Interview
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What are the most pressing issues facing our industry? Memberships are a strategy that we are using to ensure repeat visits. We have two great memberships that we offer to guests. Safety is our industry’s number-one priority. And while we already have an excellent safety record, it is critical we continue to work to adopt global ride and operating safety standards. This will benefit everyone in our industry and help us continue to provide safe entertainment for our employees and our guests. Sustainability is becoming an important part of daily business practice and learning to operate more sustainably will challenge our members in new ways. It will continue to impact operating decisions, manufacturer, supplier and vendor selections, staff training, workplace culture and more. As a global industry, we must also recognise sustainability attitudes and practices are not consistent regionally, or even across member constituencies. The IAAPA Global Sustainability Committee is helping us to better understand our members’ needs and how to move forward, and I look forward to supporting their work and recommendations.
Staffing impacts all of us – the challenge of hiring new employees, as well as retaining current ones. Attracting younger employees, providing career paths and training, understanding the needs and wants of today’s workforce while also meets increased guest demands are just a few areas I think we should all work to understand and improve. .
What will be your main goals? My first objective is to stay true to the IAAPA Strategic Plan and stay focused on successfully completing the established goals. Given my background, I want IAAPA to be more top of mind for food and beverage professionals in our industry. F&B has risen to be a growing and increasingly impactful portion of every facility’s business - both top and bottom line. I believe there is more that IAAPA can do to support that side of our industry.
I’d also like to raise awareness of the impact we have as employers, particularly young, first-job employees that we all hire. We need to find ways to encourage young people to think of and choose the attractions industry as they make career decisions and plan for their future. I like to say we have jobs that inspire from a year to a career.
In which areas is the industry doing a good job? There are so many examples of how we are doing well. While COVID-19 has impacted the entire industry in ways we never imagined, we have demonstrated how resilient and innovative we are. The global industry came together to create Reopening Guidance that has been referenced around the world to help facilities communicate to their local communities, governing bodies, employees and guests, we can reopen safely. The parks and attractions that were able to reopen saw their guests return for safe experiences. I believe we have set the example for many other industries and will continue to do so.
Is the leisure industry taken seriously enough by governments around the world compared to other industries? That is definitely, a topic I look forward to understanding better. As a member of IAAPA’s North America region, I understand how the advocacy and public affairs team works on behalf of members at the state and federal level. As an IAAPA Board Member, I continue to learn about advocacy and how it differs by region and individual country. The global attractions industry provides employment, tourism dollars and support for the communities we operate in. That story is important
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
to share at all levels of government and in every region.
Which Park or attraction has inspired you most during your travels with IAAPA? I’ve been to so many, and there are so many different types, that it would be hard for me to select one. However, older legacy parks, such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, that have continued to evolve, stay fresh and relevant after so many years is inspiring. Parks that are able to use their natural environment, have made a sustainability commitment or offer targeted products, services or initiatives for their guests also intrigue me, and get me thinking.
Are you concerned or encouraged by any of the current trends in the industry - which specifically? I’m very encouraged that guests will seek out unique and fun experience - and that’s what our members provide. And the creativity coming from operators and manufacturers and suppliers sets us up well for the future. I’m also inspired by the bold moves that many parks have made and are continuing to make as they adopt lessons learned from the COVID pandemic. Today, I am concerned about the staffing challenges that much of the world is experiencing. The pathway to success feels a little uncertain, but I believe there are solutions, and I believe our industry will lead the way in identifying them.
What’s your personal tip for visitors to the Orlando show?
I say this every year - wear comfortable shoes and walk the entire show floor. You never know what’s going to be around the corner or down the next aisle!
Also, take the time to attend educational sessions! There is so much to learn, and these sessions put you in the same room with others that have similar interests and responsibilities. Oh, and this year, bring your mask.
Brass Ring Awards Ceremony 37
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