacional de su empresa: Estrategias para elaborar su plan de sucesión

Cuando una persona clave en nuestra organización renuncia inesperadamente, o es promovida a otro puesto o se incapacita por periodos largos, lo primero que pensamos es, ¿quién va a ocupar su lugar? ¿Se han preguntado si están preparados para cubrir puestos clave en su organización?
En este seminario conocerá las estrategias para elaborar planes de sucesión para su empresa y para preparar mejor a su equipo para minimizar los retos que esto representa para la estructura y desempeño de su organización cuando queda vacante un puesto clave.
Seminario exclusivo y gratuito para los miembros de IAAPA. Para participar es necesario que se registren previamente.
Presenta: Alma Rodriguez, Directora de Administración y Recursos Humanos, Six Flags México

Planning the Organizational Future for Your Business: Strategies for Succession Planning (Presented in Spanish)
When a key employee resigns unexpectedly, is promoted to another position, or leaves for long periods, we suddenly face the question, "Who can work in his/her place?" Are you ready to cover key positions within your organization with minimal notice? Learn strategies to develop a succession plan for your business and better prepare your team to minimize the challenges posed to an organization’s structure and performance when key staff positions become vacant.
IAAPA webinarsare free and available exclusively to IAAPA members. Advance registration is required.
Speaker: Alma Rodriguez, Administration and Human Resources Director, Six Flags Mexico

  • Slides and the recording will be posted here soon.

 

Implementing a Quality Food Safety Program

Review the relevance and adequacy of your existing food safety programs, or gain a better understanding of the importance of having a food safety program. Identify and understand the levels of risk in your existing food service programs; identify and audit the application of basic critical practices in existing food service practices; and audit and review key training methods and relationships.
This webinar is not intended to be the sole provider of content for a food safety program, but rather it will stress the importance of developing and maintaining a program designed to keep our industry guests safe from food-borne illness.
Speakers:
Terry Riddle, Food Director, Silver Dollar City/ Herschend Family Entertainment Group
Jonathan Vigue, Assistant General Manager, Lake Compounce

 

How to Successfully Integrate Intellectual Property (IP) into an Attraction

The recently opened Nickelodeon Land at the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando are two great examples of attractions using a well-known brand to enhance their own. During an IAAPA Europe webinar on intellectual property (IP), speaker Michael Collins from Leisure Development Partners explores the question of using intellectual property and what facilities can expect in terms of attendance, pricing, and profitability should they choose to use IP.
Through a benchmark-driven comparison of parks with and without IP, Collins, a specialist in the economics of visitor attractions, provides an analytical view on the benefits of bringing branded content into theme parks.
Wouter Dekkers, general manager of Movie Park Germany, shares his experience using IP in the park and launching Europe’s first Nickelodeon Land in 2007.

Redemption 101

Redemption counters remain a staple of the family entertainment center (FEC) industry. Brush up on the basics you may not have considered recently, or take away some best practices and ideas that might be new for you. This session will cover essentials that every redemption manager should utilize to keep their redemption centers running smoothly and their bottom lines looking good. This webinar is free and open exclusively to IAAPA members, but pre-registration is required.
Speaker: Michael Getlan, Director of Enthusiasm and Opportunity, Amusement Consultants Ltd., New Roc Entertainment, and Smiles Amusement Co. L.L.C.

 

Project Management for Innovation

Managers in the attractions industry often juggle multiple projects as they seek to continuously innovate the customer experience. Project management requires anunderstanding of process, people, and politics. This webinar offers a framework for managing innovation projects from idea generation to implementation. After an overview of the process, presenters discuss two project management tools in detail. Innovation Role Call is a tool focused on the people aspect of idea generation, and Project Pitch Planner is a tool emphasizing the politics of idea implementation. Webinar participants can download the worksheetsthat accompany these two tools prior to the scheduled webinar date and apply the tools to their own project planning during the live webinar presentation.
Speakers:
Mark Testa, Ph.D. Professor -Management and Service Leadership, San Diego State University
Lori Sipe Professor, L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
San Diego State University

Creative and Reliable Ways to Reduce Expenses at Your Family Entertainment Center (FEC)

Cutting costs and improving the bottom line are high priorities for any business, but they pose many unique challenges for a Family Entertainment Center (FEC). Learn from your colleagues what has worked at their FECs and what decisions have led to the biggest savings without compromising quality or safety in their go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, F&B operations, and other areas. From reminders on how to maximize potential from best practices to creative new ideas for cutting expenses, this session will offer attendees tactics they can put to use at any facility.
Speakers:
Gregg Borman, Sr. VP, FEC Division, Palace Entertainment
Bob Amoruso, Director of Operations, Long Island Adventureland
Kevin Fife, Director of Mechanical Services, Palace Entertainment

 

Crisis Communication and Incident Management

Pelle Johannisson of Liseberg Park in Sweden presents a case study on the 2008 ride incident in the park. Johannisson explores how the incident developed, how Liseberg responded to it, how it managed media and other inquires about the incident, and what lessons the park and other operators can learn from this event.
Speaker: Pelle Johannisson,Executive VP, Liseberg

 

IAAPA Attractions Expo Exhibitor Webinar:
Tips for New Exhibitors & New Tricks for Old Pros


Join IAAPA staff and long-time exhibitors for tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your exhibitor experience at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011. Some of the information is specific to IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011, and some information can be applied to exhibiting at any trade show. This session also includes a fast-paced review of the key things every exhibitor needs to know to insure a successful show.

Speakers (listed alphabetically):
Tara Casey, Director of Marketing, Lo-Q plc
Deborah Eicher, President, COO of North America, Picsolve Inc. USA
Stacey Mills, Director, Conference & Trade Show Operations, IAAPA

 

 

Nuevos retos en el manejo de crisis en medios de comunicación (The New Challenges of Crisis Management - Presented in Spanish)

¿Su parque o instalación está preparada hoy día para enfrentar una crisis mediática surgida por algún incidente?, ¿tiene un plan que le diga cómo reaccionar para minimizar un impacto negativo en medios de comunicación?
La comunicación continúa en evolución y su plan de manejo de crisis debería estar actualizado considerando a los medios tradicionales y nuevos medios como las redes sociales que pueden impactar en tiempo real a su negocio. Verifique si está al día y aprenda nuevas herramientas que pudieran ayudarle a preservar una buena imagen y reputación aún durante una crisis.
Presentado por: Roberto Baez, Gerente de Relaciones Públicas, Six Flags México

Is your park or facility prepared to manage a crisis? Do you have a plan to follow? Do your key employees know how to react to minimize the negative impact internally and in the media?
Your crisis plan should incorporate both traditional media and new formats, including social networks and texting, as widespread use of these platforms can affect your business in real time. See examples of what your facility’s crisis management plan should include, and learn new tools that could help you preserve a good image during a crisis.

Speaker: Roberto Baez, Gerente de Relaciones Públicas, Six Flags México

 

New ADA Requirements for Waterparks

Many venues have a variety of water-related activities that require reasonable accommodation. This session will review the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for waterparks, including areas that are exempt from the standard, along with areas where the policy has recently changed.The application of the new recreation rules can be challenging due to the turbulent water of wave pools and other water features. Presenters will review overall facility requirements, discuss the new recreation rules, and outline guest service policies and procedures that will help members make their parks accessible. Speakers will also discuss some of the specific challenges waterparks face in barrier removal. This webinar is free and open exclusively to IAAPA members, but pre-registration is required.
Speakers:
Franceen Gonzales, Vice President of Risk Management, Great Wolf Resorts Inc.
Bob Minnick, Worldwide Facility Safety and Accessibility, Walt Disney World Resorts

 

Advertising on Facebook: How to do It and Why It’s Worth Considering

Advertising on Facebook has become one the year’s hottest trends, particularly for family entertainment centers (FECs) and small businesses. Learn from an industry veteran who specializes in online marketing about the factors your company should consider when determining what Facebook and other social media marketing strategies are right for you. This webinar covers some of the basic steps of how to advertise on Facebook, and offers some perspectives that might help your company determine the best way to generate sales from online marketing. This webinar is free and to IAAPA members but pre-registration is required.
Speaker: Scott Brown, Director of Business Development, wddonline

 

Suddenly Supervisors Part 2- The Art of Diplomacy

This webinar will address conflict resolution and provide positive tactics and techniques that can help new managers and supervisors successfully lead in challenging situations. Particularly when conflicts arise among young personnel and frontline workers, it takes strong yet prudent leadership to manage an issue while keeping a team focused and performing professionally. This program is designed to help prepare new supervisors to handle various scenarios and forms of conflict they may encounter.

Speakers: Shaun McKeogh, IAAPA HR Committee Member, and Training and Development Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Sarai Henning, IAAPA Senior Ambassador, and Colleague Services Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

 

Edutainment: Melhorando a experiência dos visitantes unindo educação e diversão

Descrição: O palestrante Valther Maestro falará sobre como os Parques podem educar seus visitantes enquanto se divertem, e também irá falar sobre como se comunicar com estudantes e os jovens adultos do mundo atual.
Palestrante: Valther Maestro, coordenador do projeto Play Escola do Playcenter, Caminho das Águas do Wet n Wild, e do Projeto Natureza do Beto Carrero World.

Translation:
Edutainment: Improving the Guest Experience by making Education Entertaining (presented in Portuguese)
Description: Speaker Valter Maestro will discuss how parks can educate their guests while showing them a great time, as well as how to communicate with tech-savvy students and young adults.
Speaker: Valter Maestro, project coordinator for Play Escola, Playcenter, Caminho das Aguas at Wet `n Wild, and Projeto Natureza at Beto Carrero World.

 

Crisis Management – A Legal Perspective

This seminar addresses the legal aspects of crisis management, including crisis communication, preservation of evidence, dealing with local, state and federal authorities, handling staff issues, adverse publicity, experts and preparing for potential litigation. The session is presented by experts who are active members and supporters of both IAAPAand IALDA (International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association); and by a Public Relations specialist.

Speakers: John W. Grund, IALDA Attorney and Managing Shareholder of Grund • Dagner, P.C; Bryan T. Pope, IALDA Attorney and Managing Shareholder of The Pope Firm; Lary I Zucker, Esq. IALDA member and Counsel to the New Jersey Amusement Association, and Chair, Amusement Sports and Entertainment practice group, Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman and Goggin; and Blair Ciecko, Director of Public Relations, Celtic Marketing, Inc.

 

Promotional Events that Work for FECs

What are the fundamental differences between a great, successful promotional event and disheartening flop? While no one has a crystal ball or can guarantee success, there are a number of lessons and common themes that family entertainment center operators can observe to increase their chances of a stellar event. Hear from experienced industry leaders about how they have created successful events and what processes and decisions they believe contributed to each program’s success.

Speakers: Robert J. Araiza, Director of Marketing and Sales, Mulligan Family Fun Centers, and Janet Wilson-Irving, Sales Director, Boomers Irvine

Retención de personal en instalaciones de entretenimiento

Hoy en día, un sin número de factores disminuyen la permanencia de los empleados en organizaciones que se dedican al entretenimiento y no es raro escuchar que empresas como las nuestras sufren de alta rotación de personal. Aprenda con este seminario recomendaciones y consejos para enfrentar este gran reto y para mantener a sus empleados motivados.
Expositor: Alma Rodriguez, Directora de Administración y Recursos Humanos, Six Flags México

Employee retention at attractions facilities (Presented in Spanish)

This webinar features an industry leader who will share her experiences with employee turnover and strategies to combat it. Take away tips, advice, and insights to keep your employees happy and motivated at your facility.
Speaker: Alma Rodriguez, Administration and Human Resources Director, Six Flags Mexico

 

The Waterpark Food & Beverage Review

Waterparks face unique challenges and opportunities in providing their guests with great F&B options. Is your facility successfully tapping this key revenue source while providing a great experience for your guests? Learn how your peers have maximized their beverage sales, addressed healthy food options, explored cashless payment systems, and boosted cabana sales and rentals. A panel of veteran F&B experts will share their perspectives on things that every successful waterpark could be doing to keep their swimsuit-clad guests smiling from their beach chairs and rental cabanas to the vending machines and restaurants.

Speakers: Bernie Campbell, Whirley DrinkWorks; Jason Martin, Director of Food & Beverage, Holiday World; Sophia Zulli, Concessions Manager, Hersheypark; Moderated by Ken Whiting, Whiting’s Foods/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

 

Staying Ahead of the Ever-Changing Social Media Scene in 2011

If you are currently using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Flickr, you are already invested in social media. But what is next? How will social media change in 2011, and what should you do about it? This free member webinar talks about three important emerging trends: location-based social media, such as Foursquare and Google Places; the impact of mobile devices on how people read, post, and interact with social media; and how to use local couponing services such as Groupon and Living Social.
Speaker: Katie R. Bruno, PhD, Director, wddonline

 

Preparando seus novos colaboradores para a alta temporada – Como integrá-los, treiná-los e motivá-los (Motivation Techniques: How to host new employees and motivate, integrate, and train them before the high season)

Aprenda como preparar sua equipe de colaboradores para a alta temporada. Nesta sessão você tem dicas e informações sobre como treinar e adaptar os novos funcionários ao novo ambiente de trabalho, com técnicas simples e de baixo custo, você fará com que sua equipe realize um ótimo trabalho e encante seus visitantes.
(Learn how to prepare and adapt your new employees for the high season. With very simple and low cost techniques you can create a great team of workers who will make your visitors want to come back.)

Presented by: Herbert Klassa M. Sant'ana, Human Resources Manager and Consultant, Grupo Playcenter e Playland
This program is presented entirely in Portuguese.

 

Networking with the Best: Skills for Building Valuable Relationships

Networking is a key skill for any successful professional, and with the world’s largest gathering of our industry’s professionals just a couple weeks away, now is the perfect time to sharpen your skills. Learn techniques for approaching absolute strangers and turning them into acquaintances. Learn how to build those connections into meaningful contacts, friends, and valuable business relationships. This session will discuss specific skills and techniques that can be learned and practiced, and can make you more confident and successful at networking. Be prepared for the critical networking events at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010, and make this year your most productive ever!
Presented by: Steve Lowell, Professional Speaker/Trainer

New ADA Accessibility Standards for the Attractions Industry

Do you have questions about the 2010 Accessibility Standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act?  Curious about how and when they are effective?  Do you need a refresher on the accessibility standards for amusement rides, miniature golf courses, swimming pools, or aquatic recreation facilities?
Accessibility specialists from the U.S. Access Board present the new ADA Accessibility Standards standards that specifically affect the attractions industry and respond to attendee questions.

Speaker: Peggy H Greenwell, Training Coordinator/Accessibility Specialist, U.S. Access Board

For more information on the Americans with Disabilities act, please visit our website: www.IAAPA.org/government/ada/

 

Business Operations : Essentials for FECs and New Small Businesses

Whether participants are starting a new FEC, looking to improve operations at an existing one, or looking to hone their business skills as a young professional, this presentation offers reporting tactics that help monitor trends and back up business decisions.
**Discussions will focus on data you should be tracking daily versus weekly, monthly, or annually.
**Learn what basic reports are necessary for any organization, and how to identify warning signs when fluctuations occur.
**Discuss what systems and procedures may help boost revenue and control losses
The session is perfect for newcomers looking to complement the guest experience with organized administrative structure and the usefulness of reports and data.

Presented by: Leslie Hutcheson, a 20-plus year industry veteran and FEC executive

Skills for Success in Any Workplace: Time Management

Join speaker O. Lee Mincey for a fast-paced session on time management. Mincey reviews simple skills and techniques for participants to quickly implement to accomplish work more efficiently. The tools and tactics presented in this program are a great way to become an even greater asset to the company and increase productivity without increasing stress levels or work hours. All are welcome—from seasoned professionals looking for a business skills refresher to young professionals seeking preparation skills for that dream job. The session offers key take-aways to better manage precious time.
Presented by: O. Lee Mincey, President, 4 KeysConsulting

 

¡La Seguridad es Primero! Introducción a la ASTM Internacional

Desarrollar y alcanzar normas y estándares internacionales basados en las mejores prácticas sirve para garantizar la seguridad y un record positivo de la industria. Francisco Duncan, experto en seguridad presenta este seminario para ayudar a los profesionales de los parques de diversiones y atracciones a entender la importancia de la ASTM para cualquier tipo de instalación de entretenimiento. 
Expositor: Ing. Francisco Duncan, Consultor de seguridad, mantenimiento y operaciones de Duncan Consultores

Translation:
Safety is First!An Introduction to ASTM International (Presented in Spanish)

Developing and achieving international norms and standards based on best industry practices helps ensure safety and a positive industry record. Safety expert Francisco Duncan presents this Webinar to help amusement park and attractions professionals understand the important role ASTM offers for any type of entertainment facility.
Speaker: Ing. Francisco Duncan, Safety, maintenance and operations Consultant, Duncan Consultores

 

Motivating without Money: Budget-Friendly Ideas for FECs & Supervisors

Whether the objective is to retain good employees, boost morale, or show worker appreciation, every manager faces the challenge of motivating their employees without breaking the budget. For many facilities and supervisors, offering cash bonuses and raises simply are not an option. Ken Whiting, president of Whiting’s Foods/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, explores inexpensive—and even free—ways to successfully encourage all employees.
Presented by: Ken Whiting, President, Whiting’s Foods/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

 

Maximizing Your Membership ROI: A Benefits Review for Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Consultants

IAAPA offers more than just tradeshow opportunities for our manufacturer, supplier, and consultant members. This Webinar outlines IAAPA membership benefits and resources that are designed to help your business.

Presented by IAAPA staff members.

 

Get Started NOW! Building a Timeline for Your Halloween & Fall Festivities - with a focus on Haunted Houses

Operators know from experience that without careful planning, the haunt season sneaks up quickly and reaps truly scary results. Regardless of busy gates during the summer season, it is the time to commit to an event and plan ahead so your event is successful and safe.
This webinars provide a road map for haunted houses and similar events so you can make key decisions regarding planning activities, marketing and promotions, and securing vendors. Participants gain a clear idea of what a well-planned event timeline looks like. Small and low-budget operators receive special attention on planning new or revamped Haunted or Fall events.

Speakers:
Bill Criscione, Owner, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center (GMTC)
Timothy Gavinski, Owner, Nightmares4Uinc

 

Health Care Reform and the Attractions Industry

Sweeping health care reform legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Obama in March 2010. The complicated legislation has many "holes" that need to be filled in during the regulatory process that makes it difficult to navigate, especially for small and seasonal businesses. During this webinar, IAAPA members learn about the provisions of the new law that uniquely affect the attractions industry, where further guidance is needed, and about IAAPA's ongoing legislative and regulatory efforts. Specific topics include: employer responsibilities and penalties, "grandfathered" plans and things to consider before making changes to your current health plan, food labeling provisions, and a timeline for implementation.
Speaker:
George G. Olsen, Esq.
, President , Williams & Jensen, PLLC

 

 

Suddenly Supervisors - Preparing New Managers to Lead Their Peers

Do you recall the first time you were promoted to a position where you
were responsible for supervising your peers? In many companies, young
adults who perform well are quickly promoted to positions which require
them to manage and direct people whom they had previously worked
alongside. Particularly for students, this can be a challenging and even
uncomfortable position.

Industry experts from our HR Committee share their training tips
and guidance to help your rising stars continue to succeed, as they face
the challenges of suddenly being tasked with supervising their friends.

Speakers:
Matt Heller, IAAPA HR Committee Chair, and Senior Trainer, Universal
Orlando Resort
Matt Eckert, General Manager - Shared Services, Holiday World &
Splashin' Safari
Shaun McKeogh, Training and Development Manager, FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

 

 

Going Mobile: Creating Your First Application

Individual developers, small businesses, and big brands are creating new experiences for mobile devices everyday—the success of Apple’s iPhone application store is one amazing example. Over two billion iPhone applications (or “apps”) have been downloaded. Over 100,000 apps are available. Should you create an application? Where do you start? What are the costs? What devices should you consider? This webinar answers these questions with a broad overview of the process involved in conceptualizing, developing and distributing a mobile application.
Speaker:
Damien Lasater, Design Manager, San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park

 

Group Sales Essentials: From Quick Fix to Perfectly Planned

Experts provide attendees with two important tools: a crash course in the essentials of a successful Group Sales Plan, and easily applicable, creative ideas which will boost current numbers. Debbi Stuart, corporate director of sales at Six Flags, and group sales consultant Randy Thomas provide attendees with a roadmap for long term success in growing group sales. Participants also learn classic best practices for planning a group sales cycle. Speakers also address how to adapt those traditional strategies for the current economic climate of 2010, and associated booking trends. All of that information is designed to help IAAPA's members build or improve strategies to meet or exceed your budget for the years ahead.
Finally, parks needing a “quick fix” hear creative ideas to boost current group sales figures. Nancy DiGiammarco of Silverwood Theme Park - Boulder Beach Water Park, shares some of the innovative ideas which helped her facility supplement their existing marketing efforts and increase group sales.
Speakers:
Debbi Stuart, Corporate Director of Sales, Six Flags
Randy Thomas, Principal, Randy Thomas & Associates
Nancy DiGiammarco, Sales/Marketing/PR Director, Silverwood Theme Park - Boulder Beach Water Park

 

 

Extreme Birthday Party Makeover: The Party Examples Continue!

Learn how a few small changes in your party business can mean mega-dollars for your bottom line. Just one month after receiving a “Party Mini-Makeover” from Webinar presenter Sheryl Bindelglass, one IAAPA member had already seen a dramatic increase in revenue per party!
Learn what changes generated more revenue and how to apply those concepts to parties. Bindelglass reviews several participants’ party materials live during the session and suggests ideas to boost revenue. Garner new ideas for generating even more revenue from your birthday party business!
Speaker:
Sheryl Bindelglass, President, SherylGolf

 

Blogging & Facebook & Twitter, Oh My!

Social media is turning traditional communications and public relations upside down. Ready to catch-on and catch up? Remember, you're not just communicating with potential guests; there are iReporters, Mommy Bloggers, and traditional news reporters watching and reading, too. This team of professional park communicators walks participants through blogging, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and Twitter, with tips to take home and use at any facility, whether it's privately or publicly owned.
Speakers:

Jeffrey Siebert Director of Communications and Sales, Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts
Paula Werne Director of Public Relations, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

 

 

Internet Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Customers

Gone are the days when traditional advertising strategies and word-of-mouth marketing would fill amusement parks and attractions. Today’s customers are tech-savvy, with 70 to 80 percent of them turning to the Internet to make purchase decisions and weigh entertainment options.
Learn how to engage audiences online and leverage your web site to attract and retain customers. Sharon Swendner, president of .Com Marketing, discusses methods for evaluating your customer’s Internet usage patterns and how to drive traffic to your site through techniques like search engine optimization (SEO) and e-mail marketing. She also reviews the fundamentals of effective web site design, as well as how to engage new audiences with social networking tools like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
See firsthand how .Com Marketing put these powerful tools to work at Morey's Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey. Norris Clark, Director of Sales and Marketing at Morey’s Piers discusses how a strategic Internet marketing campaign resulted in a 24 percent increase in web site traffic year-over-year, with a 30 percent increase during their peak season.
Speakers:
Sharon Swendner, President of .Com Marketing
Norris Clark, Director of Sales and Marketing, Morey’s Piers

 

 

Growing Your Food and Beverage Sales... Not Your Prices

How to increase your foodservice volume... and bottom line

As you seek to grow productivity and profits, this program takes a fresh look at business objectives including:
What you sell… your menu
How you sell… value and incentives
Where you sell… location improvements
Who you sell to… customer expectations and competing with marketplace
This webinar will shares tips and ideas that can be applied to any budget and any facility which offers food or beverages. Some examples draw directly from the 2009 Food and Beverage Case study conducted at Mulligan’s Family Fun Center and easily apply to any FEC or larger facility. Whether you are looking to continue generating profits or are planning ahead to boost F&B revenue for next season, this webinar offers ideas for every operator.
Speaker:
Ken Whiting, President, Whitings Foods

 

The ABC’s of Exhibiting: Tips for New Exhibitors and New Tricks for Old Pros

Join IAAPA Staff and long-time exhibitors for tips and tricks to get the most out of your exhibitor experience at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009. Some of the information will be specific to the Las Vegas venue for 2009, and some of the information can be applied to exhibiting at any expo. Listen to this fast-paced review of the key things you need to know.

 

 

Interactive Discussion at the Heart of the Season

Is your season what you anticipated during last year’s planning months—or is it shaping up better than you’d expected? Have your biggest promotions or hottest sellers surprised you this year? And are you curious if other IAAPA members are experiencing the same things?
This is an interactive session designed to break away from our previous webinars and give you a chance to weigh in and compare notes with your peers! The discussion will be moderated by Ted Molter, Director of Marketing at the San Diego Zoo, and O. Lee Mincey, Director of Administration at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Specific topic areas may include overall impressions of the season; best selling souvenirs; most popular attractions, events, and games; how to prepare for the off-season; and planning for Halloween events.
Important Notice: This Webinar event is open to all IAAPA members. Participants who chose to share information during this session are advised to treat this as a public forum. Please review the official IAAPA webinar disclaimer prior to participating.

  • There are no Archived materials from this program

 

 

Waterpark FLIP: Fundamental Lessons from Industry Pros

Speakers from three IAAPA member waterparks presented a fast-paced session designed to help facilities keep their revenue generation in high-gear throughout the season. Each speaker addresses a different aspect of waterpark operations or revenue generation. Topics include tips for executing maintenance during the season, staff issues such as dealing with burnout, and easily implemented profit-boosting ideas.
Speakers:
Jason Arthur, Director of Aquatics, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.
Bryan Nadeau, Director of Park Operations, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark
Scott Carothers, General Manager, Wild Island Family Adventure Park

 

 

The Monterey Bay Aquarium: A Case Study in Innovative Guest Experiences

Innovative guest experiences can increase customers’ delight as well as the perceived value of a visit. Learn about tactics the Monterey Bay Aquarium uses to keep their customers happy and attract interest in new programs, products, and events. As many parks are experiencing a strong start to this peak season, their guests are still wary of the economy, making it more important than ever for organizations to provide a unique and comprehensive menu of opportunities. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has an international reputation for exceeding guests' expectations. Learn first hand some of the strategies they use to provide superlative guest experiences from fee and non-fee based programs to un-matched shopping opportunities. This webinar has value for parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and attractions of all sizes.
Speakers:
David Rosenberg - Director - Guest Experience, Monterey Bay Aquarium;
Simone Mortan - Manager of Guide / Theatrical Guest Experience Programs, in-coming president of IMTAL, Monterey Bay Aquarium;
Andrew Fischer - General Manager of Merchandise, SSA (SSA national General Manager of the year), Monterey Bay Aquarium

 

Blue Ocean Strategy:The Pursuit of Being Different While Maintaining Low Cost

Dr. Roch Parayre is senior partner and an Innovation and Scenario Planning expert with Decisions Strategies International.  He is also on faculty at the Aresty Institute for Executive Education at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  He has consulted with several dozen Fortune 500 companies.  Dr. Parayre focuses on creativity and innovation as it relates to the future of our industry.  He shows us how the tools of Blue Ocean Strategy can be important tools as you plan for your organization’s future. 
Speaker:
Roch Parayre, Ph.D., Senior Partner, Decision Strategies International

 

The Latest on the FMLA and the ADA:

What Every Employeer Must Know to Comply

These are the first significant changes to the regulations since FMLA's "final" regulations were issued in 1995 and will affect every employer subject to the law. These changes became effective on January 16, 2009 and employers are expected to comply immediately.

This webinar provides an overview of the more significant changes to the regulations and steps towards compliance in managing FMLA leave and the law's required forms as of January 16, 2009.

For updated IAAPA resources on FMLA/ADA, visit the Government Relations section of the IAAPA website. Additional information was also included in the January 2009 IAAPA Government Relations Newsletter.
Speaker:
Steve Bernstein, Partner, Fisher & Phillips, LLP

 

Pool Drain Safety and The Virginia Graeme Baker Act: Complying with New Laws in the USA and Safety Concerns for All Pool Operators

This webinar was presented in February 2009. For more up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the Waterparks Safety section of the IAAPA website.
Speakers:
Franceen Gonzales,  Vice President of Risk Management, Great Wolf Resorts
Jim Dunn, Vice President of Design and Construction, Aquatic Development Group

 

Product Safety and CPSIA Webinar

This webinar was dedicated to educating IAAPA members about new standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act (CPSIA) and what these standards mean for the attractions industry; and particularly for redemption items and souvenirs. The session covered such essential areas as the requirements to comply with the CPSIA for lead content levels, phthalates, certification, and third-party testing.

This webinar was presented in January 2009. For recent information on this topic, please visit the Toy Safety section of the IAAPA website. Additional background information on this topic may also be found on the IAAPA Blog.
Speakers:
Manuel Grace, Esq. and Tod Cole, executives with The Walt Disney Company

 

 

 

 

General Webinar Information

What is a Webinar?
IAPPA is launching a series of "Webinars" or online, live educational sessions. With this new E-Learning option, you will be able to watch and listen to industry leaders give presenations in real time. Current technology will enable you to view the speaker's computer screen on your own computer. You will listen and watch his or her PowerPoint, video, or other presentations, and even watch the speaker's cursor movements as it is used it to highlight specific parts of the presentation or draw the audience's attention to a particular point on their screen. It is just like attending an educational seminar without leaving your office. There may even be opporutnities for you to interact with the speaker and ask questions using your keyboard, phone, or a microphone on your computer. (Note: Long distance toll charges may apply if you opt to participate in a Webinar via a telephone. There is no charge to participate using the audio system of your computer.) Currently, IAAPA uses GoToWebinar to host these sessions.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

AMUSEMENT PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS

WEBINAR DISCLAIMER

IAAPA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy or suitability of any information in the webinars and related materials; all such content is provided on an “as is” basis.  IAAPA HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES REGARDING THE CONTENTS OF THESE MATERIALS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ALL WARRANTIES OF TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  IAAPA hereby disclaims all liability for any claims, losses, or damages in connection with use or application of these materials.  IAAPA does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the products or services of any firm, organization, or person. The information contained in these webinars and related materials has been prepared, compiled, or provided by IAAPA as a service to its members and is not intended to constitute legal advice or the rendering of legal, consulting, or other professional services of any kind. Users of these materials should not in any manner rely upon or construe the information or resource materials in these materials as legal, or other professional advice and should not act or fail to act based upon the information in these materials without seeking the services of a competent legal or other professional.

 

 

For more information about Webinars, please contact Linda Gerson at Lgerson@IAAPA.org or 703-299-5768.

 

 

 

 

Audio Recordings -IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 Education Seminar Recordings

 

Recordings synchronized to the presenters' slides are available from IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 and 2010. Individual recordings, pre-set track packages, or a complete set of all approved sessions can be purchased for online viewing or on CD-ROM.

 

View details and ordering options for:

 

 

Expo Recordings Archive from 2009 and earlier

Recordings and synchronized Powerpoint slides of most of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 seminar program are now available for purchase and download through IAAPA’s new Live Learning Center at: http://www.softconference.com/iaapa/.

IAAPA members can search for seminar recordings by speaker name, subject area and key word. Recordings can be purchased and downloaded of individual seminars or of the complete conference program.

 

Recordings Archive:

Individual audio tapes or a complete CD Rom of all sessions from previous years can be purchased direcly from IAAPA’s vendor, Conference Copy Inc. The tapes and CDs are a great resource and a good way to bring a little of the flavor of the Trade Show back to your management team. It is also a terrific way to share ideas and spread the wealth of knowledge that’s at the IAAPA Attractions Expo.

Buy audiotapes online or contact Conference Copy Inc at phone + 1 570/775-0580 or fax + 1 570/775 -9671.