Education Sessions at IAAPA Expo Asia

IAAPA Expo Asia offers general education sessions led by industry leaders to help you grow your business, to inspire you, and to advance your career. 

Topics include facility operations, marketing, public relations and communications, entertainment, government relations, security and safety, information technology, food and beverage, merchandise and games, human resources, and more! 

In addition to education sessions, EDUTours, networking events, and in-depth learning opportunities are available at an additional cost. For more information, visit the Special Events page. 

IAAPA Certification: Participation in the general education program at IAAPA Expo Asia qualifies for eight (8) hours of credit toward IAAPA Certification.

June 8, Monday

Establishing Internationally Branded Theme Parks in China

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

In recent years, different internationally branded operators have opened theme parks throughout China. Hear from theme park representatives as they discuss the challenges of cultural localization, and share their experiences on how to establish and operate a theme park business in China. 

Speaker

• Alan Kwok, Director, Park Operations, Shanghai Disney Resort

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

A Look Into the Design of Macao’s Local Attractions

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

How does design help theme parks grow business? This session offers a look into the retail components that drive sustainable sales growth at theme parks, and explores the design process of two of Macao’s largest and most successful resorts — Galaxy Macao and Macao Studio City.

Speaker

• Taylor Jeffs, President & Chief Creative Office, Legacy Entertainment

Moderator

•  Jeri Oka, Senior Design Principal, The Jerde Partnership

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Explore How Training Can Be Fun and Develop the Business and Team by Play

12 – 1 p.m.

Design Thinking and Innovation in your Business, Build up Business Strategy by Play; Purpose Play For Performance; Training can be Fun; Build up Team Culture by Play

Speaker

• Brian Tang, Founder, Owner & Facilitator, Strategic Play Group Ltd.

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

CEO Speaks

12 – 1 p.m.

Moderator

• Victor Danau, Director of Operations & Development Asia Pacific, Ripley Entertainment

IAAPA Certification:1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Operations Best Practices in Asia

2 – 3 p.m.

This session will explore ways to approach cultural differences between guest expectations and staff in order to run safe and smooth operations. 

Speaker

• Daan Duijm, ICAE, Director of Operations & Set Up, Sunworld Group

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Sportainment – The Future of Leisure

2 – 3 p.m.

Learn how to prepare for the next generation of consumers. Clip and Climb, a leisure innovator in the climbing market, will explore the results of an industry report outlining what consumers are demanding from this sector in the next decade. With augmented reality and technological advances dominating leisure experiences, the company will provide insights into plans to launch a new cutting-edge software application and scoring system that embraces the connectivity of the leisure industry.

Speaker

• Russell Leon Stokes, Vice President, Branded Attractions, National Basketball Association (NBA)

Moderator

•  Tiphaine Lazard, International Product Manager, Clip 'n Climb

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

June 9, Tuesday

Tips for Successful Crisis Management 

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

In this day and age, every guest at a facility has a cell phone and can become a citizen journalist. Is your company prepared to handle a crisis situation? Attendees will learn fundamental steps on how to successfully and effectively mitigate a crisis — and learn tips on what NOT to do in times of crisis. These techniques are critical to help improve your public reputation, which can lead to increased profits for your company. 

Speaker

• Jeff Chatterton, President, Checkmate Public Affairs

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Marketing & Revenue Operations Roundtable

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This roundtable brings together industry professionals with water park operations at their facilities to discuss topical water park issues, share experiences and ideas, and make meaningful connections. Attendees will discuss current challenges facing the water park industry in the Asia Pacific region, while discovering new approaches and solutions to ongoing issues and challenges.

IAAPA Certification: 1.5 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Game Changer: The Power of Attraction Technologies

1 – 2 p.m. 

“A wake up call of Technology and Innovation, the power of Attraction Tech to our industry” from MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node

It’s an exciting time for countless technological advances across the attractions industry. This session will explore the possibilities of immersive, personalized, and shareable experiences on the horizon. Hear how technology innovations will shape and impact the future of attractions with projection, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR). 

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Automation and Digitalization in Attractions Operations 

 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

Automation and digitalization within attractions operations is a trend that is here to stay. Attractions operators are cutting labor and operational costs while vastly improving the guest experience. This session will explore automation opportunities within visual media, rides and ride systems, ride safety, kiosks, admission control, food and beverage, accepting currency, and guest wayfinding. Attendees will discover real-life examples of automation and digitalization from attractions and take part in opportunities to share examples and best practices.

Speakers

• Aaron Glade, Director, Entertainment Operations at Studio City
• Anna Danau, Asia Pacific Partner for Mobaro Park
• Joseph Leung, ICAE, Senior Director, Food Service Operations at Universal Studio Beijing

Moderator

• Randy Josselyn, Principal, Wildlife and Conservation at Gateway Ticketing Systems

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Global Attractions Industry Safety: Review of Global Incidents 

 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

What does global attractions media coverage tell us about attractions safety? What important trends need our attention? Explore global media coverage regarding recent incidents and discuss information operators can collect to close gaps and use feedback in their safety management system. Learn from attractions industry leaders as they review a recent study titled “Global Incidence of Theme Park and Amusement Ride Accidents.”

Speaker

• Franceen Gonzales, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Whitewater West Industries

Moderator

• Kathryn Woodcock, Ph.D., CCPE, ICAE PEng, Professor, Ryerson University

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Water Park Roundtable

3:30 – 5 p.m. 

This roundtable brings together operators, managers, trainers, and Human Resources (HR) professionals to discuss topical HR issues, share experiences, tips and ideas, and make meaningful connections. Attendees will discuss current human resource issues within the attractions industry in the Asia Pacific region, while discovering new approaches and solutions to ongoing challenges.

IAAPA Certification: 1.5 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

June 10, Wednesday

Leadership Breakfast

8:30 – 10 a.m.
Room: IAAPA Theater

Start your morning with industry professionals and leaders from throughout the Asia Pacific region and around the world. Attendees will be able to connect with owners and corporate executives from facilities and suppliers. Enjoy a compelling keynote presentation that will provide insight on emerging trends and new developments affecting the industry. 

IAAPA Certification: 1.5 credit hours.

Note(s): Must be 18 or older to attend. Separate ticket and Expo badge required to attend. 

Cost: US $89/ MOP $720 IAAPA Members; US$ 119/ MOP $960 Nonmembers. Tickets should be purchased in advance as space is limited and may sell out. Expo registration is also required.

Interpretation Provided: Yes, speaker will be speaking Chinese.

What Can Water Parks Learn from Theme Parks and Vice Versa

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

What can a water park learn from a theme park and vice versa? Can the two ever mix? Both theme and water parks are always looking for news ways to excite and engage guests. While the operations of each park type differs, they also share many similarities. In this session, panelists will compare and contrast approaches to ticketing, safety procedures, queue management, passive capacity spaces, retail mix, and story and theming. This benchmark session will re-evaluate industry norms and challenge boundaries between park types. 

Speakers

• Brad Loxley, Chief Operating Officer, Sun World Holding Vietnam

Moderator

• Nathan Jones, President Park Attractions, WhiteWater West Industries

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Learning Lab | The Odd Couple: The Changing Expectations of Safety in the Attractions Industry

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

This session will feature a role play between a well-intended attractions maintenance manager and an attractions external auditor sharing his findings on common safety breaches found within a typical theme park. Attendees will interact with the disputed outcomes of the audit, as long-term solutions are debated including predictive management of issues, preventative strategies, and proactive strategic planning.

Speakers

• Chris Deaves, Technical Specialist, Theme Park Asset Management Consultant
• Clinton Ford, Consulting Engineer, Industry, Amusement & Attractions

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Lunch and Learn

12 – 1 p.m.

Room: IAAPA Theater

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Note(s): Must be 18 or older to attend. Separate ticket and Expo badge required to attend. 

Cost: US $69/ MOP $560 IAAPA Members; US$ 99/ MOP $800 Nonmembers. Tickets should be purchased in advance as space is limited and may sell out. Expo registration is also required.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Best Practices for Leveraging IP in Parks and Attractions

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Hear from a panel of intellectual property (IP) licensors as they share their experiences with the design and approval process, what works and what doesn’t, mistakes to avoid, and an overview on the licensing process to help owners and developers decide whether to license an IP and how best to take advantage of IP resources.

Speakers

• Natalie Chan, Director, Branded Experience and Promotion partnerships at Hasbro (APAC)
• Keith James, Chief Executive Officer/Owner, Jack Rouse Associates
•  Evi Sari, Vice President, Nickelodeon Experience Design, ViacomCBS

Moderator 

• Linda Dong, President, China Leisure  

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Learning Lab | Strategic and Tactical Approaches to Turbo-drive Park Revenue

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Speaker 

• Mark Shaw, CEO, Shaw Thing Consulting

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Learning Lab | Hackathon:  Solve Your Park's Toughest Problems

3 – 4 p.m. 

During this roundtable discussion, learn from industry colleagues to identify and solve difficult challenges at your attractions. Topics will include staff retention, budgeting, training, social media marketing, employee burnout, safety, and much more. Hosted by the IAAPA Asia-Pacific Membership Subcommittee.

Moderator

• IAAPA Asia-Pacific Membership Subcommittee.

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Young Professional Educational Session

5 – 6 p.m.

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

June 11, Thursday

How Interactive Edutainment Digital Content Empower FECs in Asia

9 – 10 a.m.

In today’s digital age, the amusement industry is faced with changes in young parents’ consumption cognition and changes in children’s play needs. This presents both opportunities and challenges for family entertainment centers (FECs) and indoor playgrounds. How can they stand out in an environment facing serious competition and a saturated commercial real estate market while obtaining sustainable and high-quality profits? This session will address a new perspective, starting with the needs of young parents and children. Explore interactive, educational digital content that can empower the FEC and indoor playground sector. 

Speaker

• Lu Haochuan Harry, Founder & CEO, Sindrax Technology

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

The Rise of Outdoor Adventure Attractions in Asia: Ziplines, Ropes Courses and Everything in Between

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

This session will offer a look at outdoor adventure attractions and how they are  fueling the growth of adventure tourism in Asia. What are the risks involved in operating these attractions? How do you keep the thrill factor up without compromising safety? How do you keep people coming back for more? Hear first-hand from key industry professionals who are leading this space in Asia.

Speaker

• Adam Doan, Director of Operations, Asia Pacific at Asia Pacific Attractions

Moderator

• Zishan Amir, General Manager, Mega Adventure Group

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Human Resources Roundtable

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This interactive roundtable will discuss relevant topics related to marketing and revenue operations. Attendees will share best practices, discuss challenges and issues, and establish meaningful connections with industry colleagues. Marketing topics addressed in this session will include food and beverage and retail operations.  

Moderator

• IAAPA

IAAPA Certification: 1.5 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Voices within the Attractions Industry

2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

This hour-long session will feature six passionate and diverse voices as they share their views, dreams, ideas, insights, and passions on issues relevant to the global attractions industry. 

Speakers

• 6 passionate voices from across the attractions industry

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Operations and Safety Roundtable

2 – 3:30 p.m. 

Safety is the number one priority for all in the global attractions industry. This interactive roundtable will address common concerns, issues, and ideas to strengthen safety best practices across operations at attractions. Attendees will learn from industry peers while discussing challenges and ways to continuously reinforce a culture of safety. 

Moderator

• IAAPA

IAAPA Certification: 1.5 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

Dispelling Myths Surrounding Master Planning for Entertainment Experiences

4 – 5 p.m. 

There are some common misconceptions and rumors when it comes to planning themed entertainment. In this session, panelists will dispel some of those myths and provide facts and tips for planning themed entertainment experiences. Myths that will be addressed include: “entertainment experiences will be successful in any condition or location” and “pairing your project with an international intellectual property (IP) or brand will overcome any challenges you’re faced within your market.”

Speaker

• Michiel Illy, CEO, PVCP; Yael Coifman, Economic Market and Feasibility Consultants, Leisure Development Partners
• Yael Coifman, Senior Partner, Leisure Development Partners (LDP)

Moderator

• Steven Rhys, Executive Vice President, FORREC

IAAPA Certification: 1 credit hours.

Interpretation Provided: No.

June 12, Friday - June 14, Sunday

IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers

June 12 - June 14, 2020
Location: Studio City, Macao, China 

The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers is the attractions industry’s premier professional development program for leaders with five or fewer years’ experience in attractions management.

The intensive two-and-a-half-day program is designed with a blend of classroom instruction led by industry experts, case study examinations, and small group presentations. IAAPA Institute for Attraction Managers participants gain a solid understanding of the key disciplines and processes required to manage a successful attraction. Participants in the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers earn 16 credit hours toward IAAPA Certification. 

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