Funworld January 2010

FUNWORLD Catches Up with New FEC Commitee Chair Dorothy Lewis

Former IALEI Chair discusses immediate impact of IAAPA merger

On Oct. 15, 2009, the International Association for the Leisure and Entertainment Industry (IALEI) dissolved and its nearly 600 family entertainment center (FEC) members merged into IAAPA.

Though the work to make this merger happen spanned months of effort from numerous individuals, former IALEI Chair Dorothy Lewis played a critical role. Lewis, a veteran FEC operator and consultant, will now chair the IAAPA FEC Committee. FUNWORLD asked Lewis three questions about the merger as the association enters what promises to be an exciting year for FEC members and IAAPA.

As chair of the IAAPA FEC Committee, what are your goals for the next three to six months as this merger gets under way?
The most important goal is to make sure all of the IALEI members transitioning into IAAPA understand services and benefits are continued without interruption while not losing sight of the broader FEC community. It is important these groups blend together and all members reap the benefits of the combination. In an economy such as what we are all facing this is an important time to be able to provide tools and assistance FEC members are looking for to ride out these times. I feel this committee—made up of both past IALEI members and IAAPA members—will put forth great ideas that can answer the needs of the membership. It is most important to let the members know they can reach out to the committee for guidance.

What benefits will new IAAPA FEC members be able to take advantage of as a result of this combination?
Many benefits will be carried over from IALEI as well as the current and new benefits offered by IAAPA. Some important advantages available immediately are the resources of having dedicated FEC Specialist Ben Jones, timely webinars, a new web portal specific to FEC needs, a dedicated education team, and the benefit of one voice for the constituency. It is important to know the FEC committee will be working hard to answer the needs of the members.

How can new IAAPA FEC members become more involved with the association?
It is important for the members to become familiar with the resources available through the association. Visiting the newly formatted IAAPA web site to find out what is new for FEC members is an easy way to begin. Participating in webinars offered throughout the year and attending educational programs and trade shows are other ways. Let your voice and needs be known—whether it is through Ben Jones or any of the IAAPA staff or committee volunteers. Help make us aware of how we can serve our members in new ways or expand specific benefits. Lending your talent and expertise by serving on a subcommittee is an additional way you can become more involved. The more you participate with IAAPA, the more you’ll receive from your membership.

For information on FEC benefits visit www.IAAPA.org/community/fec.asp. Questions? E-mail Ben Jones at bjones@IAAPA.org.

IAAPA Increases Safety Education Offerings in Asia, Middle East

In 2010, IAAPA will offer four opportunities for industry professionals in Asia and the Middle East to access in-depth training on industry safety best practices. IAAPA Safety Institutes will be held as part of the new Safety Road Show on the following dates:

• March 12, 2010 – Beijing, China – In conjunction with the Chinese Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo
  
  
• March 15, 2010 – Abu Dhabi, UAE.
  
  
• March 18, 2010 – Mumbai, India – In conjunction with the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries Expo
  
• July 13, 2010 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – This IAAPA Safety Institute will be held as the first day of education programming for Asian Attractions Expo 2010. The newly expanded show includes four days of education, a three-day product expo, and numerous social events and park tours.

Visit www.IAAPA.org for more details on these IAAPA Safety Institutes and all IAAPA events.

Blogging & Facebook & Twitter, Oh My! January 13, 2010, 1 p.m. EST Based on the overwhelming popularity of this seminar at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009, it will be repeated live for all of our members this January in webinar format. Veteran attractions industry communications professionals will walk participants through blogging, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and Twitter, with plenty of tips to quickly put to use at any facility, whether it’s privately or publicly owned. Speakers include: Paula Werne, director of public relations, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari; and Jeffrey Siebert, director of communications and sales, Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts. Visit www.IAAPA.org/education/elearn/elearning.asp for details.