Small is a relative term. It all depends on your perspective and the measuring stick. To some operators and owners, a 50,000-square-foot indoor facility is large, especially if you are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance. Size can also be based on attendance rather than how much space the facility occupies. A recent study indicates that entertainment centers and small facilities within our industry are poised for the most growth throughout the next few years. With this in mind, we should not lose sight of the fact that although attendance and operating capital for these entrepreneurs may not be as sizable as some of the corporate giants, they nonetheless play a vital role. IAAPA realizes the importance of these members and that many of the larger companies once started small. The operational aspects and demographics may be different from one region to another, but facilities of all sizes often share common goals and practices, which the association and its committees have considered when developing workshops, programs, and services at this year’s trade show in Orlando. Our small-park operators will have the opportunity to participate in chatroom sessions on Wednesday and Friday, and several of the workshops will focus on using the Web to help grow attendance. There will also be a workshop covering Internet marketing and how to sell tickets online. Another training session will focus on how to attract school groups to your facility, and how to handle corporate and group events. The annual town hall meeting will host a professional research company, C&R, that will share the results of research that determined what mothers and children like and don’t like at parks. The FEC committee created workshops offering information on employee recruitment, best mini golf practices, and how to operate redemption. There will be something for everyone at this year’s convention and trade show. Best Wishes, John P. C. Collins Chairman of the Board
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