IAAPA Round 2 Takeaways!

For a few years, I have heard about this thing called the “IAAPA Expo.” I heard it was a "Daven Busters times twelve on steroids with all-you-can-eat ice cream and soft pretzels surrounding you." Last year, I went for the first time to the expo and was amazed. Coming in, I knew a lot about Disney and Universal (two great companies) but did not realize there were so many other incredible companies in the industry. These are companies like Sally Dark Rides, Storyland Studios, Falcons Creative Group, Dynamic Attractions, and Premier Rides. During the week, I learned a lot about networking, what companies do, and the events that happen there. After the expo, I knew I wanted to be a part of this industry!

But while I left IAAPA in amazement, it would be a whole year until it would come back again! And when IAAPA 2022 was here, I was so excited to reconnect with people I had not seen in a year. There are many articles about how to go to IAAPA for the first time, but not too many about what it is like attending for the 2nd time. So, I wanted to share a few takeaways from going to IAAPA for the second time and things I wished I had known going the first time too.

Take in The Details

During my first time on the show floor, I was overwhelmed by the glitz and glamor of it all. I wanted to take this year to take a deeper dive into the industry and learn more about the companies in it. I found that looking at the models displayed at the booths was a great start. There is so much one can learn from models, including ride layout, the show set design, ride vehicle design, and other aspects. Even when companies are very busy selling their products on the show floor, one can learn a lot by looking at the models they have and reading short descriptions of them. Sometimes, companies might have magazines one can take with them too! Also, some companies have activities you could partake in or games you could play. These experiences at the booth are a great opportunity to learn more in detail about what a company does while also having fun at the same time!

Find Connections in New Ways

Sometimes it is hard to go up and just talk with people on the show floor, as many are busy selling their products (which is a big reason why IAAPA exists). However, there are still many ways to connect with people while at IAAPA. One way is volunteering! This past year, I volunteered with the Themed Entertainment Association, helped set up their booth, and checked-in people at the TEA international mixer. During this process, I not only got to have fun volunteering but met many people in the industry at the same time! I also learned that some companies could use help setting up their booths and tearing them down at the end of the week. Another way to meet others is while waiting in line to get into events. I met Jessi O’Daniel, who was head of the IAAPA Young Professional Committee, this way last year. Talking with people in line and with the speakers after events are a great way to connect with people in the industry.

People Are Willing to Help You

While IAAPA may be a lot to take in for young professionals, many amazing organizations support the next generation of talent, including the IAAPA Young Professional Program, TEA NextGen, and the Big Break Foundation. IAAPA offers a couple of educational sessions and events catered to young professionals. This includes the educational event "How to #Expo like a #YoPro" and a young professional reception too. These events are a great opportunity to meet others with similar goals, hopes, and dreams to join the industry. Another great resource is the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) booth. They have a program called NextGen, where one can meet others trying to join the industry. The TEA put on an ice cream social this past Expo for NextGen members to gather and meet people in the industry. The TEA booth is also a great home base if one does not know where to go on the show floor. Another home base is the Big Break Foundation. They are a fantastic program that helps young professionals. At IAAPA 2022, they worked hard to provide 50 passes to the expo for people trying to find their big break and offered times for young professionals to meet with industry executives too. The people at Big Break love meeting students (and anyone in the industry) and want to help.

Stay a Novice

One of the most significant pieces of advice I have been given by many is, “the day you stop learning is the day you should retire.” While I have been to IAAPA before, there are always so many new things to learn, activities to try, and people to meet. The industry is constantly changing, so keep learning along the way and have an open mind!