The Inaugural Expedition FAA was an enormous success, premiering on Thursday, November 8 at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. The event drew capacity attendance and featured a day filled with informative presentations, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. FAA members were encouraged to arrive early to explore the award-winning zoo before the start of Expedition FAA.

The event took place in the zoo's Africa realm in Riley's Reserve and kicked off with an informal lunch where Chairman Dan Donovan (Universal Orlando Resort) provided an update on the FAA's strategic plan rollout and the ongoing efforts of the Board of Directors. Bill Lupfer shared insights on the election night results, the contributions made by the Florida Attractions Political Action Committee, and the potential impact of the 2025 Florida Legislature on the industry. Mike Donaldson, Members Services Manager, highlighted upcoming FAA events, including the 2025 Annual Conference scheduled for June 8-11 in Ponte Vedra. Jennifer Berthiaume (Lion Country Safari), Chairman of the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation, announced the opening of the 2025 Scholarship and Grant application period in February. Then Melissa Vogt (Broadway Palm Dinner Theater), Chair of the FAA Board Events Committee, revealed that the next Expedition FAA will take place in St. Augustine in January 2025.

The highlight of the event was a presentation on the rebranding and transformation of ZooTampa. Scott Rose, the COO of ZooTampa, and Kristi Chase Tozer, President of RumbleBuzz Marketing and former CMO of the zoo during its 4-year rebranding process, shared the inspiring story of the zoo's journey from its previous downtown Tampa location to its current home in Lowry Park. Scott discussed how the zoo evolved alongside the city and its residents, while Kristi detailed the rebranding process from start to finish, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement, long-term planning, and effective internal and external brand communication strategies.

During the recent Expedition FAA event, Scott shared exciting news about the zoo's rebranding efforts, which have sparked a renewed sense of optimism for the future. The zoo has ambitious plans to renovate and update older areas, as well as create new sections that represent different geographic regions and the wildlife they house.

Attendees of the event were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of ZooTampa, where they got a glimpse of the support areas that play a crucial role in caring for the animals. The zoo's dedicated animal team works tirelessly to maintain, rehabilitate, enrich, feed, and curate the wildlife collection with professionalism care.

Following the tour, attendees participated in roundtable discussions on opportunities and considerations of branding. Included were discussions about the creative journey behind FAA’s logo rebrand, effective branding strategies for celebrating business anniversaries and special events, Utilizing mission and vision statements to drive company culture, strengthen your business and encourage customer loyalty, and maximizing brand impact through strategic public relations and community engagement.

A workshop on the Clifton Strengths Survey was also presented, with FAA Chair Dan Donovan presenting each attendee with their personalized survey results. The survey results were discussed in terms of how they can be used to build strong teams and ensure that team members' strengths are effectively utilized in the workplace. The FAA plans to offer more opportunities for members to experience this valuable human resources tool in the coming year.

The event concluded with a gathering at the Boomerang Bar in the Australia realm, where attendees had the chance to unwind and network with fellow FAA friends and colleagues.

The FAA expresses its sincere gratitude to the ZooTampa team for their exceptional hospitality and generous support in hosting Expedition FAA. We also extend our appreciation to the FAA leaders who served as RoundTable hosts, facilitating engaging discussions throughout the event. Kristy Chase Tozer, RumbleBuzz Marketing; Cameron O’Connell, ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Retta Logan, A3 Visual; Nick Romeo, Guest Services; John Dent, Walt Disney World; Christina Schwartzman, Sawgrass Recreation Park; and Melissa Vogt, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater.

Lastly, we would like to thank our Expedition FAA Sponsors for their invaluable investment in our industry, without which these professional development programs would not be possible.

Please click here for the complete report from our lobby team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee

The 2024 General Election in Florida delivered big wins for Republicans across the state, as the GOP maintained a supermajority in the Florida Legislature with 28 Republicans in the Senate, while picking up a seat in the House and extending their supermajority to 85-35. Voter turnout played a key role in Republican success, as 78.76% of all registered voters made their voices heard in the General Election – the highest voter turnout since 1992.

While Democrats edged Republicans in vote-by-mail ballots by approximately 200,000, Republicans had over than one million more early voters than Democrats. This was key to Republicans maintaining their supermajority in the Legislature.

One United States Senate race appeared on the ballot, as incumbent U.S. Senator Rick Scott handily defeated former U.S. Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell by more than 12%. Of the 28 U.S. House seats that appeared on the General Election ballot, Republicans won 20 seats compared to eight seats won by Democrats.

General Election surprises in the Legislature included the defeat of three House members: Representative Carolina Amesty (R-Orlando), Representative Tom Keen (D-Orlando), and Representative Katherine Waldron (D-Wellington).

With Florida Attractions Political Action Committee (FAPAC) supported candidates winning each of their 22 respective races in the General Election and the House and Senate retaining supermajorities, the attractions industry and the Florida Attractions Association (FAA) governmental affairs team will maintain positive relationships with incumbent legislators and create new relationships with newly-elected legislators.

During our meetings with newly-elected officials and incumbents, we reminded them of the value that tourism brings to our state and the unique experience that FAA member attractions offer. By making connections with legislators prior to the beginning of the 2025 Legislative Session and encouraging them to visit their local attractions, we are ensuring that FAA and its members will have a seat at the table when decisions are made in Tallahassee that would affect the tourism industry.

The 2024 General Election in Florida delivered big wins for Republicans across the state, as the GOP maintained a supermajority in the Florida Legislature with 28 Republicans in the Senate, while picking up a seat in the House and extending their supermajority to 85-35. Voter turnout played a key role in Republican success, as 78.76% of all registered voters made their voices heard in the General Election – the highest voter turnout since 1992.

While Democrats edged Republicans in vote-by-mail ballots by approximately 200,000, Republicans had over than one million more early voters than Democrats. This was key to Republicans maintaining their supermajority in the Legislature.

18 Senate seats were contested in the General Election, while one seat was unopposed in both the Primary and General Election, and one was unopposed following the Primary Election in August. In the General Election, Republicans won 14 out of 18 contested seats. The Senate will welcome eight new members on November 19, including five Republicans and three Democrats.

105 seats in the Florida House were up for grabs in the General Election. Republicans won 85 of these seats, including flipping a seat, to maintain their supermajority in the House. Of the remaining 35 seats, eight were unopposed in the Primary and General Election and six were unopposed following the August Primary Election. There will be many new faces in the Florida House, as 30 Republicans and 10 Democrats will serve in the chamber for the first time.

The Florida Attractions Political Action Committee (FAPAC) supported 22 candidates during the 2024 General Election, including 15 candidates in House races and seven candidates in Senate races. Candidates supported by the FAPAC won all 22 races for a win percentage of 100%.

Click here to view Liberty Partners of Tallahassee's complete report.

There are many things to look forward to in the coming year – and among them will be the Florida Attractions 2025 Annual Conference taking place Sunday, June 8 – Wednesday, June 11 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.  This 3-day event is the “must attend” educational and networking event for the attractions industry of Florida, whether you are employed at an attraction, a supplier to attractions, or a DMO.

The FAA Annual Conference draws attendees that are eager to exchange knowledge, share best practices and learn from their industry peers on topics such as changing guest expectations, new and emerging markets, security, technology advancing attractions, operations, food services, social media, public relations, sales & marketing and much more…..  The Conference is like no other in the tourism industry, attendees are engaged with each other from the start, and many have remarked that the event is similar to a family reunion due to the unique culture of our Florida attractions members as they are steadfast in helping each other succeed.

What can you expect at the FAA 2025 Annual Conference?  As an attendee, you’ll be busy all 3 days with our educational sessions including General Sessions with keynote speakers, participatory breakout sessions, and roundtables but there is more.  You’ll experience the Networking Center which not only showcases our industry suppliers and their newest products and services, but our exciting Silent Auction with merchandise that ranges from sports-related memorabilia, the most unique items from our attractions’ gift shops, and hotel stays from all over Florida.  Throughout the Conference, there are many prize giveaways, as well as awards presentations, and we’ll have an off-site Networking event too.

We look forward to seeing you in Ponte Vedra Beach in June.

As a proud member of the Florida Attractions Association, Conch Tour Train in Key West offers visitors a unique and engaging way to explore the stunning island. With over 50 years of experience in providing informative and entertaining tours, Conch Tour Train takes guests on a journey through Key West's colorful history and vibrant culture aboard their iconic red and yellow trains. Visitors can sit back and relax as knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts about the area's landmarks, architecture, and famous residents.

From historic sites like the Hemingway House and Mallory Square to picturesque streets lined with pastel-colored homes, passengers will be immersed in the charm and beauty of Key West. Whether visitors are first-time guests or seasoned travelers, Conch Tour Train promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of this beloved destination. So hop on board, sit back, and let Conch Tour Trains show you the magic of Key West from a whole new perspective.

1. How long have you been in the attractions industry? Over 25 years

2. What is your favorite job you’ve had in the industry and why? A campaign with Zoo Miami for membership. The graphics and execution were great and the Zoo membership increased win/win .

3. What is the most rewarding aspect of working in/for the attraction industry? Making a vision come to life through signage/décor or immersive content . We love the WOW and OOH moments

4. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Spending time with family and friends

5. Aside from Florida, what is your dream vacation destination and why? A Cruise around the World . Why not, I want to see it all .