Asian Attractions Expo 2018 Offers Unique Learning Opportunities and In-Depth Education Sessions

ORLANDO, Fla., US (April 19, 2018) – Global attractions industry professionals will gather inHong Kong, China, 5-8 June 2018, to be inspired, discover new ways to think creatively, and learn from industry experts during the education sessions offered at Asian Attractions Expo2018 (AAE 2018). 

The conference, which takes place at the Hong Kong Convention andExhibition Centre, is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parksand Attractions (IAAPA).

AAE 2018 participants can take part in 15 general education sessions covering a wide range ofsubjects that address key aspects of running a successful attraction, including facility operations,human resources management, crisis communications, guest experience design, and more. Allsessions will be simultaneously translated in English and Mandarin Chinese, and attendees areeligible to receive eight (8) credit hours toward IAAPA Certification, the official mark ofprofessional achievement in the global attractions industry.

Attractions industry leaders from around the world will share their knowledge and insights withconference attendees during general education sessions. Notable speakers include:

Australia

- Amanda Byrne, Chief Marketing Officer, Scenic World

- Adam Campbell, Managing Director, Campbell Constructions

- Anthea Hammon, Managing Director, Scenic World

- Chris Zumwalt, Chief Operating Officer, Scenic World

Mainland China

- Alan Mahony, Vice President, Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis Sanya Resort, China

- Ron Merriman, Managing Director, MR ProFun China

Hong Kong, China

 - Ellis Ku, Head of Learning & Organization Development, Maxim's Caterers Ltd.

- Hans Lau, Park Entertainment Manager, Ocean Park Hong Kong

Japan

 - Mike Davis, Senior Vice President, International Entertainment, Universal Parks and Resorts

- Daniel Perez, Creative Manager, Entertainment Department, Universal Studios Japan

- Mike Westmoreland, Director of Operations, Walt Disney Attractions Japan

Malaysia

 - Daan Duijm, Senior Attractions and Water Park Manager, Legoland Malaysia Resort

New Zealand

 - Chris Deere, ICAE, Consultant, Supportlab

Philippines

 - Jose Blue Reyna III, ICAE, Head of Safety and Risk Management Division, EnchantedKingdom

South Korea

 - Beomjoon Jung, CEO, Sangwha South Korea

- Dr. Vincent Taehyun Park, Director of Strategy and Planning, Everland Resorts,Samsung C&T Corporation

Thailand

 - Wuthichai Luangamornlert, Managing Director, Siam Park Bangkok Co. Ltd.

United States

- Chris Brown, CEO, Contour Entertainment

- Greg Hale, ICAE, Vice President and Chief Safety Officer, Walt Disney Parks andResorts

- John Rust, Executive Creative Director, Rethink Leisure and Entertainment

Please note: General education sessions are included with registration for IAAPA members.Nonmembers require an additional fee.

In-depth Learning and Multi-Day Offerings 

 Attendees can also participate in additional in-depth learning programs during the IAAPA SafetyInstitute and the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers.

IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers

Taking place 3-5 June, this professional development program is designed for leaders with fiveor fewer years of experience in attractions management. The two-and-a-half-day program offersa blend of classroom instruction led by experts, case study examinations, and small grouppresentations that address finance, marketing, leadership, facility operations, safety, andrevenue operations. Participants present throughout all sessions earn 16 credit hours toward IAAPA Certification.

IAAPA Safety Institute

On 5 June, this program provides an opportunity for attractions owners and operators to learnabout the latest developments and best practices in ride safety standards, loss prevention, riskmanagement, ride design, and safety compliance. This program is eligible for credit toward IAAPA Certification. Participants earn four credit hours toward IAAPA Certification.

Please note: IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers and IAAPA Safety Institute each requirea separate fee.

Animal Welfare: Trends, Issues, and Strategies Forum (5 June)

In addition to 15 general education sessions led by industry leaders, the Animal Welfare: Trends,Issues, and Strategies Forum is open exclusively to IAAPA members will update attendeesabout the issue, perceptions, and trends facing attractions and facilities with animals.

Over the past decade, public attention and concern about the welfare and rights of animals hasgrown exponentially. The implications of these trends are significant and profoundly affect zoos,aquariums, attractions, and parks that display or feature animals. Jim Hekkers, retired managing director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, will lead a forum that explores the key components ofthe issues while providing actionable information to help organizations understand, cope with,and proactively manage potential public criticism.

Speakers include Jim Hekkers, Former Managing Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium, SuzanneGendron, Executive Director Zoological Operations, Conservation and Education, Ocean Park, and Ted Molter, Chief Marketing Officer, San Diego Zoo Global and IAAPA Zoo andAquarium Committee Chair.

Please note: Admission to the Animal Welfare Forum requires a separate ticket in addition toregistration.

Speakers are subject to change. For more information and to register for AAE 2018, visit www.iaapa.org/asian-attractions-expo.

Media Registration Now Open

Media registration to attend and cover AAE 2018 is now open. Members of the press can applyfor credentials online at: http://www.iaapa.org/expos/asian-attractions-expo/press

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 2018takes place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong, China 5-8 June,and includes a 9,500-net-square-meter trade show floor, a comprehensive industry educationprogram, networking events, and visits to some of the region's premier attractions. More than8,000 attractions industry professionals from more than 50 countries will participate in the 2018event. @IAAPAHQ #AAE18

About IAAPA

Celebrating its 100 th anniversary in 2018, the International Association of Amusement Parks andAttractions (IAAPA) began as an advocacy office in 1918. Since that time, IAAPA has becomethe largest international trade association for permanently located attractions dedicated to thepreservation and prosperity of the global attractions industry. As a non-profit organization,IAAPA represents more than 5,300 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions;water parks, resorts; family entertainment centers; zoos, aquariums; science centers, museums;and industry manufacturers and suppliers.

IAAPA helps members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability whilemaintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry worldwide.

The association's global headquarters is in Orlando, Florida, US. The non-profit organizationmaintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; Mexico City,Mexico, and Alexandria, Virginia, US. To learn more, visit www.IAAPA.org or connect throughsocial media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA100