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Weaving a theme of resilience and recovery throughout programming, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) held its annual conference on April 7th and 8th, 2021. IAAPA’s annual summit, which convened industry leaders and speakers, was hosted in a virtual format. The two-day event also brought global members together for learning opportunities and networking sessions.
Marc Swanson, Interim CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Serves as Keynote Speaker
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s Interim CEO, Marc Swanson, served as one of the IAAPA Virtual Conference’s keynote speakers. Swanson stressed that Scott Ross, Founder and Managing Partner of Hill Path Capital and SeaWorld’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, was instrumental in helping SeaWorld overcome the pandemic’s many challenges. Swanson acknowledged Scott Ross’ constructive Board leadership and the Board’s beneficial collaboration with the SeaWorld Management Team.
Swanson also stressed the benefits of having a major investor on the Board of Directors. Thus, the company was able to make strategic decisions that addressed operational and financial concerns. As the pandemic continued, SeaWorld shuttered its parks to comply with government directives. In response, the company decreased many operational costs while increasing business efficiencies. Swanson emphasized that the company’s coordinated pandemic response has placed it in a more competitive position.
IAAPA Speakers Focus on Recovery and Resilience
Other IAAPA Virtual Conference speakers delivered accounts of their companies’ successes in meeting pandemic-related challenges. On Wednesday, April 7th, industry leaders spoke around a theme of recovery.
JRA’s Keith James spearheaded a constructive M&S Solution Talks session. Several global industry professionals spoke optimistically about new opportunities arising from pandemic disruptions.
The April 7th schedule also included an attractions industry panel discussion. Led by Rockwell Automation’s Linda Freeman, the session featured industry experts who recommended strategies for successful park operation despite pandemic-related hurdles.
On Thursday, April 8th, Bernie Campbell of Whirley-Drinkworks! echoed the day’s Resilience theme by moderating an illustrative case study. Several Typhoon Texas executives spoke of the company’s food and beverage teams’ ongoing efforts to serve their guests despite pandemic-related restrictions.
Each distinct challenge contained an element of physical, informational, cognitive, and social change. The speakers stressed that successfully conquering each obstacle helped to create a stronger company in the long term.
Thursday’s keynote presentation featured Leon Logothetis. This global motorcycle adventurer and motivational speaker highlighted the power of human connection. As part of Logothetis’ remarks, he urged attendees to integrate humanity and adventure themes in their organization’s messaging.
IAAPA Overview
For over a century, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions has supported its attractions industry members worldwide. Established in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities. The organization has over 6,000 facilities, suppliers, and individual members from over 100 countries.
The IAAPA’s member services include daily news updates, member directory, and professional eLearning classes. This proactive organization also performs industry advocacy and lobbies to influence industry-related legislation positively. Retrospectively, the IAAPA Virtual Conference served as an effective impetus for a forward-thinking attractions industry. At the conference’s conclusion, the organization’s members continued to focus their efforts on welcoming guests for the 2021 season.
