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IAAPA Opens Office in Latin America
by Amanda Charney
With new operations in Latin America, IAAPA will provide a full suite of services to its members in the region out of a new office in Mexico City. Paulina Reyes, the Latin American operations executive director, shared with FUNWORLD some thoughts on her new role and how the office will serve Latin American members.
 How would you describe your new role as executive director of IAAPA, Latin American operations?
As executive director, I’ll be responsible for the development and implementation of member programs for the region, improving membership services that will be in Spanish and Portuguese, promoting education, working with the media, and working with the governments and local associations to help and support the Latin American industry in general.
You have worked closely with IAAPA in the past. What drew you back to the industry and specifically to this new role?
I’ve been related to this industry since I was a child; I love it and I feel comfortable working in it. This new role represents new challenges for me and a great opportunity to come back.
What are your main goals as executive director of Latin American operations?
My main goals are to improve customer services in the region, to offer more education, networking, and trade opportunities, and to make IAAPA the main reference for the regional industry.
How will you work with the individual associations throughout Latin America to achieve those goals?
I want to establish a personal relationship with them so we can work as allies looking for the same interests and having mutual support.
What’s one thing IAAPA members might be surprised to learn about the industry in Latin America?
Although the Latin American industry is already consolidated, it is still young and has a lot more to grow. We will be there to help.
What else would you like members to know about this new office and operation?
I only want to reiterate that this office has been founded because of them and for them; we will be there to provide custom-made services in their language.
Reyes can be reached at preyes@IAAPA.org.
MESSAGE FROM GKTW
Give Kids The World Welcomes Your Donations
Give Kids The World (GKTW) is thrilled to again be a part of the annual IAAPA Attractions Expo next month. The generosity of the show’s exhibitors always overwhelms us. We are so grateful for the support of IAAPA to help us continue to make dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses from around the world. As you prepare for next month’s Expo, please keep GKTW in mind. The organization serves more than 6,500 families a year. From the delicious meals we serve to the memorable events and entertainment we host, our Wish families experience a week filled with only the word, “yes!” By donating items from our wish list, you help us continue to keep costs down—and smiles up! If you have any questions or have something to offer that is not listed, please contact Susie Storey at +1 407/396-1114 or susies@gktw.org.
- Cotton candy machine (2)
- Popcorn machine
- Popcorn
- To-go containers for food
- Plush (all sizes)
- Paper plates
- Paper and/or plastic cups
- Foil pans
- Plastic utensils
- Paper napkins
- Tablecloths
- Table skirts
- Rain Ponchos
- Disposable cameras
- Small toys
- Baseball caps
- LED holiday lights
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IAAPA Partners with Card Service to Inspire Wish Children
IAAPA and Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness Inc. are partnering to create inspirational notes and letters to GKTW Wish children and children with lifethreatening illnesses in Las Vegas-area hospitals.  Interested Expo attendees will meet at the Wynn Hotel to write and decorate the cards, which will be designed by Random Cards of Kindness Inc. with industry-related themes (designs such as roller coasters, popcorn, carousels, etc.).
The homemade cards will let the children know they are thought of during a time when hope and support are needed the most.
Who can participate?Anyone attending IAAPA Attractions Expo can register to participate.
Cost: $10, which covers the materials for the card kits.
Time and Location: Sunday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Wynn Hotel
For more information about the organization, visit www.loveletterscares.com. To register, contact Angela Albertini at aalbertini@IAAPA.org.
IAAPA Launches Expo Social Media Campaign
 IAAPA will utilize various social media outlets to share special promotions, articles of interest, and other show updates as part of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009, Nov. 16-20 in Las Vegas. IAAPA staff, members, and Expo speakers will connect with industry professionals through Twitter, Facebook, and IAAPA’s blog, In the Queue, with posts on industry topics of interest, show tips, and commentary to help our veteran attendees and first-timers alike make the most of their experience at IAAPA Attractions Expo. Follow IAAPA through these online vehicles:
www.twitter.com/IAAPA2009
www.IAAPA.org/blog
www.facebook.com – IAAPA: International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions group
October Webinar: Online Marketing Techniques
During October’s IAAPA webinar, speakers from .Com Marketing and Morey’s Piers will discuss strategies on increasing attendance through digital marketing. Speakers will share advice on how to evaluate customers’ Internet usage patterns; use search engine optimization effectively, and improve e-mail marketing. Speakers will also discuss the use of social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to drive traffic to the company web site.
Webinar: Internet Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Customers, Oct. 22, 2009, at 1 p.m. EDT.
Cost: Free with IAAPA membership
To register: Visit www.IAAPA.org/education/elearn/elearning.
For information on a full day Institute on this topic offered at IAAPA Attractions Expo in Las Vegas, visit www.IAAPA.org/education.
On Aug. 26, Give Kids The World (GKTW) hosted the “Coasting for Kids” event at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, in conjunction with enthusiast Web site CoasterBuzz (www.coasterbuzz.com). The event welcomed coaster enthusiasts to help raise money for GKTW by pledging to ride “Gemini” all day. Through the commitment of coaster riders, GKTW staff, and board members, the event raised almost 10,000, and pledge money was still coming in as of press time. Riders ranged in age from 14 to 60, and Pam Landwirth, President of GKTW (pictured above at front with event riders), rode the “Gemini” 30 times. For more information about GKTW, visit www.gktw.org.
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Register for GKTW Expo Events by Nov. 6
7th Annual IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament: Register by Nov. 6 to claim your spot on the golf course. The 2009 tournament will be held at Angel Park Golf Club in Las Vegas; voted Best Public Golf Course in Las Vegas nine out of the past 10 years by the Las Vegas Review Journal.
GKTW 5K Fun Run/1K Walk: Save money and register by Nov. 6 for this great event at Pecos Legacy Park in nearby Henderson, Nevada. Cost: US$25 (before Nov. 6), US$30 (on site). Go here to register for both events.
Expo Personal Planner Launched
IAAPA launched a personal planner for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 in Las Vegas. Located at www.IAAPA.org, the planner contains details on all the events and activities at the Expo. Attendees can search for events under a variety of categories, including day, topic, and keyword, and can quickly add events to schedule-based programs (Microsoft Outlook, etc.) and set up reminders for themselves or for colleagues. Details can be found at: www.IAAPA.org/expos/attractions/eventschedule.asp
IAAPA Attractions Expo Is Going Green!
IAAPA is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of IAAPA Attractions Expo by reducing the amount of waste produced by the event; disposing of waste in an environmentally responsible manner; reducing energy and water consumption; and educating exhibitors and attendees about environmentally responsible practices. Some of the steps IAAPA is taking include:
- going paperless with education sessions (session material will be available after the show online)
- sending bound exhibitor services guides to only those who request them (green options will be available, including an online exhibitor services guide)
- use of recycled/organic/biodegradable materials for the Kickoff Event
- reuse of badge holders
- reduction of paper consumption at registration, press room, and other locations
- promoting recycling throughout the show
Additionally, the Las Vegas Convention Center and show vendors Aramark and Freeman are also committed to this cause. They will do the following:
- use eco-friendly cleaning products
- use recycled paper products throughout the center
- use propane or battery power for vehicles
- use eco-friendly plates, bowls, and cups during food service
- donate leftover food to local shelters
- use trans-fat-free frying oil
- use of carpet, tabletop material, and other supplies that contain recycled material
Questions about IAAPA’s new “green” programs? Call us at +1 703/836-4800. |
 Visit to the Jersey Shore
IAAPA Chairman Darrell Metzger and IAAPA President and CEO Charlie Bray continued their park and attractions visits with a tour along the New Jersey Coast. Here are a few snapshots from their trips. Special thanks to the New Jersey Amusement Association (www.njamusements.com) for the photos. To learn more about these visits, read the Letter from the Chairman.
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