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Florida Attractions News

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

  • Congratulations to the 2022 Outstanding Member Award Winners

    July 13, 2022 12:39 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    2022 Outstanding Member Award Recipients

    In case you missed, the FAA was proud to announce this year's Outstanding Member Award recipients at this year's Annual Conference in West Palm Beach June 12-15. Please join us in congratulating the Outstanding Attraction Member and Outstanding Association Member of 2022 for their unwavering dedication and service to Florida's attractions industry and the FAA...

    Outstanding Attraction Member of the Year

    Matt Johnson

    IMAG History & Science Center


    Our Outstanding Attraction Member of the year is someone who has exemplified the ideals we all aspire to. We have all benefited from this person’s leadership and most have been elevated by friendship. 

     

    Our honoree’s long-time service to the FAA reaches back 15 years. The FAA has benefited from this member’s wisdom, vision, and compassion. Leadership through a global pandemic wasn’t easy for any of us, but his leadership steered the FAA through the storm and into a brighter future.

     

    Matt has done more than devote himself to the FAA – he has shared his life with us. FAA member Marineland helped Matt “pop the question” to his wife Shannon and the FAA toasted Matt & Shannon the day following their engagement. Matt has been not just a remarkable leader to the FAA, but a wonderful example of a person to follow – authentic in the truest sense of the word.


    For his 15 years of volunteer service and leadership, we are pleased to honor our 2022 Outstanding Attraction Member of the Year - Matt Johnson!  
     

    Outstanding Associate Member of the Year

    Pam Wells

    Dippin' Dots


    Our Associate Member of the year has been an active supporter of the FAA for many years – This individual attends every conference, most Networking Nights, our IAAPA event, in fact, its hard to remember an FAA gathering when this person wasn’t there.

     

    Her presence helps us all keep our “cool” when we feel like “dippin”, she’s always there with the frozen “dots”.

     

    We are so grateful for her active participation in the FAA, for her company’s generous support, and for her work to ensure that those cool little tasty frozen delights are never too far way. It is a great honor and privilege to present the 2022 Associate Member of the Year to – Pam Wells!
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  • It's a Wrap! | Recap of the 2022 Annual Conference

    June 27, 2022 10:15 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    2022 Annual Conference Recap

    Nearly 300 attraction industry professionals convened for the Florida Attractions 2022 Annual Conference in West Palm Beach June 12-15 as we Let the Sunshine In! 


    To our attendees - thank you for sharing in our extraordinary three days of inspiration and innovation. For those who missed it - we hope you'll consider your industry's annual conference an essential part of your professional development in 2023.


    Visit our recap site to view photos, download General Session and Breakout Session presentations,

    and more!
    CLICK TO VISIT

    Thank You to Our Sponsors!
    AC22 Sponsor graphic-01.png
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  • Now Available | Episode 250 of the AttractionPros Podcast

    June 22, 2022 1:51 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Recording from General Session #2

    w/ the AttractionPros is Now Available!

    AttractionPros Matt Heller of Performance Optimist Consulting and Josh Liebman of ROLLER, marked the 250th episode of their AttractionPros Podcast with a live recording of General Session #2 at the Florida Attractions 2022 Annual Conference! 


    In this episode, you will hear Josh, Matt, and the attendees of the Annual Conference explore the intersection of guest and employee experience in real time. Along the way you’ll hear great suggestions about attracting, engaging and WOWing your guests and employees. 


    In case you missed it, or would like to share with your friends and employees, click on the button below to listen to Episode 250 of AttractionPros LIVE featuring YOU -- the leaders of Florida's attractions industry.
    Listen Here

    Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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  • Announcing the 2022 Scholarship Recipients

    May 16, 2022 11:10 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation (FASF) Board of Directors have selected five Florida-based students as recipients of the 2022 Scholarship. Aaron Anleu, Katarina Blumenstein, Elliot Fuerst, Lauren Toma and Wing Tung Liu will each receive a check for $2,000 to aid them in their pursuit of their hospitality-related degrees. FASF will be highlighting the scholarship program and acknowledging this year’s recipients at the Florida Attractions 2022 Annual Conference June 12-15 at the West Palm Beach Hilton and Palm Beach Country Convention Center. 
    aaron-01.pngAaron Anleu is currently working at Walt Disney World as a Guest Services Supervisor while pursuing his Ph.D. in Human Capital Management from Bellevue University. His career goal is to continue to inspire and motivate individuals throughout the hospitality industry with his Ph.D. to create not only a better experience for the guests but to create a better working environment for the employees of the hospitality industry.
    katarina-01.pngKatarina Blumenstein is working toward a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Management from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is expecting to graduate in May 2023 and is an employee of Universal Orlando Resort where she works in Entertainment Costuming for marquee events at the park.  She is focused on a career as a scenic artist and set dresser and decorator.


    elliot-01.pngElliot Fuerst is also pursuing a degree in Entertainment Management from UCF. He currently works with the Universal Creative Team at Universal Orlando Resort as a Production Assistant Intern. As a rising senior, he hopes to dive deeper into industry topics by pursuing a leadership role in UCF’s Themed Entertainment Association so he can uplift other students interested in attraction-based careers. His career goal is to become a creative producer for theme park attractions.
    lauren.pngLauren Toma aspires to be part of the team at Universal Orlando Resort that puts on the attraction’s annual Halloween Horror Nights where she was a performer during the 2021 season. She is studying Hospitality Management at UCF where she maintains a 4.0 GPA. While pursuing her degree, she currently works as an event assistant for Whitney Carillon Events where she helps to coordinate events at Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton in Orlando.


    wing-01.png

    Wing Tung Liu is also working toward her degree in Hospitality Management from UCF while minoring in Studio Art. She is currently an employee of Universal Resort Orlando where she works as an attraction attendant. Her career goal is to continue working at Universal Orlando and ultimately become a manager in attractions operations or in the hotel industry to provide quality guest experiences. 


    Since 2013, FASF has awarded scholarships to students pursuing degrees in hospitality-related fields to secure the future of the workforce. Scholarship applicants must be an employee or dependent of an employee of a Florida Attractions Association (FAA) member business, be a Florida resident and a full-time student with a cumulative major GPA of 2.8 or higher.

    “With the current workforce challenge, it is more important than ever to make sure we are continuing to invest in the future of our industry by supporting those who are aspiring to make hospitality and tourism their career,” said Chairman of the FASF Board of Directors and Vice President of Double T Multimedia Nick Romeo. “Our goal every year is to find exceptional well-deserving students that will make a positive impact on Florida’s tourism industry and this year was no exception with the remarkable talent and credentials of the students selected.”

    As part of the scholarship application, candidates were to demonstrate their desire to pursue a career in hospitality management or related field including (but not limited to) attraction management, tourism marketing, museum studies, hospitality, sports management, entertainment management, event management, zoological/aquaria management, recreation/leisure management. They were also evaluated on their academic performance, personal development, leadership experience, internships and extracurricular activities.


  • Please Donate to the Silent Auction | 2022 Annual Conference

    April 19, 2022 2:30 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
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    Donate to the Silent Auction
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    The Silent Auction is an exciting part of our Annual Conference every year, and our 2022 Florida Attractions Annual Conference June 12-15 in West Palm Beach will be no exception!


    This fundraiser presented by the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation 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 programs and speakers we offer to our members. Our wide range of items to bid on include resort getaways, one-of-a-kind gift items, attraction experiences, and much more!


    Please make a contribution by Friday, June 3 to our Silent Auction to help support the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation.

    Remember, the earlier you make your donation, the greater exposure your item will receive on our website. Unique donations draw a lot of attention, so get your items in early!


    Popular donations will include:

    • Unique Items from your attraction’s gift shop
    • Behind-the-scenes encounters at an 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


    You may mail your items or bring your item with you when you come to the Conference. Either way, please fill out a donation form so we can properly plan for your item. This will ensure that we can include your donation & organization name in our program materials, as well as on our event websites.


    Thank you for your support of the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation!

    Don't forget Early Bird Registration for FAA Members

    ends May 13!
    REGISTER HERE

    Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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    Interested in joining our outstanding Associate members as a Conference sponsor? Contact Mike Donaldson at Donaldson@FloridaAttractions.org or at (850) 222-2885. 

  • 2022 Annual Conference Registration Now Open!

    April 12, 2022 2:04 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
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    Registration for the Biggest Attractions Event of the Year is Now OPEN!
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    Now more than ever is the time to 

    Let the Sunshine In! 


    At our 2022 Annual Conference June 12-15 at the Hilton West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County Convention Center, conference attendees will hear first-hand how Florida has strategically positioned to remain available for visitation. Our members will share and learn new methods, technologies and tools to appeal to new markets and remain at the forefront of travelers plans. More than anything, participants will feel the warm glow as we again let the sunshine in! 
    Detail and Registration

    Register by May 13 to get the Early Bird Rate for FAA Members!

    Who Should Attend?

    We welcome employees and representatives and industry leaders from Florida’s finest family attractions, as well as industry suppliers from across the country that are eager to do business with Florida-based attractions. Professionals in sales, marketing, public relations, social media, operations, guest experience, safety, legal, communications, human resources, and retail will benefit from the vast array of educational content at the conference.

    Your Conference Experience will include:
    • 28 Hours of Education Content: through 4 General Sessions, 8 Breakouts, and 10 Topical Roundtables, industry experts - including your colleagues - will discuss topics that directly affect your operations such as Employee Hiring, Motivation and Retention; Serving Guests in a new Digital World; the latest Tourism trends and research; Sales and Marketing; Pricing Strategies, and much more!
    • 6 meals + 2 receptions: Breakfast, Lunches and Dinners are always included when you attend the Florida Attractions Annual Conference with the exception of the Monday night Taste of the Palm Beaches.
    • Celebration Breakfast featuring Outstanding FAA Member Recognition: this reception is all about YOUR FAA and recognizing the great attractions and businesses that keep Florida a world-ranked destination for families!
    • Silent Auction: Help support rising hospitality superstars and our Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation by participating in our exclusive Silent Auction! You can help secure the future of our industry while getting great deals on unique items, experiences and vacation packages.
    • Networking Center: Get to know your fellow FAA members while meeting some of Florida's most outstanding businesses who support the attractions industry with industry-specific goods and services.
    • OnStage at Lion Country Safari: We will top off three productive days moving our industry forward at one of South Florida's most popular attractions! FAA Chair Jennifer Berthiaume invites you to be her guest at Lion Country Safari for live music, food, fun and networking. 
    Detail and Registration

    Thank You to Our Sponsors!
    AC22 Sponsor graphic-01.png

    Interested in joining our outstanding Associate members as a Conference sponsor? Contact Mike Donaldson at Donaldson@FloridaAttractions.org or at (850) 222-2885. 
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  • Thank You Map Distributors!

    March 15, 2022 4:14 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Your Fellow Members Supporting
    Your Attraction
    Each year, the Florida Attractions Association prints a half-million Official Guide Maps to Florida Attractions. These maps include a complimentary listing of every FAA attraction member and are distributed in hundreds of hotel lobbies, transportation centers, AAA offices and official welcome centers at no cost to the FAA. Please thank these FAA Associate Members for their generous donation of rack pockets to help promote visitors to your attraction.

  • SAVE THE DATE | 2022 Annual Conference

    March 10, 2022 11:10 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    FAA Logo Color.png

    -- SAVE THE DATE --

    Florida Attractions 2022 Annual Conference

    WHEN:

    June 12-15


    WHERE:

    Hilton West Palm Beach & Palm Beach

    County Convention Center

    West Palm Beach, FL

    It's that time again to get Florida's Finest Family attractions back together for our Annual Conference! Please make plans to join your industry colleagues June 12-15 for 3 days of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, roundtables and professional networking at the beautiful Hilton West Palm Beach & Palm Beach County Convention Center!
    71986535.jpg

    Details and Registration Coming Soon!
    Explore the Hotel
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  • Welcome New Members!

    March 07, 2022 3:02 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    welcome new members_468 x 60.png

    Welcome to the FAA Family!


    The following Attraction and Associate Members have joined the Florida Attractions Association since September 1, 2021:

    Attraction Members

    Associate Members 

    You have joined a group of Florida's Finest Family Attractions and businesses who service our unique industry!


    Get the latest FAA news and updates about upcoming events at your FloridaAttractions.org membership site.
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  • Exclusive eTourism Summit & THRIVE Offer for FAA Members

    February 24, 2022 7:22 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
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    Exclusive Offer for FAA Members

    Two tourism events are coming up in June in tandem with the U.S. Travel Association's IPW travel trade show in Orlando - the eTourism Summit and the Connect THRIVE Summit. FAA members can register for the exclusive rate of $995 (regular rate is $1495 for in-person marketer registration)*.


    Use Promo Code: FAA500
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    eTourism Summit

    June 6-8, 2022

    Orange County Convention Center

    eTourism Summit represents the intersection of fast-moving digital marketing and destination

    promotion where marketers, attractions, and vendors share the latest tools, trends and solutions

    in media, platforms, content, search, social media, mobile, and web design. Hear from your peers and be a part of stimulating conversations. Attendees include DMOs, state and regional travel associations, attractions, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, interactive marketing agencies, research and analytics data specialist agencies, and advertising, PR and marketing agencies with travel industry clients.
    Details and Registration
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    Connect THRIVE SUMMIT

    June 4-5, 2022

    Orange County Convention Center

    Connect THRIVE Summit is focused on creating business opportunities, developing community and producing partnerships through LGBTQ travel, sports, and entertainment. This one-of-a-kind, business-to-business marketing summit features dynamic general sessions with today’s most successful LGBTQ and ally business leaders and networking events alongside a series of pre-scheduled, one-on-one connections between destinations, resorts, hotels, attractions, domestic and international tour operators and travel agents, sports rights holders, media, marketers and brands.
    Details and Registration

    *eTourism Summit and THRIVE attendees will be able to attend the IPW opening and closing parties, daily lunch presentations and will have access to the trade show floor. Registration does NOT include appointments. If you would like to take appointments with international operators, attendees must also be registered for IPW. Register for IPW here.
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