Press Releases

Amusement Industry Colleagues Invited to IAAPA European Conference 2005

ALEXANDRIA, VA (USA) (Apr. 18, 2005) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions welcomes colleagues to attend its two-day IAAPA European Conference 2005, May 26 – 27, 2005, in Salou, Spain, Vice President of Communications Services Beth Robertson announced today.   This year’s conference, titled “Heart & Soul – Connecting to Your Guest from the Inside Out,” will emphasize the importance of emotions, and its presence at destinations, for attracting guests to the thrilling amusement and attractions industry and to keep them coming back for more.

“We hope everyone will attend for the experience of joy, laughter, thrills, fun, courage, and even fear—basically the entire scope of the human emotions—so they can join us in an enlightening look at how our emotion or attitude affects our consumer’s perception,” Robertson said.

Taking place at Hotel Port Aventura, Port Aventura theme park’s hotel, a comprehensive schedule of speakers, including Susanne Piët and Luis Huete, has been arranged for the attendees.

As a journalist for more than 20 years, Piët continually investigated the effects of information transfer through the mass media and the dynamics of group processes.   Most recently, Piët published “The Emotion Market, the Future of the Experience Economy,” and she will undoubtedly impress the audience with her findings, experience and insight.

Huete, considered a world authority in the services field, will share his knowledge of strategic services management, clienting, value-added loyalty creation and leadership.   His past seminars were distinguished by Actualidad Economicamagazine as one of the “100 best ideas of the year,” and he most recently published “Build Your Own Dream.”

The experienced panel of speakers also includes: Mercedes de Pablo, CEO of Port Aventura; Bart Dohmen of BRC Imaginations Arts; Pablo Heinig of the University of Cordoba in Argentina; Vicenç Veses, also of Port Aventura; Kurt Grötsch, who is developing a Flamenco Museum in Seville; and Salvador Anton Clavé of the University of Tarragona.

Additionally, the conference will offer a special tour of Port Aventura.   Celebrating its 10 th anniversary, attendees will have the unique opportunity to see the backstage thrills and secrets of this amazing park.

For more information about the IAAPA European Conference 2005 or to register online, please visit www.iaapa.org.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org