www.parkworld-online.com
Park Hoppin In association with Park Hoppin’ with Susan Storey T
here’s a meme on social media that says, “Adult friendships be like: ‘I miss you! Let’s get together in November.’” And for the
global attractions industry that’s not just a funny graphic; it’s when all those friends really do get together. So many words describe this industry:
innovative, dynamic, advanced, nostalgic, fun. Ask for the next round of descriptors and you hear close-knit, supportive, community, family.
That family of 30,000 people reunites this month for the IAAPA Expo. True, IAAPA Expo is a busy week filled with meetings and important
work, but it’s also the time for reuniting and catching up. Amidst the colour and excitement of the trade show floor are conversations about the year’s challenges and successes, while heartfelt questions about each other’s families, updates about new opportunities, and personal and professional plans for the future come together. It’s a family reunion and a high school reunion rolled into one. And instead of a balloon arch, there’s typically a roller coaster or two. What I love most about IAAPA Expo is that even though 12 months have
passed, it always feels like it’s only been a few days since everyone came together. We catch up over drinks and during special events as we put our stamina – and feet – to the test over the course of a few days. Several years ago, I was in a meeting with industry colleagues from several
companies. One of them said, “While our companies are competitors in the marketplace, we are all in this together, supporting and helping each other. When one of us succeeds, each of us succeeds.” I will never forget that meeting or
statement. It reflects why so many of us remain in this industry. Sure, we work weekends, late nights, and holidays. But we work for an industry that exists solely to make others smile. An industry that supports each other. As I have grown in my career, it
has been important to me to provide support to new people entering the industry, in the same way others did for me. Incredible opportunities await anyone who takes a chance working at a park or an attraction – and the path can be as varied and unique as you want it to be. Industry professionals welcome
and embrace enthusiastic newcomers as much on Day One as they do throughout their entire career. It may take a village to raise a child, but nothing is greater than the community of professionals who inspire the next generation in their careers. I’m lucky to continue to learn from
so many people I first met in my earliest roles. Today, I proudly call them peers, colleagues, and friends. And while my list is long, it’s important to name a few I’ll see and plan to hug on the trade show floor.
Debbie Evans, Phil Wilson, Lauren Weaver, Corrine Brindley, Ken
Whiting, Jack Mendes, Franceen Gonzalez, John Wood, Ted Molter, Kim Schaefer, Sharon Parker, John Curty, Richard ‘RAC’ Carroll, Jon Peterson, Richard Zimmerman, Angela Westerfield, Pete Owens, Julie Estrada, John McReynolds, Jim and Sara Seay – thank you for being a part of my industry journey and for continuing to inspire those around you. And posthumously, Jon Land, Paul Ruben, Hank Salemi, and Kevin Rohwer – you remain missed, and your impact never forgotten. As you get ready to conduct business and work during IAAPA Expo, plan to
take a few extra moments each day to thank those who have been a part of your journey. After all, it’s November. And your adult friendships miss you!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
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