IAAPA Foundation - November 2017
2016 IAAPA Foundation Scholarship Fund winners Bridget Frost, Ashley Kaczor, and Matthew Temmer with Dr. Abraham Pizam (left), dean of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, and IAAPA Foundation Chair Jane Cooper (right) |
In 2016, the IAAPA Foundation redefined its mission to inspire life-changing careers in the global attractions industry by cultivating tomorrow’s leaders. Through several events at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017, it will continue to support the professional growth of students while celebrating their achievements.
Supported by generous donations from IAAPA members, the IAAPA Foundation awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a career in the attractions industry. The IAAPA Foundation Scholarship Fund will award three scholarships for 2017-2018 for the Attractions Management Track at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management; these winners will be announced and introduced at the GM and Owners’ Breakfast on Nov. 15.
The winner of The Business of Fun Contest, a partnership between the IAAPA Foundation and nonprofit youth organization Junior Achievement Worldwide, will also be presented at the GM and Owners’ Breakfast. The contest seeks to recognize the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship of students ages 14 to 19 who are interested in improving the guest experience at attractions throughout the industry. Between June 1 and Sept. 21, students submitted their new ideas for rides, entertainment, operations, and more through artwork, photos, videos, graphics, and documents. The top innovator receives a trip to IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 and has the opportunity to meet privately with three key industry executives and visit Orlando attractions.
In addition to the contest, the IAAPA Foundation and JA Worldwide collaborate on a job-shadowing program during the Expo. On Nov. 16, 30 Junior Achievement of Central Florida students will take part in a discussion with four industry executives—including Jane Cooper and Gerald Rakestraw of Herschend Family Entertainment, and Chris Perry of WhiteWater Southeast Asia—and explore the trade show floor on a tour, followed by lunch and a wrapup discussion.
The IAAPA Foundation will also host a silent auction in conjunction with the Expo’s Opening Reception on the evening of Nov. 14. The following day, Nov. 15, Dr. Kathryn Woodcock of Ryerson University will chair the first Educators Roundtable at 2 p.m.
The IAAPA Foundation was formed in 2010 and is chaired by Jane Cooper. It is incorporated in the United States as a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. The foundation accepts contributions from individuals, corporations, trusts, and grant-presenting organizations around the world. Last year, the IAAPA Foundation established a memorial fund in honor of Al Weber Jr., founder, president, and CEO of Apex Parks Group, who passed away in 2016; the fund supports education for future attractions leaders.
For more information about the IAAPA Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.IAAPA.org/IAAPA-foundation.