Congratulations to FAA Members receiving Flagler Awards for their outstanding tourism marketing, recognized by a group of distinguished judges and announced at the 2024 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tampa.

Special Event
Bronze: Rapids Waterpark for "Adults Only Night"
Silver: The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens or “Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild"

Internet Advertising
Bronze: Experience Kissimmee for the Spring Campaign 2023

Direct Marketing
Henry: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for the USAE & Northstar Third-Party Emails

Tourism Advocacy
Silver: Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods for "Savor the Shore"
Henry: Visit Tampa Bay for the Tourism Academy for Students

Social Media Marketing
Bronze: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Amelia Island Social Media Campaign: Blog Posts

Out-of-Home
Bronze: Experience Kissimmee for the Winter Holiday Campaign 2023

Radio Advertising
Henry: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Amelia island and iHeart Radio Podcast

Mobile Marketing
Bronze: The Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Conventions Bureau for the Ocala Marion Travel Guide App
Henry: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Amelia Island Mobile Marketing

Websites
Bronze: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for Amelia Island dot com

Niche Marketing
Bronze: The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau for Greater Miami & Miami Beach "Find Your Voice Miami Beach" Digital Experiential Campaign

Resource/Promotional Material-Consumer
Henry: Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods for the Digital Visitor Guide

Resource/Promotional Material-Trade
Bronze: Visit Tampa Bay for Tampa Bay's Guide to Social Inclusion
Henry: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for their Meeting Planner Quarterly Emails

Sustainable Tourism Marketing
Silver: Discover the Palm Beaches for "Sea to Preserve"

Networking has always been one of the FAA’s greatest benefits. Now, you can participate in Networking, “21st century style” with the FAA’s Mystery Connect – a virtual, one-on-one networking opportunity available to leaders in the FAA’s attractions during our beta test period.

Each month, you will be paired with another leader of an FAA attraction, agree on a mutually convenient time and spend 30 minutes meeting and sharing with each other on a teleconference platform. You’ll be provided with a few ice-breaker questions and feel free to expand into topics of mutual interest. It’s a simple way to connect with your fellow FAA members conveniently from your office.

Simply click here to create your profile. It takes less than 5 minutes. Our first pairings will be in October. You may opt out of the program at any time.

Phase one of this new program is for FAA Attraction Members only.

Beginning August 20, the Florida Attractions Association will sponsor Florida Attractions District Days, encouraging our members to invite members of their country’s Legislative Delegation and other public officials to visit their attraction for an educational tour.

But why?

For your attraction-

Sooner or later, government will make decisions that will impact your attraction. Knowing members of your county’s Legislative Delegation and also those elected in your local county (and city) government leadership will help you navigate through the process of local ordinances and regulations that could make or break your business. Hosting public officials will give you an edge when they know you, your business and how your attraction contributes to the economy and quality of life for your county’s citizens.

For our industry-

Your county’s Legislative delegation will convene with lawmakers from around the state for the 2025 Legislative Session in Tallahassee on Tuesday March 4. During Session may be the worst time to make an initial contact with your Legislator. Your contact with your local Legislators now will create relationships that can yield precious dividends to your attraction AND our industry. Once the hectic days of Session begin, your elected official’s attention will be stretched in multiple directions – all at the same time!

Your participation sets the stage for your association to take action on your behalf when bills affecting our members are filed. Your Legislators already knowing your business and the positive impact you have on your community gives our FAA lobby team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee and your FAA staff a significant advantage is working toward desirable outcomes.

This isn’t political – it’s advocacy

The IRS allows every business, including 501(c)(3)s to participate in activities such as Florida Attractions District Days:

“Organizations may, however, involve themselves in issues of public policy without the activity being considered as lobbying. For example, organizations may conduct educational meetings, prepare, and distribute educational materials, or otherwise consider public policy issues in an educational manner without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status."

So how?

The FAA will make it super easy and will support you every step of the way! Everything you need to host successful tours will be available to you online starting August 20. Guides, templates, databases – everything. Plus – your FAA staff and lobby team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee are standing by to assist you.

Thank you for helping your association attain success in Tallahassee on your behalf and on behalf your fellow members.

Update - Richard Jackson Obituary

Update - Tribute Video by Florida Citrus Sports

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the passing of our esteemed friend and colleague, Richard Jackson. Richard was a distinguished figure in the attraction industry, having served as the FAA Chairman of the Board from 1994 to 1995. His dedication and influence within the Florida attractions industry were unparalleled.

As a member of the Florida Attractions Association, Jackson was renowned for his unwavering commitment to promoting creativity and excellence in our field. Throughout his career, he held leadership positions at VISIT FLORIDA, Universal Orlando, and IAAPA, leaving a lasting impact on all those he encountered.

Beyond his professional achievements, Richard Jackson was admired for his integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment to his family and friends. His infectious smile, quick wit, and compassion for others were just a few of the qualities that defined his legacy.

We mourn the loss of a true industry leader and friend. Richard Jackson's presence will be sorely missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved Cindy and their children Lindsey and Adam during this difficult time.

-Bill Lupfer