Interview
www.parkworld-online.com
Ken Whiting Meet the new IAAPA Chair
Park World editor, Becci Knowles caught up with Ken ahead of the IAAPA Expo to find out what he hopes to achieve in his new role.
Ken has 40 years’ experience within the amusement parks and attractions industry.
As
President of his family’s business, his company operates food & beverage locations at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and other venues. Additionally, he provides guidance to venues worldwide on growing revenue and profits within all in-park spending areas, and works with industry employers to improve workplace productivity, performance and development, with the younger, next generation of employees.
He attended his first IAAPA Expo in 1979 and has since become a long time committee volunteer and regular Expo and webinar presenter. In addition to his current role as a member of the IAAPA Board of Directors, he sits on the North American Regional Advisory committee, and facilitates the Institute for Attractions Managers program. Ken and Renee reside in “Surf City”, Santa Cruz, Ca, and have three daughters and “six amazing grandchildren”.
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Ken, how, when and why did you first get into the attractions industry? Tell me about your career to date. I was about 10 years old, and “hired” by my family business to peel bananas for the Chocolate Dipped Bananas we sold. That was my official start. We are food and beverage operators, yet I’ve always identified as being in the amusement park business. As I gained some age and responsibility, I learned I didn't like to operate in a vacuum, and that led me to attend my first IAAPA coPArk World nference in 1979. After attending annually for a few years, I became an active volunteer within IAAPA and our industry. I’ve networked with other food and beverage (F&B) leaders within our industry and even organised annual gatherings so we could meet and learn from each other. I believe you always gain more than you give, and that has been the case for me. Through volunteering and connecting with so many fellow IAAPA members, our company has been able to innovate and grow. And at the same time, I’m
honoured to share I have also grown into an industry resource, and have been able to provide guidance and insight for others so they, too, can grow within this industry, particularly in food and beverage and staffing.
How has your career in the industry prepared you for the coming year as IAAPA Chair? For nearly 40 years my involvement with IAAPA has introduced me to so many industry professionals from every facet of the industry, all around the globe. I’ve gained insights from our manufacturer and supplier members about the issues that impact their business and come to understand their needs and really recognize and support their critical contributions. As an operator, I have first-hand experience with the many unique opportunities, challenges and successes that set our industry apart from all others. And most importantly, the relationships I’ve made have truly fueled my passion for what I do, and what our members do. I am ready!
IAAPA Board of Directors NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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