FAA members and industry guests gathered at SeaWorld Orlando on October 1 for Expedition FAA – Orlando: Welcoming Without Limits: Turning Accessibility into Opportunity, a day focused on practical ways attractions can create more inclusive and welcoming experiences for every guest.

The program explored accessibility from multiple perspectives, including accessible travel planning, sensory inclusion, training and certification, workforce development, hospitality education, airport accessibility and real-world examples from Florida attractions. Attendees also had the opportunity to exchange ideas through interactive roundtable discussions and informal networking throughout the day.

FAA extends its sincere thanks to our outstanding speakers: Kitty Grace Sharman, TravelAbility; Amanda Powers, Wheel the World; Joy Palmer, KultureCity; Brianna Angulo, CAS, IBCCES; Gisele Canova and Dr. Susan Zhong, UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management; Dr. Jaime Best and Jonathan Beaty, Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute; and Tawana Allen, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority/Orlando International Airport.

We also appreciate the FAA attraction members who shared their own accessibility experiences and best practices during the program.

A special thank you to our sponsors— Global Sourcing International, NetWeave Social Networking, Specialty Surfaces, LLC, and VISIT FLORIDA— whose support helped make the event possible, and to SeaWorld Orlando for hosting FAA at Ports of Call and providing a memorable conclusion to the day.

Expedition FAA was designed to move beyond simply discussing accessibility and toward practical ideas that attractions can put into action. We are grateful to everyone who participated, asked questions, shared experiences and helped make the day such a meaningful exchange of ideas.