IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers (Virtual)

Event Type: Education
Region: North America
Venue: Online
Member Price: $329 | Nonmember Price: $449
CEU(s): 10

1:30-3:30 p.m. ET

Join us for a live, interactive IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers program from the comfort of your home or office. This virtual class is scheduled over a five-day period and covers introductory-level concepts for attractions managers. 

IAAPA Institute for Attraction Managers participants gain a solid understanding of the key disciplines and processes required to manage a successful attraction.

Additional participants in your organization can save $100 on registration with the group rate: $229 for members and $349 for nonmembers. Click registration link for additional details. 

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*Please note: This program delivers the same material as the in-person IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers program. Individuals who previously completed this in-person course should not register.

Click here for more details about the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers. 

Attendance on all five days is required. Registration covers the complete course program. 

Speakers

Mary Jane Brewer

Mary Jane Brewer

Executive Director
AIMS International

Mary Jane (MJ) Brewer is a safety professional with over 25 years of experience specializing in theme park and water park operations. She has directly managed the safe operation of several municipal aquatic and recreation facilities, as well as several large, private sector theme park and water park properties. Additionally, she has extensive safety and compliance leadership experience as a senior member of the corporate teams for two multi-unit business operators.

MJ is currently the Executive Director for AIMS International, a non-profit 501(c)(6) association dedicated to improving amusement industry safety through leadership in education. In her most recent former role as Safety Specialist for REI (Recreation Engineering, Inc), MJ was responsible for water park and resort property safety inspections and operations audits. Additionally, in her role as VP of Operations for USTTC (US Technical Training Center), she was responsible for maintaining a website that offers continuing education opportunities for AIMS, NAARSO and California QSI certified inspectors.

MJ is active in many entertainment industry trade associations and safety forums. She is a member of NAARSO and AIMS and holds several certifications from both organizations. She is a member of IAAPA, currently serves on the Facility Operations Committee, and served for three years as a member of the Waterpark Committee. She is a former member of the WWA (World Waterpark Association) Education Committee and is a member of the ASTM F24 committee. MJ holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management and Master of Science degree in Community Health and Exercise Science, both from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of the collegiate varsity swim team.

Melissa Felder, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, California Academy of Sciences San Francisco

Melissa Felder

Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

As the Academy’s Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, Melissa Felder is responsible for museum earned revenue and marketing strategy, including branding, design, advertising, communications, sales, membership, retail, and dining. She drives museum visitation and engagement through digital communications channels, including web, email, social media, VR and online publications, as well as on-site museum programs.

Felder joined the Academy in 2012, bringing an extensive background in consumer marketing, sales, and operations with a variety of large corporations as well as start-ups. She has driven significant revenue and deepened consumer engagement for leading brands in the financial services, packaged goods, and technology sectors.

Felder earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also received her Masters of Business Administration in Marketing.

David Gray

David Gray, ICAE

Human Resources Manager
Lagoon Amusement Park

David Gray is the Human Resources Manager for Lagoon Amusement Park located in Farmington, Utah. David has been with Lagoon for 23 years, beginning his career scooping ice cream at the Park at the age of 15.

As Lagoon’s Human Resources Manager for the past 13 years, David oversees the park’s various HR functions for a seasonal staff of over 3,000 team members and a full-time year-round staff of 175. During his tenure in the HR role at Lagoon, David has been instrumental in creating several successful new recruitment strategies, employee engagement initiatives, and leadership development programs. One of David’s strongest passions is making sure each team member has an amazing and rewarding experience; an experience that they will carry with them throughout their life and future careers.

David has an MBA degree from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Weber State University. David is currently serving on the IAAPA Human Resources Subcommittee. He also serves on various committees for the local Davis Chamber of Commerce, including the Leadership Institute program.

Headshot of Vanessa Lewis

Vanessa Lewis

Director of Reporting
Aquarium of the Pacific

Vanessa Lewis has over 30 years of experience in accounting and financial reporting, and currently is an independent museum consultant.  She received her CPA experience with Ernst & Young, then developed reporting and planning skills at private and public manufacturing companies before finding her niche in the non-profit world.  She spent over 8 years as the CFO of the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach before transitioning to a consultative role. She received her BA in Anthropology from UCLA and serves on the board of the USS IOWA and the Historical Naval Ships Association. Vanessa served as a member of the IAAPA Finance & IT Subcommittee from 2017 to 2019.

Andrew Maurek

Andrew Maurek

VP, Business Development – US
Proslide Technology, Inc.

Andy began his waterpark industry career in 1979 hosing the sand off guest’s feet just before they rode down the newly installed water slide at Hyland Hills Water World in Denver, CO. The following years included seasonal positions in all of Water World’s department’s, eventually settling in as the Operations Director on the Management team. Andy was responsible for developing recruiting, training, and leadership programs, building and managing the safety and operations departments, and providing creative direction for over 30 years to Hyland Hills.

Andy has served on, shared with and developed programs for multiple industry communities including the IAAPA Waterpark, Education and Membership Committees, National Aquatic Safety Company, Ellis and Associates and the American Red Cross lifeguarding programs, World Waterpark and the National and Colorado Park and Recreation Associations.

In his current role as VP of Business Development for Proslide Technology Inc., Andy is extremely excited to share his experience, knowledge and expertise to help the waterpark industry design, develop and build the World’s Best Water Parks.

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