Episode 380: Takeaways from IAAPA Expo 2024

AttractionPros Podcast

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The future of fun begins at IAAPA FEC Summit, January 19–21, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Join FEC and LBE professionals for an immersive experience packed with strategic insights, networking, and behind-the-scenes EDUTours of unique local facilities. Learn how to make your FEC stand out a crowded market and explore the latest trends designed to elevate your business. Build valuable connections and leave inspired with actionable strategies for success. Secure your spot today!

IAAPA Expo is the world’s largest gathering of professionals in the attractions industry, showcasing cutting-edge innovations, networking opportunities, and educational sessions that shape the future of location-based experiences. As long-time participants and advocates for the industry, Matt and Josh were actively involved in this year’s expo, including leading education sessions, along with hosting the highly successful AttractionPros Meetup, which brought together attendees from around the globe. In this episode, they reflect on their biggest takeaways from the Expo, highlighting lessons learned, the value of connections, and key trends shaping the attractions industry.

The Importance of Networking

Josh and Matt emphasize how IAAPA fosters connections that can have long-term impacts. They share personal stories, including meeting mentees at Career Slam and having meaningful interactions during the AttractionPros Sunday Night Meetup, which exceeded attendance expectations and highlighted the sense of community within the industry.

Both Josh and Matt underscore the "compounding effect" of networking, describing how relationships formed years ago can evolve into significant opportunities, professionally and personally.

Adapting to Change

Josh and Matt reflect on the importance of adaptability in both personal and professional contexts. They highlight how careers in the attractions industry often follow nonlinear paths, encouraging flexibility and openness to unexpected opportunities. Whether it’s exploring roles outside of one’s initial focus or seizing unplanned chances for growth, their advice emphasizes embracing change as a constant and transformative force in achieving long-term success.

Leadership and People Skills in a Tech-Driven World

While the Expo showcased cutting-edge technology and innovation, Josh and Matt remind listeners that the industry remains fundamentally people-driven. Genuine connections, trust-building, and shared experiences remain irreplaceable.

Takeaways for Future IAAPA Attendees

• Show Up: Simply being present and actively engaging can lead to transformative opportunities.
• Embrace Crazy Ideas: Matt’s "random ate" dinner at Maggiano’s demonstrated how small, informal gatherings can create meaningful connections.
• Focus on Passion: For mentees, the advice was clear: find what you’re drawn to, and pursue roles and companies aligned with your interests, even if the job title isn’t an exact match.

Impact and Gratitude

Lastly, one of the biggest takeaways that Matt and Josh had from this year’s expo was the impact that this podcast makes. Several people shared stories of episodes and interviews that impacted their career development and growth. Josh shared a touching story of a listener who found solace and motivation in the AttractionPros Podcast during cancer treatment.

We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to the IAAPA team, the ambassadors, and everyone who contributed to making the Expo a success. We encourage listeners to share their own Expo takeaways and consider submitting ideas for educational sessions for IAAPA Expo 2025.

This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:

• Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas
• Audio and Video editing by Abby Giganan

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