Sunday – November 16th

6th Annual Give Kids the World Golf Tournament

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Start your week with an 18-hole round of golf at the beautiful Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club to benefit Give Kids The World Village. The tournament provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with industry leaders from across the globe. Join us for a day of fun, networking, and great prizes!
Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Separate registration required; $175 per player.

Monday – November 17th

Lunch and Learn: Adapting to a Dynamic Global Environment

11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
When Disneyland was announced for Hong Kong in 1999, the park had hype, support, and energy behind it. This is the story of how Ocean Park turned Disney’s opening into an opportunity. Since the two parks became neighbors, Ocean Park has grown to heights greater than anyone could have imagined, breaking attendance and revenue targets for five consecutive years.
Speaker: Tom Mehrmann, CEO, Ocean Park
Separate registration required. Ticket price: $35

 

Brass Ring Awards

4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Join your friends in the industry for the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards, honoring marketing and public relations programs in the amusement and attractions industry. IAAPA’s oldest awards program gets a new look for 2008! We’ve added new categories, a new stage set, and excitement to this great event. Who will win? Who will be honored? Join the fun and find out.

 

Museum and Science Center Social
4:30 pm. - 6:30 p.m.
It's time to unwind! Close out day one of the Museum and Science Center track with a drink and some light food, catch up with colleagues and new acquaintances, and make plans for the rest of the show.
Sponsored by:
Supporting Organization: Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.

Zoo and Aquarium Day Social

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
End Zoo and Aquarium Day with an exclusive tour of Aquatica and learn more about the daily operations of this phenomenal facility! Featuring live entertainment and a silent auction to support AZA's Conservation Endowment Fund.
Sponsored by:

Waterpark & Resort Social at Wet ’n Wild Orlando

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Operators and industry suppliers can attend this fabulous annual event featuring music, food, drinks, and access to some of Wet ’n Wild Orlando’s best attractions.
Sponsored by:

Benelux Get-Together

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
IAAPA members from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg will gather in Orlando for the annual Benelux Get-Together.

Supporting Organization: Pleisureworld/Maxi Foto/RECRON/Van Asendelft & Partners

Tuesday – November 18th

Asian Breakfast

7:45a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
IAAPA members from Asia and the Asian national associations are invited to attend this kickoff networking breakfast. Join other colleagues to relax, refuel, and discuss plans for the show.

 

Canadian Breakfast

7:45a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Join other IAAPA members from Canada for a relaxed networking breakfast to make your plans for the week and get a great start to the show.

 

European Breakfast

7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
IAAPA members from Europe and the European national associations will gather for a casual breakfast. Join us for a grand opening and the perfect networking opportunity at the start of another great show.
Supporting Organization: Vekoma Rides Manufacturing

 

IAAPA Annual Business Meeting

8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Members are invited to attend and participate in the IAAPA Annual Business Meeting. Hear a brief report from the 2008 Chairman of the Board, Bob Masterson, meet the 2009 officers, and discuss issues that are important to you.

 

Jungala Fever: Games and Retail Tour to Busch Gardens Tampa

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The four-acre, multimillion dollar Jungala area opened at Busch Gardens Tampa in April 2008 and provides a stunning reproduction of the jungles of the world. The tour will visit the tiger viewing point, discuss the park’s green store concept, observe the mid-way games operations, and show how the park has adapted its employee training to this new environment.

You must be 16 years or older to participate.

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $79/$99

 

Kickoff Event 2008: Jump Start Your Expo!

8:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.
At IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008, the hottest place in town will be the Kickoff Event on Tuesday morning. Last year, the event was absolutely spectacular, but that was just a warm-up for this year’s unforgettable show. During the course of one thrilling hour of news and entertainment, you’ll experience electrifying performances, see up-to-the-minute, live multimedia reports from every attractions community, and get a sneak preview of what lies ahead for the industry and IAAPA in 2009. Don’t miss the ultimate kickoff to your week at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008! Come on...we already told everyone that you’re going to be there!
Sponsored by:

 

Trade Show Floor Tour: Point-of-Sale Suppliers

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Trade Show Floor Tour: Plush Suppliers

3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tour

4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Take a special tour of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and see live entertainment production from costume design to lights out. You will visit the creative costuming department where Disney’s design process turns out thousands of costumes annually. From there, you will visit Lights Motors Action™ and see a thrilling stunt show followed by a discussion with the production staff. This is a great opportunity to learn some inside tips!

You must be 16 years or older to participate. Separate registration required. Ticket price: $99/$119

 

Opening Reception

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Start off the conference on a high note at this amazing and energetic networking event. Professionals from around the industry and around the world will mingle, discuss the day’s experiences, reconnect with old friends, and make new acquaintances all with food, drink, and music.

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $25
Sponsored by:
Supporting Organization: Burdette Beckmann, Inc.

 

Young Professionals Get-Together

8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Meet and mingle with the future leaders of the amusement and attractions industry. Join other young professionals and operators new to the industry as they end the day with a networking reception.

Open to all industry young professionals.

Wednesday – November 19th

GM and Owners Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
General managers, owners, and industry leaders are invited to this executive-level presentation where Nick Varney, Merlin Entertainments Group CEO, will discuss the philosophy that has led to Merlin’s success in the attractions industry. Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading attractions operator in Europe—operating 37 attractions in 11 countries, including brands such as Legoland and Madame Tussauds. The IAAPA Service Awards for industry excellence will be presented as well.

Speaker: Nick Varney, Chairman/CEO, Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd.

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $85
Sponsored by:

 

2008 Souvenir Awards

8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
IAAPA’s Souvenir Awards highlight the best in merchandising and display creativity at amusement parks and attractions. Except for the memories themselves, nothing reminds your guests of the fun they had at your facility like the keepsakes they take home. Come honor this year’s award winners who have created lasting memories and big smiles.

 

Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Launch Experience Tour

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Launch Experience realistically emulates the 17,500 mph journey into space aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle. Our tour will take you to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral where you will see how the Shuttle Launch Experience attraction brings the thrill of traveling to space every day. Personnel will be on hand to guide you through the exhibit and explain the challenges of running a busy attraction in the heart of the most famous space facility in the world. NASA personnel will demonstrate how the attraction meets the agency’s mission of science and space exploration. 

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $79/$99

 

Trade Show Floor Tour: Waterpark Suppliers

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lunch with Dick Kinzel

11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Dick Kinzel, President and CEO of the Cedar Fair Corporation, will share his wisdom and insights on the amusement industry from past to present. This industry legend will identify future opportunities and challenges and discuss some basic principles that can never be abandoned. Cedar Point and Knott’s Berry Farm are only two of several examples cited in this program. Do not miss this opportunity to hear Dick Kinzel and have lunch with the Small Parks and Attractions Committee!

Speaker: Dick Kinzel, CEO, Cedar Fair Corporation
Limited seating available.

Sponsored by:

 

 

Inflatables Insights Tour

3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The 2008 IAAPA Classic: My Ten Best Tips

4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Marty Sklar, Dick Nunis, and Bob Rogers are back for 2008 but the subject area and format have been updated to bring new ideas and energy to this session. Each speaker will present ten tips for success, followed by a lively question and answer session. You might expect Marty to simply trot out his classic Mickey’s Ten Commandments. But Marty promises to deliver something entirely new.

Speakers: Marty Sklar, Vice Chairman and Principal Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering; Dick Nunis, legendary operational leader and innovator; Bob Rogers, Chairman and CEO, BRC Imagination Arts

 

Big E Awards

4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
IAAPA’s Big E Awards presentation is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008. Join IAAPA’s entertainment committee and some very special guests from Hollywood, Broadway and beyond for a birthday bash as we celebrate the 2008 Big E winners and toast 10 years of live entertainment success at IAAPA.    

Reception begins at 4:30 p.m.; program begins promptly at 5 p.m.

Supporting Organizations: American Paper Optics, Heartbeat Productions, and Matt Davenport Productions, Inc.

 

Spirit of Excellence Awards

4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
The Spirit of Excellence Awards honor IAAPA members who are committed to excellence in training and professional development. From customer service training to employee recognition programs, the Spirit of Excellence Awards tell the world that you have the best team of talent in the business. This year's awards will be presented in conjunction with the World's Best Training Practices seminar.

Supporting Organization: Amusement Advantage Mystery Shopping Services

 

 

Tour and Social at Aquatica

4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Aquatica is a 60-acre water wonderland that blends up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills, wide, sandy beaches, and lush landscape, all inspired by the beauty of the South Seas.The park has one of the world’s largest interactive water play areas, a 15,000-square-foot pool, as well as 80,000 square feet of beach area. Our tour will take you through the beauty and fun of the park, with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of park operations to see how Busch Entertainment Corporation manages this spectacular attraction. The tour ends at the Banana Beach Cookout Restaurant where the IAAPA Waterpark & Resort social and networking party begins.

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $99/$119

 

Carnival Amusement Industry and Showmen’s Reception

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Join members of OABA/SLA and other showmen organization members for an evening of fun.Limited seating available.

Sponsored by:

 

 

Family Entertainment Center Reception and Top FECs of the World Awards

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Meet and network with family entertainment center professionals and celebrate the winners of the 2008 Top FECs of the World Awards at this lively annual event.
Supporting Organizations: ForeverLawn, Inc., IALEI, Jane Farrell Turf & Carpets, Inc., Prime Play by Whitewater, and Rhode Island Novelty, Inc.

 

 

Thursday – November 20th

2nd Annual Give Kids the World 5K Fun Run/1K Walk

7:30 a.m.
Join us at SeaWorld Orlando to participate in a 5K run or a 1K walk throughout the park to support Give Kids The World. Refreshments will be provided, and Shamu will be on-site to cheer you on to the finish line!

Separate registration required; $25 per person.

 

SeaWorld Orlando Tour: Lunch with the Sharks

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Join SeaWorld’s food and beverage staff to tour front- and back-of-house culinary operations and many of their restaurants to see how the park uses food and beverage to enhance the guest experience. You will also enjoy a private lunch in their spectacular Sharks Underwater Grill where you will dine inches away from seven species of sharks! Finish your tour with a beer tasting at the famous Brewmaster’s Club.

You must be 16 years or older to participate and 21 years or older to participate in the beer tasting.

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $99/$119

 

Trade Show Floor Tour: RFID Suppliers

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Trade Show Floor Tour: Food and Beverage Suppliers

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Career Slam

3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Slam your career into high gear! Students interested in a rewarding career in the attractions industry will not want to miss this opportunity to meet and network with current industry leaders. Hear career success stories, advice, and tips on how to become successful in the industry, and take a guided tour of IAAPA’s trade show floor with one of the facilitators.

Speaker: John Anderson, Manager of Park Operations, Detroit Zoological Institute

 

Haunt Tour: Behind the Scenes at Universal Orlando’s Fright Night

4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Take a unique look behind the scenes of Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights. Universal’s creative team will take you through their haunted house and maze experience and discuss the design features, operational challenges, and other aspects of managing a truly scary attraction.

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $99/$199

 

Gala

7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Don’t leave IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 without experiencing the greatest closing night in history. Start with some magic, hear some beach tunes, enjoy an amazing meal and great company, bid on items at the live and silent auction to benefit Give Kids The World, and then kick back and dance to a live band. It’s more than a reception, more than a dinner; it’s an event and you don’t want to miss it!

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $150
Supporting Organizations: CLM Entertainment, Inc. and Kodak Event Imaging Solutions

Friday – November 21st

Haunt Floor Vender Tour

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

5th Annual Women in the Industry Networking Luncheon

11:30 a.m. – 1:12 p.m.
Bobbie Weiner, known in the industry as “Bloody Mary,” will host this year’s Women in the Industry Luncheon. Weiner is the special effects makeup artist who famously transformed hundreds of actors into blue-lipped, ice-covered corpses in the Oscar-winning film, Titanic. Weiner will speak on the Expo theme of “Success in Every Direction” and how she built her business empire from one small idea.

Speaker: Bobbie Weiner, President, Bobbie Weiner Enterprises, LLC

Separate registration required. Ticket price: $35