The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) represents over 5,300 amusement-industry members in more than 100 countries worldwide and operates several global amusement-industry trade shows. The IAAPA Attractions Expo is the largest international trade show for the amusements and attractions industry and features exhibitors and attendees from all aspects of the industry—large and small amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, sports arenas, museums, casinos, and much more. This year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from November 18 to 22.
As a lead-up to this event, we interviewed three leaders in the seasonal entertainment industry—Robbi Lepre, retired Director of Theatrical Services at Busch Gardens Tampa; Steve Sheldon, co-founder and managing partner of EPIC Entertainment Group; and Scott Swenson, who has over 30 Years of experience in environmental theatre, theme parks, live theater, and television —and asked them what two things they do at the Expo every year and to summarize in one sentence why IAAPA is important for the seasonal entertainment industry.
“I’m particularly interested in the Brass Ring Awards for Excellence in Live Entertainment, which recognize the diversity of seasonal events, incredible shows, and talented performers in parks and attractions of all sizes and locations around the world,” Robbi told us. “I also always attend the Entertainment Professionals Open House to connect and exchange best practices with entertainment professionals at parks, zoos, museums, and other attractions.”
For her one-sentence summary of the importance of IAAPA to the seasonal attractions industry, Robbi replied, “IAAPA fosters the sharing of information and resources on events and seasonal entertainment through educational sessions, award recognition, and vendors featuring seasonal products on the exhibit floor.”
Steve’s two favorite things to do at the IAAPA Expo? “Aside from perusing the trade show floor and attending some of the educational sessions, I make a point of connecting outside the show with colleagues and counterparts from other organizations. I also like to visit some of the in-market attractions to experience first-hand what’s new and trending,” he said.
“The IAAPA Expo plays a critical role in bringing industry leaders, experts, and innovators together in a collaborative environment where everyone can benefit in one way or another, and it’s an excellent opportunity to engage with our colleagues on a deeper level and to stay on the forefront of the industry,” said Steve in response to our question about the importance of IAAPA for the seasonal attractions industry.
“I visit the showroom floor to find and network with colleagues while seeing the latest products and attend the TEA [Themed Entertainment Association] mixer,” was Scott’s reply to the question about his two must-do activities at the IAAPA Expo. As for the reason IAAPA is important to the seasonal attraction industry, he replied, “If you wish to elevate your event to the level of the most successful theme parks and attractions, you need to know what they know and see what they see, and IAAPA is the only place to do that.”
ABOUT ROBBI LEPRE:
Robbi is the retired Director of Theatrical Services at Busch Gardens Tampa and received the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Haunted Attraction Association. She has more than 40 years of theme park leadership experience at Busch Gardens Tampa as entertainment department director, project manager, technical director, and producer of award-winning live shows and events. Busch Gardens Tampa’s Howl-O-Scream event was named by HauntWorld magazine and Haunted Attractions magazine as one of the best haunted theme park attractions in the country.
ABOUT STEVE SHELDON:
Steve is an award-winning event producer and is the co-founder and managing partner of EPIC Entertainment Group, a collective of producers, experiential marketers and creative designers focused on producing live events and immersive entertainment experiences. Steve is the co-executive producer of large-scale themed events and attractions that include Dark Harbor, Southern California’s fastest-growing haunt attraction; and CHILL, the largest holiday-themed event on the West Coast. Steve previously served as the Director of Entertainment Events for The Queen Mary, the legendary ocean liner-turned hotel and entertainment venue, overseeing all aspects of event development and production aboard the ship and on the 45-acre adjacent property.
ABOUT SCOTT SWENSON:
Scott has been bringing stories to life as a writer, director, producer, and performer for over three decades. During his 21 years working with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Scott was part of the team that created park-wide events such as Howl-O-Scream, Summer Nights, and Christmas Town. He wrote and directed over 20 walk-through interactive experiences for these events including Alone (the first personalized immersive haunt experience in a theme park), The Experiment, After Hours: Club Muse, and Welcome to Santa’s House.
