Volume 1, No. 20. November 20, 2001
A
leg up
"IAAPA Legs" are that moment when the lower limbs of a person's anatomy morph
from sore to bone-aching. Depending on how much walking, standing and playing
you do, and how little sleep you get, it usually victimizes most conventioneers
by the third day of the trade show. Yet, despite the dawn-to-dusk walking work
that goes into attending an IAAPA Convention and Trade Show, we tack on another
six or more after-dark hours of play. As veteran IAAPAers will tell you, the
socializing is as vital to industry networking as the convention seminars and
trade floor exchanges.
But this is not so much about business as about having a good time, and here's
your primer for fun.
IAAPA itself sponsors or hosts several events, and one annual gathering, the
International Reception, this year requires a $25 ticket. That includes food
and non-alcoholic beverages, and will be a good opportunity to mingle with counterparts
from around the world, plus take in the Plaza International Ballroom at the
Peabody Hotel across International Drive from the Convention Center. The Wednesday
evening reception conflicts with several other scheduled social gatherings for
various sectors of the industry, two of which are off-site: the Zoo and Aquarium
Social at the Central Florida Zoo, and the Waterpark Social at SeaWorld's Discovery
Cove. You waterpark operators, if you get an invitation to the last, don't pass
it up. You'll get good food in lush environs of that singular park.
IAAPA's annual Thursday Night Social will be at Universal Orlando's Islands
of Adventure. If you have never been to this theme park, take advantage of this
exclusive party to play in what is arguably the industry's best themed environment
with some spectacular rides, especially The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
Tickets cost $65 and will include all-you-can eat and drink (including alcoholic
beverages) at the park's first-rate restaurants. Saturday night's social and
Changing of the Gavel Ceremony Reception will be at SeaWorld ($78 combined ticket,
$65 for the social only), and aside from seeing a special Shamu show, you can
count on SeaWorld's caterers producing stellar fare.
The must-do party of the week will be the annual bash thrown by the Themed Entertainment
Association beginning at 6:30 (18,30) on Friday night. The TEA is renting out
XS, a games and nightclub at Pointe Orlando on International Drive, and the
$60 ticket includes all you can eat, all you can drink, door prizes and a game-playing
card for XS' video arcade. This is also the best dance action of the week, this
year courtesy of a dee-jay.
If you want to find your own hot spots to party, head to Universal's CityWalk,
where you can dance to live reggae at Bob Marley's or gather in the quieter
confines of Cigarz. Orlando has two dueling piano bars, the famous Howl at the
Moon downtown at Church Street Station, and Blazing Pianos at the Mercado on
International Drive a few blocks from the Convention Center. Even closer to
the Center is Bahama Breeze with reputedly the best margaritas (called Bahamaritas)
on the planet, and Back Stage, a club with live music on the ground floor of
the Rosen Plaza right next to the Convention Center.