Everglades Alligator Farm stands as a revered institution dedicated to the preservation and conservation of alligators in their natural habitat. Founded over 40 years ago, this establishment has consistently demonstrated a commitment to educating the public about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures. Through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on experiences, visitors are provided with a unique opportunity to learn about alligator behavior and biology while gaining an appreciation for the delicate balance of nature in the Everglades ecosystem.

Additionally, Everglades Alligator Farm actively participates in research initiatives aimed at furthering our understanding of alligator conservation efforts. Their tireless dedication to wildlife preservation and environmental awareness truly sets them apart as a valuable resource for both locals and tourists alike.

The Thibos family, owners of the Everglades Alligator Farm, have dedicated their lives to preserving and protecting one of Florida's most iconic species. Through their passion and dedication, they have helped ensure that future generations will continue to be able to experience the wonder of the Everglades and its diverse wildlife.

During the the finale of the 75th Anniversary Annual Conference, Southwest Airlines’ Senior Regional Manager of Corporate Responsibility, Alison Hoefler once again came with LUV to share. After awarding the attendance games prize – a pair of roundtrip tickets to anywhere in the world Southwest flies, she continued the drawing for a $100 Southwest Airline gift card…and another $100 gift card…and yet another $100 gift card…and then surprised all of us as she provided everyone attending the conference with a $100 Southwest Airline gift card with best wishes from Southwest Airlines to the FAA!  Thank you Alison & all of our friends at Southwest Airlines!

As a member of the Florida Attractions Association, New Vue Solutions has consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment to providing innovative and high-quality services within the tourism industry. Their creative approach to problem-solving and dedication to customer satisfaction set them apart as a valuable asset within our community. With a strong focus on efficiency and effectiveness, New Vue Solutions empowers attractions across Florida to enhance visitor experiences and improve overall operational performance. Their expertise in implementing cutting-edge technology solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each attraction is truly impressive, allowing clients to stay ahead of the competition and continuously evolve in response to changing market demands. We are honored to recognize New Vue Solutions for their outstanding contributions and unwavering support of our mission to promote excellence within the tourism sector.

I am deeply honored to assume the role of Chair of the Florida Attractions Association Board of Directors for the next twelve months. I stand humbly on the shoulders of distinguished and passionate leaders who have held this position before me.

During our recent annual conference, I shared my commitment to fostering workplace engagement, which I define as the dedication, involvement, and enthusiasm employees bring to their roles and organizations. Research consistently shows that higher levels of engagement correlate with increased performance, productivity, retention, and overall well-being.

One effective approach to fostering engagement is identifying a need within our workplaces—or our Association—and utilizing our unique strengths to address it. Each of us possesses distinct abilities, and we thrive when given opportunities to apply these strengths meaningfully.

In our inaugural board meeting under my leadership, we dedicated time to exploring our individual and collective strengths. Over the coming year, we will harness these strengths to advance our strategic goals and empower every member of our Association to achieve excellence—our shared mission.

We have ambitious plans for FAA in the year ahead and are committed to inspiring your dedication, involvement, and enthusiasm to help us realize these goals.

Warm regards,

Dan Donovan

Sr. Director, Marketing & Sales Talent Orchestration

Universal Destinations & Experiences

Three amazing days of networking, education and sharing at the World Equestrian Center for the FAA's 75th Anniversary Conference are rolled into this comprehensive report. Check it out!

by Melissa Vogt, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater

Part of the strategic plan that came out of the Board of Directors Retreat last summer was revamping our programs and events to better serve our members. Since then, our Programing and Events Committee has been hard at work reading surveys, listening to feedback from our membership on current programming, hearing ideas for new programming and strategizing together on how to elevate your member experience. The common themes we heard that were most important were networking, professional development, educational resources, and engagement.

I know many of you have attended and are familiar with FAA’s Regional Networking Nights as well as the Attraction Regional Forums. These events have been really wonderful in bringing members in each region together, but another repeat comment is that members wanted more face-to-face opportunities outside of their regions with other attractions throughout the state, and more than just once a year.

We heard you, and while many strategic plans take years to complete, we didn’t want to waste any time. We have come up with a new event that we plan to bring you three times per year that will incorporate everyone’s favorite elements of our current programming and add what you all wanted more of – networking, professional development, education and engagement with attractions across the state.

These will be half day events that will include FAA updates, incredible guest speakers, everyone’s favorite round table sessions, networking and an exclusive attraction experience that is sure to be the icing on the cake of an already awesome day! On behalf of the FAA Staff, Board of Directors and the Programming and Events Committee, we are so excited to share with you this all-new event launching this fall that will allow you, our members, to learn, connect, and explore - Expedition FAA!

We are looking forward to sharing more details soon, but be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, September 26^th and plan to join us at ZooTampa at Lowry Park for the inaugural Expedition FAA!

In recognition of the FAA’s 75^th Anniversary, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis issued an Official Proclamation to honor the historic milestone.  The Proclamation was prominently displayed in the Networking Center during the 2024 Annual Conference.  The FAA is deeply appreciative of this distinguished honor from our state’s Chief Financial Officer.

Jimmy Patronis is a native Floridian born and raised in Panama City. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014, representing his hometown region in the Florida Panhandle. He was appointed to serve on Florida’s Public Service Commission, as well as the Constitution Revision Commission. He has served as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, a Cabinet-level officer since 2017. Florida's CFO oversees the state's accounting and auditing functions and unclaimed property, monitors the investment of state funds and manages the deferred compensation program and risk management program for the state.

How long have you been in the attractions industry?

19 Years

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

My Favorite role was being a part of the Opening Team of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not only did it teach me project management, but it allowed me to learn more about Disney as a whole including a beloved set of characters in a whole new land. It truly transformed my life in the best of ways.

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

For me, being with the Guests and watching their reactions to what we have all around us. The theme park industry allows Guests to leave their current world and be immersed into a whole new type of fun! This energizes me and helps me ideate different experiences we can help bring to life.

What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?

I love visiting the attractions here in Florida with my family. Recently, we just did a St Augustine beach trip and because of FAA, we saw things we had never seen before. When we’re not traveling, you can find me with a book in hand sitting by the pool.

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

I really want to go see Paris. To visit the museums, be immersed in their culture and history and of course visit Disneyland Paris!

During the 2024 Annual Conference, the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation awarded five Professional development Grants to FAA Member businesses to assist in the funding of their internal staff development and training.

IMAG History and Science Center, Fort Myers - $2,500

IMAG History and Science Center has over 100 aquatic animals in 25,000 gallons of habitats, which are maintained by a small staff. This grant will provide training for 5 staff members in Life Support Operator Level 1 and Water Quality Technician Level 1 to improve their skills in caring for the animals and their habitats.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park - $2,500

The grant given to Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park will provide interpretive training to their zoo staff. Specifically, they will be participating in the Certified Interpretive Guide course offered by the National Association for Interpretation. This course is designed for interpreters who lead programs and want to deepen their understanding of interpretation fundamentals. This training will equip participants with the tools to create enriching interpretive content and programming, ultimately enhancing the guest experience. The grant will provide training for 10 of the zoo staff members.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum- $2,100

Our grant to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum will help three employees in the Interpretative Department enhance their communication skills and create more meaningful experiences for visitors. The Museum recently approved a five-year Interpretative Plan to improve the experience for the over 240,000 guests who visit annually. The employees will receive certification from the National Association for Interpretation to sharpen their skills and improve the overall visitor experience.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Jupiter - $2,500

Sensory Sensitivity Mornings at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a special event for kids with sensory sensitivities, including those on the autism spectrum and their families. They can enjoy hands-on activities in a quiet setting at the Lighthouse. The grant will help the Lighthouse educate staff on how to interact with and teach individuals with autism. They are working towards becoming a Certified Autism Center with specialized training and certification.

Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota - $2,425

The Ringling’s grant will allow one of their HR professionals to attend a Disney Institute professional development course: Disney’s Approach to Employee Engagement. Disney Institute teaches professionals business insights and the applicable methods that can help organizations prosper.

During the 2024 FAA Annual Conference, the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation (FASF) awarded four, $2000 scholarships to employees of FAA member businesses. Since its creation in 2014, the FASF has awarded $99,975 in scholarships and grants.

Yuliia Stasiuk | Lion Country Safari | Capt. Rick Soverns Memorial Scholarship

Yuliia Stasiuk is continuing her education and pursuing a degree in hospitality management with a focus on sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation initiatives while working as a member of the team at Lion Country Safari. Her long-term career goal is to become a hospitality manager specializing in eco-friendly resorts or wildlife tourism destinations so that she can continue contributing to the preservation of wildlife and habitats for future generations.

Erionna Perez | Funspot Amusement Theme Park | Barbara Kenney Scholarship

Erionna Perez is working toward a degree in Hospitality Management through the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is an employee of FunSpot Kissimmee where she is working towards becoming a department manager. She is a member of the Rosen College of Hospitality Honors Society and made the Dean’s List at UCF three semesters running. Her ultimate goal is to continue her work in theme parks once she graduates.

Justin Petrak | SeaWorld Orlando | Chad Middleton Memorial Scholarship

Justin Petrak is a self-proclaimed animal lover, who started volunteering with cats and dogs nearly 10 years ago. He has taken his love for animals and is pursuing a degree in Organizational Management with a concentration in Zoo and Aquarium Management. He currently works as part of the SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Team helping to rehab and return manatees and sea turtles to the wild. Upon graduating in 2025, Justin plans on working with elephants at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Hailey Osborn | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | Arthur Hertz Memorial Scholarship

Hailey Osborn is currently an employee of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts as a member of their Production Crew while pursuing her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida. She is studying scenic and production design which she is hoping to parlay into a career with theme parks so she can use this platform to tell immersive stories through the art of scenic and video designs.