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Eamon Connor, manager of new product development
There are only 10 weeks to go until Easter and the unofficial start of the 2004 summer season. Before we know it the mad rush of summer business will be upon us. Most parks and attractions are now in full swing recruiting staff, developing training programs, and remodeling for a new season. It is an awesome task getting ready for the summer and help is always welcome.
A problem many facilities face is how to refresh and improve their training and orientation programs without going through the same routine season after season. So where do you find new ideas?
IAAPA is a good starting point. The association is developing a number of new tools to help members. Check out the IAAPA web site for more information.
Online Communities
Starting in January, IAAPA launched its Online Communities Program. This bulletin board type service available though the IAAPA web site allows IAAPA members to read and share information about their particular operational areas. Online communities currently have been set up for communications and public relations, education, entertainment, facility operations, financial management and information technology, food and beverage, FECs, games, government relations, human resources, marketing, merchandising, museums, small parks, waterparks, zoos, and aquariums.
The online community offers three tools for IAAPA members. First it offers a forum where members can pose questions, raise topics for discussion, or offer solutions to problems other IAAPA members might have. It is a great way to share information quickly and to leverage IAAPA members’ huge reservoir of expertise in park and attractions operations. The chances are that whatever problem you are having, somebody somewhere has encountered it, and will be able to give you some tips.
The second tool is an archive of useful handouts, magazine articles, forms, checklists, and other documents. The third tool is a news archive where information can be posted on recent developments within a particular area, including information on the Tools of the Trade seminars (see below), which will be posted in the relevant online community areas. Each online community will be monitored by an IAAPA staff administrator, but IAAPA’s goal is that the communities will be owned and managed by IAAPA members themselves with minimal supervision.
Tools of the Trade
Swapping information online is an efficient way to share knowledge, but there is nothing like being in the same room as someone to make a personal connection. Starting in February, IAAPA will offer a seminar series called Tools of the Trade. The seminars are being organized by IAAPA’s operational and constituency committees and are being designed to create a more personal and affordable networking and educational experience for middle managers and supervisors. Exposing them to new ideas and getting them to meet their peers in the industry is a great way to prepare them for next season.
The first seminar, which is being organized by the Small Parks and Attractions Committee, is in Panama City, Fla., on February 21 and 22—dubbed “Survivor Weekend.” The seminar will deal with risk management, reducing insurance costs, building better relationships with vendors, and leadership. It is being hosted by Miracle Strip and Shipwreck Island Park.
The Waterpark Committee will be offering two Tools of the Trade seminars in February and March. The seminars feature consultant and trainer Grant Goold and will cover topics on human resources, waterpark safety, and customer service. The February 27 seminar will be hosted by Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Texas, and the March 7 event will be held at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.
Details on all three seminars can be found on the IAAPA web site at www.iaaap.org. Seminars are also being planned in Toronto, by the Human Resources Committee.
Calling All Presenters
The biggest source of industry information can be found at IAAPA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show. In 2003, the Education Workshop Program brought together more than 100 speakers on about 50 topics, ranging from games operations to diversity training. For 2004, IAAPA is making an official call for presentations to all IAAPA members, committees, and other interested parties. If you or a member of your staff would like to speak on a topic, please contact IAAPA and get a copy of our Call for Presentations document, which is also available on our web site.
“Many hands make light work” goes the old saying. And with the new tools from IAAPA, sharing experiences and exchanging information have never been easier. Here’s to a successful 2004 season.
