Volume 1, No. 20. November 20, 2001
Wising up
However much you party the night before, IAAPA's seminars usually are worth
dragging yourself out of bed to attend, even the 8 a.m. (08,00) sessions. This
year's slate features some old favorites (Michael Getlan gives an encore presentation
of his "Smile" seminar on customer service Tuesday morning) and some seminars
that will help you get a grip on a few of the trends worth watching the next
couple of years.
A two-part seminar on the Americans with Disabilities Act Tuesday afternoon
promises valuable insights on serving customers with disabilities, from accessibility
issues to proper etiquette. Also that afternoon, Andrea Stueve of the Travel
Industry Association of America will cover that organization's latest research
on U.S. travelers. Former IAAPA President Gena Romano, owner of Nellie Bly Park
in Brooklyn, New York, will moderate a meeting Friday morning of how small parks
survive around the world. At The Future of Themed Entertainment presentation
Friday morning, the TEA in association with Amusement Business will be
presenting the results of a survey on the tastes and spending patterns of Generation
Y compiled by Teen Research Unlimited.
Orlando also affords IAAPA a chance to showcase the facilities of the association's
designated charity, Give Kids The World and the World Passport for Kids. IAAPA
members worldwide have donated funds and equipment to GKTW over the past few
years, allowing the organization to build a center to house terminally ill children
and their families while they visit Central Florida's theme parks. GKTW will
host a Partner Appreciation Day throughout Tuesday afternoon for those parks
and companies who have contributed to the program, and an Open Village for all
convention attendees Thursday afternoon. Complimentary bus transportation will
be available from the Convention Center.