Asian Attractions Expo 2017 Education Conference to Offer Unique Learning Opportunities for Attractions Leaders

(Alexandria, Virginia, US) — Global amusement park and attractions industry professionals willgather in Singapore to learn about the latest trends and best practices in the internationalattractions industry as part of the educational offerings at Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2017. Theconference offers participants 11 educational programs on a wide range of subjects that addressmany of the key aspects of running a successful attraction. 

Asian Attractions Expo 2017, which takesplace 13–16 June at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, is owned and produced by the InternationalAssociation of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

The four-day education conference provides real-world examples to improve operations and drivebusiness. Session topics include safety, intellectual property use, cultural sensitivity and regionalawareness, revenue generation, facility excellence, human resources, industry innovations, andmore. Some of the brightest minds leading the industry around the world will share their knowledgeand insights with attendees. Confirmed speakers include:

- Zishan Amir, General Manager, Mega Adventure Singapore

- Mike Barclay, Group CEO, Mandai Park Holdings

- Jean-Christophe Canizares, Chairman and CEO, ECA2

- Jack Ellison, Director, H2O EventsBernard Harrison, Principal Partner, Creativity and Design,

- Bernard Harrison and Friends Ltd

- Bob Hayward, Principal, Management Consulting, Asia Pacific KPMG

- Neva Heaston, ICAL, Director of Revenue Operations, Wild Wadi Waterpark

- Chris Ho, General Manager, International Business Department, Chimelong Resort

- Todd Hougland, ICAE, Executive Director, Operations and Entertainment, Ocean Park HongKong

- Ron James, Chief Theming Creative Director, Wanda Cultural Tourism Planning and ResearchInstitute

- Vivian Lee, ICAE, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Ocean Park Hong Kong

- Thomas Megna, President, TEA Asia-Pacific

- Tom Mehrmann, ICAE, BBS, Founder and CEO, Themed Advisors Limited

- Ron Merriman, Managing Director, MR ProFun China, Co. Ltd.

- Derrell Metzger, former CEO, Sentosa and Ocean Park

- Ann-Maree O’Neill, Human Resources Manager, Southport Sharks

- Gerald Parham, Principal Strategist – Multichannel, Global Media and Entertainment Centerof Competency, IBM

- Chris Perry, ICAE, Chief Executive Officer, WhiteWater West SEA

- Michael Reid, Founder/Director, ICONPATH Curated Experiences

- Paul Rivet, Director, Entertainment, Walt Disney Attractions Japan, Ltd.

- Peter Roedbro, CEO and Founder, Entertainment Booking Concepts

- Ken Wheatley, Director, ChristieSteve Wood, Senior Technical Consultant, Ultimate Entertainments Group

- Jill Wu, CEO, YAOX5D Group

In-depth Learning and Multi-Day Offerings

Attendees can participate in more in-depth learning offered by the IAAPA Safety Institute and the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers.

The IAAPA Safety Institute takes place on 13 June and provides an opportunity for attractionsowners and operators to learn about the latest developments and best practices in ride safetystandards, loss prevention, risk management, ride design, and safety compliance.

The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers is a two-and-a-half-day management developmentprogram, 11-13 June, that blends classroom instruction, video presentation, and case studies withfield work at the Singapore Zoo. The institute will cover five core subject areas including attractionsfinance, attractions marketing, attractions leadership, facility operations and safety, and attractionsrevenue operations. The institute is designed for industry professionals with less than five years ofmanagement experience who are interested in advancing their career.

All educational offerings at Asian Attractions Expo 2017 are eligible for credit toward IAAPACertification, the official mark of professional achievement in the global attractions industry. Moreinformation on how IAAPA Certification can provide a valuable boost to an attractions industryprofessional’s career is available at www.IAAPA.org/Certification.

Additional information about the AAE 2017 education program is available at: http://www.IAAPA.org/expos/asian-attractions-expo/education.

Register for the Asian Attractions Expo here: http://www.mil-events.com/aae/

Information about the IAAPA Safety Institute and pricing is available at: http://www.iaapa.org/safetyinstitute

Information about the IAAPA Institute for Attraction Managers and pricing is available at: http://www.iaapa.org/iam

About Asian Attractions Expo

Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier international event for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Asian Attractions Expo 2017 takesplace at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore 13-16 June, andincludes an 9,000 -net-square-meter trade show floor, a comprehensive industry education program,networking events, and visits to some of the region's premier attractions. More than 8,000attractions industry professionals from more than 50 countries will participate in the 2017 event.

About IAAPA

Founded in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently locatedamusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of theattractions industry. IAAPA represents nearly 5,300 facility, supplier, and individual members from99 countries. Member facilities include amusement and theme parks, water parks, attractions,family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, and resorts. IAAPA is anonprofit organization. The association's global headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States.The association maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, Hong Kong, and Orlando. www.IAAPA.org