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IAAPA Update
KW: Food and beverage is about more than just providing a few options to guests, and I worked to elevate and highlight awareness about the growing significance food and beverage has on both the
overall guest experience and the bottom line. With the support of the IAAPA team, we launched several new initiatives
and still have more to come. We increased the number of food and beverage exhibitors at IAAPA Expo, and created focused sponsorship opportunities. We added more education programmes and information to IAAPA’s certification requirements, so candidates have truly well-rounded knowledge, and we also introduced cost-saving programmes that benefit all IAAPA members. Beyond this, I’d say I gained a much broader understanding of the global
issues, challenges, and opportunities facing our members across all lines of business and categories, and as well as market regions.
SS: What do you think are the strengths of the global attractions industry? And what about its weaknesses? KW: The global attractions industry delivers incredible, memorable experiences, and that’s what consumers of all ages seek around the world. The industry will always face business challenges, but those who remain creative and innovative as they run their businesses, develop new products, services, and solutions – I believe they have a strong future.
SS: What is your greatest hope for the industry going forward? KW: I hope we become an industry of choice for young people as they think about and plan their careers. So many young people first enter the workforce at their local amusement park, FEC or attraction, and then they move on to other industries for full-time opportunities and career advancement. Operators and
OCTOBER 2022
the supplier/manufacturer companies that support them have so much to offer, and many areas of professional interest to explore. I believe we have a duty to help better tell our story and excite the next generation about working with us. The IAAPA Foundation, IAAPA Ambassador Program and IAAPA Education
Programs have already done fantastic work providing support, scholarships, exposure opportunities and career pathways in the attractions industry, but there is much more that can be done.
SS: Do you have any advice for Jim Pattison who will be the 2023 IAAPA Chairman of the Board? KW: Jim doesn’t need any advice from me. He is a great leader and a dedicated and committed industry volunteer. His global business background with Ripley Entertainment makes him the perfect person to next lead IAAPA and serve our members.
SS: What’s next for you? How can we get ICEE cotton candy? KW: First things first, I will be spending more time with my family. It has been an incredible and busy year, but I did miss a few key family events, and I look forward to being back together with everyone. Renee and I will soon welcome our ninth grandchild and I cannot wait to hang out with all of them! I am not leaving IAAPA or the work we have been doing! I’ll remain a
dedicated advocate and ambassador for the industry I love, and will continue to look at ways I can help. I also hope to find new ways to encourage young people to consider working at a park, attraction or with a supplier or manufacturer company as they begin their careers. I’m also looking forward to spending more time at the Santa Cruz Beach
Boardwalk with my family’s food and beverage business. COVID taught us to continue to look for growth opportunities, and there is still lots of work to do! The ICEE cotton candy initiative has done very well for all of us and I’m excited to think about what new partnerships and programmes we will produce next.
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