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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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  • October 21, 2024 2:30 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Join Us for Dinner IAAPA Week!

    The Florida Attractions Association Board of Directors invites our attraction and associate members to a special Florida Attractions Networking Dinner 

    during the week of the 2024 IAAPA Expo in Orlando.


    Wednesday, November 20, 2024

    6:30 p.m. Reception | 7:00 p.m. Dinner

    BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

    8761 Vineland Avenue

    Orlando, FL 32821


    The Dinner will be a buffet and the cost is $50 per person.

    Details and Registration

    Deadline to register is Friday, November 15 (by 5:00pm)

    or until space is filled. 


  • October 18, 2024 10:44 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Now Accepting Donations!

    The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation (FASF) Board is hosting the 2nd Annual FASF Holiday Silent Auction   November 18 – December 6.

    This fundraiser allows us to maintain a scholarship fund to support employees of FAA member businesses and their dependents enrolled in a hospitality-related major, as well as provide the educational program and speakers we offer to our members. Please consider making a donation to this year's Holiday Silent Auction on behalf of your attraction or business.


    Unique and high-end donations always get the most attention and bids during this Holiday Silent Auction including the following:


    • Unique items from your attraction’s gift shop
    • Behind-the-scenes encounters at your attraction
    • Sports-related collectibles and tickets
    • Autographed memorabilia and books
    • One-of-a-kind gift items (be creative)
    • Specialty food baskets
    • Signed artwork
    • Golf-related items
    • Themed gift baskets
    • Hotel / resort getaway packages
    • Handcrafted items
    • Consulting services
    • Business services


    Donation Form

    Please complete and submit the donation form above electronically ahead of time OR print and include the completed donation form with your Silent Auction donation that you bring with you to Expedition FAA on November 7 or ship to the FAA office. This is crucial so that we know the full description and value of your item.  

    Thank You for Supporting Your Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation!

    Facebook  X  Linkedin  
  • October 14, 2024 5:07 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Hurricane Milton Post-Storm Update

    Dear FAA Member,

     

    I hope this message finds you safe and secure. Our state recently faced the challenge of Hurricane Milton, following closely behind Hurricane Helene. The impact of these storms has been significant, with many Floridians experiencing devastating losses in terms of lives, property, and businesses.

     

    During the peak of Hurricane Milton, 87 FAA member attractions were forced to close their doors. While most have since reopened, there are still 12 members who remain closed, including Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, both of which had already endured an extended closure due to Hurricane Helene.

     

    In response to the challenges we face, the state of Florida is offering no-interest bridge loans through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

     

    I urge you to visit this webpage to view the report detailing the FAA Attraction Members that are still closed. If you have any updated information or specific needs that the FAA can assist with, please do not hesitate to contact our Tallahassee office via phone or email.

     

    Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your continued support of the FAA and your fellow members during this challenging time.

     

    Warm regards,


    Bill


    Bill Lupfer

    President/CEO

    Florida Attractions Association

    lupfer@floridaattractions.org

    (850) 222-2885

  • October 07, 2024 7:32 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.


  • October 04, 2024 4:02 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.


  • October 04, 2024 11:05 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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 .


  • October 03, 2024 1:08 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Our PAC fundraising campaign, running through the month of September 2024 raised additional funds to assist our Florida Attractions PAC with making a difference electing tourism proponents into the Florida Legislature on November 5.

    Thank you to those who contributed to this year’s PAC fundraising campaign:

    Kurt Allen

    Lee Capitano

    Eric Eimstad

    Anita Lupfer

    William Lupfer

    Rhett Robbins

    Laura Sherman

    Zachary Stokes

    Melissa Vogt


  • October 03, 2024 11:54 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Living in the Sunshine State presents its own set of challenges, and last week's display of Mother Nature's fury undoubtedly ranks high on that list. While most of us have returned to our daily routines, some of our members have suffered damage that will require extensive repairs. The FAA recently provided an update on our members' operating status and that report is included below in this newsletter.  We are proud of the mutual assistance our members have offered each other during this time of crisis.

    Our inaugural Expedition FAA was unfortunately postponed due to Helene, but we are pleased to announce that it has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 7 at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Registrants have been notified of the new date.

    In August, your Board of Directors convened in Tampa to further our strategic plan and develop programs tailored to meet the needs of our members. Part of this work was refreshing our mission statement and core values. One of our values is building a strong and supportive community, fostering collaboration. To spotlight this value, we introduced a new networking initiative, Mystery Connect.   This new program  was scheduled to launch last week, but due to the intervening storm, we'll delay that until November.  While Mystery Connect is currently available to our attraction members, we anticipate extending this program to our associate members next year.

    We extend our gratitude to the members who participated in September's Florida Attractions District Days. Showcasing our attractions to members of the Florida Legislature is an excellent way to establish connections with our elected officials. As the General Election approaches on November 5, I urge our members to exercise their right to vote.

    I appreciate the trust you have placed in the Florida Attractions Association. Your membership serves as a source of inspiration for the Board as we strive to continuously refine and enhance our association to better serve your needs. It is a shared responsibility that we all bear for the strength and resilience of our industry.

    Warm regards,

    Dan Donovan

    Sr. Director, Marketing & Sales Talent Orchestration

    Universal Destinations & Experiences


  • October 02, 2024 3:57 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    A long-time, supportive and engaged member of the Florida Attractions Association, PGAV Destinations is a renowned leader in the creation of innovative and immersive visitor experiences. With an impressive portfolio that includes projects such as theme parks, museums, aquariums, zoos, and resorts, PGAV Destinations consistently delivers exceptional design solutions that captivate and engage visitors of all ages.

    The company's team of talented architects, designers, and storytellers work collaboratively to bring each project to life with a focus on storytelling, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology. By combining creativity with strategic planning and unparalleled attention to detail, PGAV Destinations has earned a reputation for creating unforgettable destinations that both entertain and educate guests. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional design, PGAV Destinations continues to set the standard for world-class attractions in Florida and beyond.

    Emily Howard, Vice President of PGAV Destinations was the FAA’s Outstanding Associate Member of the Year in 2016.


  • October 02, 2024 1:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Inviting our elected officials to visit and tour our member attractions is the most effective way we build relationships with members of the Florida Legislature. Thank you and kudos to our FAA members who participated in our 2024 Florida Attractions District Days.

    Our FAA members’ participation in this annual advocacy outreach not only helps them with connecting with their state representative and senator, but also helps the FAA in our unified efforts to advocate on behalf of Florida’s attractions industry during Florida’s Legislative Session.

    Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

    Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)

    Flamingo Gardens

    Hemingway Home and Museum

    Loggerhead Marinelife Center

    Marineland Dolphin Adventure

    NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

    Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

    Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

    Pure Florida

    Ripley's Believe it or Not! Orlando

    St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

    The Wekiva Island

    Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

    Though Florida Attractions District Days officially ran August 20 – September 30, 2024, our members advocacy efforts can occur at any time, and we always encourage our members to connect with policy makers who are affecting Florida’s business climate. All the resources you need are available online and the FAA staff and our government affairs lobby team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee are available to assist you.


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