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Florida Attractions News

Here you can find the latest stories and announcements from the Florida Attractions Association.

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Associate Member Spotlight | Drip Communications

October 14, 2026 1:06 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

First impressions matter, especially in the attractions industry! Orlando-based Drip Communications helps businesses make those impressions count through professional printing, marketing materials and customized communications solutions. From brochures, rack cards and signage to direct mail and promotional materials, Drip combines creativity, quality and responsive service to help organizations tell their stories and connect with customers.

FAA's Associate Members bring valuable expertise and resources that help our attractions thrive, and Drip Communications is a great example. In an industry built around capturing attention and creating memorable experiences, effective communication is essential. We appreciate Drip Communications’ commitment to serving Florida's hospitality and tourism community and are pleased to have them among the suppliers and service providers who strengthen the FAA network.

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Attraction Member Spotlight | Silver Springs State Park

October 12, 2026 3:50 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Long before Florida became the world's theme park capital, Silver Springs was welcoming visitors to experience the natural wonders of the Sunshine State. Dating back to the 1870s, its world-famous glass-bottom boats helped launch Florida's attractions industry and remain one of its most enduring experiences. Today, guests can discover crystal-clear springs, abundant wildlife, scenic waterways and a remarkable piece of Florida tourism history.

As an FAA member, Silver Springs State Park represents a wonderful connection between our industry's past and future. Its commitment to preserving Florida's natural treasures while creating memorable guest experiences reminds us that attractions come in all shapes and sizes, and that some of Florida's greatest attractions were created by nature itself. We're proud to have this Florida original as part of the FAA family!

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FAA Announces First Three Peer Pods of 2027

October 09, 2026 11:27 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Great Conversations. Fresh Ideas. Meaningful Connections. FAA is kicking off 2027 with three engaging Peer Pods designed to bring attractions professionals together for candid conversations, shared experiences and practical ideas they can put to work at their own attractions.

January 14, 2027 | 2:00 p.m.

Government Relations: Making Your Attraction's Voice Heard

With Florida's 2027 Legislative Session approaching, discover how attraction leaders can build relationships with policymakers and communicate their importance to local economies and communities.

Facilitated by: Chrissy Schwartzman (Sawgrass Recreation Park) and Andrew Morawski (Hemingway Home & Museum)

January 27, 2027 | 4:00 p.m.

Arrivals & Departures: Making First and Last Impressions Count

From parking and ticketing to the final goodbye, exchange ideas for creating smoother, more welcoming guest experiences.

Facilitated by: Nick Romeo (Guest Services) and Kristen Stalker (Walt Disney World)

Early February 2027 | Date to Be Announced

Artificial Intelligence: Working Smarter, Not Just Faster

AI promises greater productivity and efficiency, but where does it really make sense for attractions? Explore practical applications, potential pitfalls and lessons learned.

Facilitated by: Rick Beddow (Universal Destinations & Experiences) and Chad Light (Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park)

Peer Pods aren't webinars or presentations. They're informal, interactive conversations where FAA members learn from one another, share challenges and discover new approaches to common problems.

Registration Opening Soon!

Watch your inbox for details and plan to join the conversation.

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Recap | Expedition FAA Orlando: Welcoming Without Limits

October 07, 2026 1:40 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

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.

Event Photos & Presentations

View Event Photos

Take a look back at Expedition FAA – Orlando.
View Photos

Download Presentation Slides

Access available presentation slides and event materials.
Download Slides

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5 Questions w/ FAA Board Member Chad Light, Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

October 05, 2026 2:58 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

01. How long have you been in the attractions industry?

Steady since 2008.

02. What is your favorite job you’ve had in the industry and why?

The one I have now as anthropologist and the Director of History Programs at Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

03. What is the most rewarding aspect of working in/for the attraction industry?

I love helping people have fun and enjoy new experiences, and the industry has the best people you could hope to work with.

04. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?

Educating myself on any relevant subject that helps me do my job better. My leisure time is when I can focus. I'm obsessed.

05. Aside from Florida, what is your dream vacation destination and why?

A trip with my wife and son to Spain, with unlimited access to the Archivo General de Indias in Seville Spain, and the Museums in Madrid. That, plus the local food...I would be in heaven. Their dream vacation destination will be different. ;)

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FAA Leadership Academy 2027 Applications Now Being Accepted

September 16, 2026 11:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Developing the Next Generation of Attraction Industry Leaders

Applications are now open for the 2027 FAA Leadership Academy, an exclusive leadership development opportunity offered at no cost to employees of Florida Attractions Association Attraction and DMO members.

Following a successful inaugural cohort, the FAA Leadership Academy returns for its second year, bringing together emerging and advancing leaders from attractions, museums, zoos, aquariums, cultural institutions, destination organizations, and related sectors across Florida.

Participants will take part in a six-month virtual learning experience featuring industry experts, thought leaders, and experienced executives who will share practical insights, perspectives, and leadership skills relevant to the future of Florida’s attractions industry.

Just as important, participants will build meaningful relationships with peers from organizations across the state, expand their professional networks, and gain ideas and perspectives they can immediately apply within their own organizations.

As a complimentary benefit of FAA membership, the Leadership Academy represents an investment not only in individual professional growth, but also in developing the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of our industry.

Take the next step in your leadership journey. Apply for the 2027 FAA Leadership Academy today.

Application deadline: October 16, 2026

Apply Today

District Days Starts Sept. 1 | Invite Your Legislators to Your Attraction

August 31, 2026 10:28 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Starts Sept. 1 -- Invite Your Legislators to Your Attraction

Join your fellow FAA Attraction members and be a part of Florida Attractions District Days! It’s easy and the resources you need to plan and execute a successful visit from your county’s Legislative Delegation are online and available for you to access now.

Florida Attractions District Days Resources include:

A database of your county legislative delegation with contact information for elected officials and key staff members
Suggested topics to cover with your Legislator
Guide to Best practices for hosting your Legislator
Sample Invitation
Florida Attractions District Days logos
FAQs to answers common questions regarding legislative visits
Florida Attractions Day social media tips (Compliments of NetWeave Social Networking)

Sign Up to Participate

Once you sign up to participate, you’ll receive more details and we’ll help you schedule visits based on your Legislator’s availability and schedule.

Please register as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the FAA office (850) 222-2885 or info@FloridaAttractions.org

Registration Now Open for Expedition FAA Orlando

August 13, 2026 5:27 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Registration Now Open!

Thursday, October 1
11:30am - 6:00pm

SeaWorld Orlando

Accessibility is far more than compliance—it’s a catalyst for growth. Expedition FAA Orlando will reveal how staff training and thoughtful programming can transform guest experiences and open new markets. Learn how attractions reduce barriers, enhance guest satisfaction, and build loyal audiences by embracing accessibility as a strategic advantage. From mobility and sensory inclusion to communication and marketing, discover proven approaches that elevate your operations and reputation. Every guest matters—and every effort toward inclusion strengthens your attraction’s success, community connection, and bottom line.

Details & Registration

August is "Back the PAC" Month - $25 to Back the PAC

July 29, 2026 11:14 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

August is "Back the PAC" Month

Dear Fellow FAA Member,

On November 3, 2026, Floridians will go to the polls to elect a U.S. senator, representatives from all 28 congressional districts, a governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, commissioner of agriculture, 21 state senators and all 120 members of the Florida House of Representatives.

While the Florida Attractions Association works diligently to advocate on behalf of our industry, the nonpartisan Florida Attractions Political Action Committee—FAPAC—is focused on helping elect pro-tourism, pro-business candidates to the Florida Legislature.

Our success in Tallahassee depends on electing men and women who understand the unique opportunities and challenges facing Florida’s attractions industry and who will give thoughtful consideration to the interests of our member businesses when deliberating legislative proposals.

FAPAC is asking individual attractions industry leaders to contribute $25 and member businesses to contribute $100. It is a relatively modest investment that can produce significant returns by helping elect responsible leaders who understand the importance of tourism, economic growth, employment and a healthy business climate.

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed and helped strengthen our industry’s voice. Please join me and the FAPAC Committee in our annual Back the PAC campaign as we work to elect conscientious, pro-tourism leaders who will support the interests of Florida’s attractions industry.

Sincerely,

Bill Lupfer

Secretary

Florida Attractions Political Action Committee

Florida law requires that candidates and committees must report all contributions, loans, expenditures, distributions, and transfers, regardless of the amount. They must report the full name and address of each person making the contribution or receiving the expenditure and, for contributions over $100, the occupation.

Associate Member Spotlight | Integrated Insight, Inc.

July 13, 2026 3:07 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Data tells a story—and few organizations help Florida's attractions understand that story better than Integrated Insight. As a valued FAA Associate Member, Integrated Insight has become a trusted resource for attractions seeking meaningful research, strategic planning, consumer insights, and market intelligence that support informed decision-making.

Beyond their professional expertise, the Integrated Insight team has generously shared their knowledge with FAA members through conference presentations, educational sessions, and industry research that help our members better understand changing consumer behaviors and emerging trends. Their willingness to invest in our industry by sharing both data and practical insights has made them an invaluable partner to the Association.

The Florida Attractions Association is proud to recognize Integrated Insight for their continued support, thought leadership, and commitment to helping Florida's attractions thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.

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