Show Ambassador Program

2011 Show Ambassador applications are no longer being accepted.

Please check back in the spring for updates and applications for the 2012 IAAPA Show Ambassador program.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Show Ambassador Program gives students and recent graduates with hospitality, event management, engineering, journalism, and related backgrounds the opportunity to see and be involved in the premier amusement and attractions trade show and conference.

IAAPA seeks students (and recent graduates) with outstanding customer service skills to be interns at IAAPA Attractions Expo each year in Orlando, Florida. Successful applicants will need to be in Orlando by the evening of the Friday prior to the conference for training and team building, followed by pre-Show events.

The elements of the program are:

Event Management: Working with the association’s expo management team and on-site vendors to oversee a range of special events at IAAPA Attractions Expo.
Education Program: Working with IAAPA’s education staff to conduct the on-site logistics for the education workshop program, Institute program, and off-site tour programs.
Trade Show Support: Working with the expo management team, floor managers, and vendors in support of trade show logistics.
Behind the Scenes Education: Providing a “behind the scenes” look at IAAPA’s tradeshow vendors. In addition, each ambassador is scheduled a specific list of seminars to attend.
Social Program: Ability to network with other peers in the industry as well as to make contact with facility operators in the amusement and attractions industry and interact with one of the premier trade show management teams in the industry.

An intern program by its nature is a balance between the work needs of the employer and the education needs of the students — the IAAPA Ambassador Program will balance these needs by providing specific education opportunities throughout the week that will be pre-scheduled as a part of the program. Part of that balance is what IAAPA provides and what we expect each Ambassador to bring to the expo.

IAAPA provides:
An unforgettable experience
World class training
Limited housing assistance
Daily breakfast and Lunch
Networking opporunities

Successful Ambassador Applicants will offer:
Enthusiasm & initiative
Hard work & complete dedication of their time during this event
Professional appearance & "can do" attitude
Great Customer Service
Transportation to and from the Expo site (Orlando, Florida for 2011 and 2012)

The deadlines:
Prospective Ambassadors were required tosubmit their completed online application prior to the final deadline of September 12, 2011. All applications received prior to May 23, were reviewed in the spring, with a 1st round of interviews and invitations taking place in June. Some spaces in the 2011 Ambassador program were held open until after the September deadline, when all applications (including those submitted prior to May 23) were considered to fill remaining positions. Candidates who submitted an application after May 23, should expect to hear back from IAAPA after the September deadline. IAAPA generally notifies all applicants of their status by late September.

See what recent Show Ambassadors have experienced.

In exchange for a valuable learning opportunity, including a behind-the-scenes tour of Orlando's Orange County Convention Center, you will provide energy, initiative, and a strong customer-focused attitude to improve guest service for all IAAPA attendees. This exciting opportunity will feature a structured learning program, scheduled work hours (approximately 10+ hours per day), and a ticket to one of the largest trade shows in the world.

If you have any additional questions about the program, please contact the IAAPA Ambassador Program.