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Connections
IAAPA Presents: Drayton Manor and Beyond
In-Person
Event Details
At IAAPA Presents: Drayton Manor and Beyond, we will learn from successful attractions that started as family owned enterprises. Over the years these have developed into major attractions for the local area and continue to enjoy success. Take a look into operations through behind the scenes EDUTours whilst networking with other industry professionals.
Spend Thursday, 23 October exploring Drayton Manor with an optional add on tour to West Midlands Safari Park on Friday, 24 October.
IAAPA has secured a special discount rate for the Drayton Manor Hotel of £95.00 per night, for October 22, 23, 24. This price includes, full English breakfast, car parking, Wi-Fi and VAT.
The discount code with booking instructions will be included in your registration confirmation email.
Region:
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Event Time:
October 23, 2025 - October 24 2025 | All Day BST
Venue: In-Person
Address:
Drayton Manor Theme Park
Tamworth
B78 3TW
United Kingdom
Session Type: Connections
Event Sponsors
Ticket Type
| PRICING | Member | Nonmember |
|---|---|---|
IAAPA Presents: Drayton Manor and Beyond, Day Only Thursday 23 October | 110.00 | 160.00 |
IAAPA Presents: Drayton Manor and Beyond with Friday Park Entry Thursday 23 October with park entry Friday 24 October | 130.00 | 180.00 |
IAAPA Presents: Drayton Manor and Beyond, with optional add on EDUTour West Midlands Safari Park Thursday 23 October with optional add on EDUTour West Midlands Safari Park on Friday 24 October | 165.00 | 230.00 |
Sponsorship Opportunities
We still have sponsorship opportunities available, please see the sponsorship prospectus.
AGENDA
Thursday | October 23
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Registration and Welcome Coffee
Drayton Manor Hotel
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Welcome Speech
Welcome words from the Teams at IAAPA and Drayton Manor
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Session 1 - Drayton Manor - Sales and Marketing
Learn how Drayton Manor has transformed over the years, to reposition its self as family thrills. Learn about their tactics of rebranding as they celebrate their 75th year.
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Session 2 - Drayton Manor - Operations
Learn how Drayton Manor keep guests coming back, outside of the summer season. Uncover the strategies of seasonal events, including late night rides and fireworks.
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Coffee Break
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Session 3 - West Midlands Safari Park - "Resortification"
In this session we will learn how the West Midlands Safari Park evolved from a family-run safari park into a conservation-driven resort destination. Discover how the business began to shift towards a long-term vision through an intensive investment strategy, to deepen their conservation impact, enhance guest experience and expand accommodation offerings.
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Transfer from Drayton Manor Hotel to Drayton Manor Park
Walk from the Drayton Manor Hotel to the Park entrance, including a stop for a group photo
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EDUTour: Drayton Manor
Take a look behind the scenes of some of the parks most iconic attractions
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Networking Lunch
Enjoy a buffet lunch in the Drayton Manor Hotel
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Transfer to Cadbury World
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EDUTour: Cadbury World
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Session 4 - Cadbury World
Discover how operational strategies have changed since Cadbury World originally opened. Todays guests bring their unique needs, so we will uncover lessons from transforming the attraction experience from a self guided, to a linear tour. See the impacts this has on NPS, operational efficiency and planning for accessibility accommodations, ensuring Cadbury World remains as one of the UKs top brand activations.
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Transfer to Drayton Manor
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Networking Reception Drayton Manor
Enjoy a drink in the Carousel Bar at Drayton Manor Hotel
Friday | October 24
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Transfer to West Midlands Safari Park
Meet in Drayton Manor Hotel. Additional ticket required.
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EDUTour: West Midlands Safari Park
Join us for the additional EDUTour where we discover all aspects of the West Midlands Safari Park. See what it takes to run front and back of house operations for the resort lodges. and how a Safari in the heart of the English Countryside compare to the ‘real thing’. We will explore the refresh of enclosures, design and build for future conservation with an insight into areas under development. Finally we will learn the pros and cons of operating rides that were previously located elsewhere, and how this aligns with the sustainability strategy.
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Networking Lunch
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Free time to explore
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Transfer back to Drayton Manor Hotel
Event End
IAAPA has secured a special discount rate for the Drayton Manor Hotel of £95.00 per night, for October 22, 23, 24. This pricer includes, full english breakfast, car parking, Wi-Fi and VAT.
The discount code with booking instructions will be included in your registration confirmation email.
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