Expos & Events

Conference Overview

Putting a twist on a tradition, IAAPA will debut IAAPA Connections February 24-26, 2009, at Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

This new networking and education meeting for attractions professionals will enhance and update the traditional IAAPA Summer Meeting that members around the world have enjoyed for many years.

IAAPA Connections 2009 attendees will:

Enjoy world-class social events
Hear keynote presentations from industry leaders and experts on cutting-edge ideas and innovations
Discuss business problems and solutions through community market discussions
Gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to Atlantis
Enjoy the setting provided by the sun, sand, and surf of the Bahamas.

It’s a networking and learning experience that IAAPA members have come to expect with an exciting new edge. Additional meeting details will be announced soon and registration for IAAPA Connections 2009 will open in September.

Registration Fees and Information

Register Now. If you are an IAAPA member please use your login information to access the online registration form. If you are not an IAAPA member and would like to register for this event at non-member price please create a login account, then access the online registration form.

Join IAAPA to qualify for the member price and other valuable membership benefits.

REGISTRATION FEE

Register before Jan. 23, 2009 Register after Jan. 23, 2009

Member...............................................$500......................................................$575

Non-member.......................................$675......................................................$725

Conference Schedule

Tuesday, February 24, 2009
7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
"Connections Celebrations" Reception

Wednesday, February 25, 2009
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Welcome to IAAPA Connections 2009
Keynote Speaker: Roch Pararye, Blue Ocean Strategy
Dr. Roch Parayre is senior partner and a 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. Roch Parayre will focus on creativity and innovation as it relates to the future of our industry. He will show us how scenario planning and decision making methods can be important tools as you plan for your organization’s future. Click here to view Dr. Parayre's full biography.

10:30am – 12 p.m.
Constituency Discussion Program
Get together with your constituency colleagues from amusement and theme parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, casinos and resorts to discuss how to implement the lessons learned from Roch Parayre. This will be a great opportunity to network with your colleagues and create a unique course of action. Each session will be led by a facilitator who will help guide the discussion.

12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Lunch

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
“Atlantis in Action” your time to explore what Atlantis has to offer:

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Happy Hour (cash bar)
Relax and unwind poolside with your colleagues after a busy day.

7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Rendezvous Atlantis

Thursday, February 26, 2009
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Keynote Address

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
“Innovation and Creativity at Work” Tours led by Atlantis staff
Take this opportunity to get an exclusive view and the inside track from the members of the Atlantis operations teams.
(select one – subject to change)

Waterpark Operations: go behind the scenes to see the operations in action.
Aquariums: learn how Atlantis created aquariums that are visually stimulating and educational.
Dolphin Cay: see the dolphins in action and meet the dolphins rescued from the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.
Food and Beverage: with over 3000 rooms, a convention center and 11 pools see how this vast F&B operation works.
Retail operations: find out about the systems in place to increase revenue, reduce expenditures and provide what the customer is looking for.
Human Resources: find out how Atlantis builds capacity among its employees through the Atlantis University.
Atlantis Kids Camp: the quintessential idea of “edutainment” learn how the curriculum utilizes the amenities and attractions located at Atlantis to educate and entertain the young visitors.
Landscaping operations: explore the lush surroundings on the island and discover the secrets for maintaining the natural beauty of the island.
Blue Adventure: discover how Atlantis has created an environmental awareness program that also incorporates fun through snorkeling, scuba diving and other island based adventures.

Afternoon
On Your Own – Explore The Island

Opportunities include:

Water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, kite boarding, parasailing, and water skiing.
Enjoy a wide range of charters and rentals for day cruises, small sailboats, fishing charters and motorboats.
Ecotours for birding, nature tours and biking tours.
Fort Charlotte: Visit Nassau’s largest fort that covers 100 acres and offers an unforgettable view of Paradise Island.
Golf at Oceans Club Golf Course.

For additional information on IAAPA Connections 2009, please fill out the Inquiry Form HERE.