IAAPA: In the Queue

Safety and Advocacy Education Opportunities Abound at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011

2011-10-31T14:55:00.003-04:00

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 is just around the corner (it starts two weeks from today)! Here are some can’t-miss Safety and Advocacy-related education sessions:

The recent adoption of recreation rules to the Americans with Disabilities Act has left facility operators with lots of questions. The good news is IAAPA is here to help. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Attractions Industry session (Tuesday, Nov. 15, 3:30 p.m.) will cover miniature golf courses, amusement rides, water attractions, play structures, and other elements commonly found in attractions facilities. There will be an ample Q&A period, so bring your most challenging questions for our experts.

Want to learn more about legislative and regulatory challenges facing the J1 Summer Work Travel program and the H2B Temporary Foreign Labor program? Consider attending our Immigration and Employment session (Thursday, Nov. 17, 3:30 p.m.). A panel of industry members and government officials will discuss the cultural benefits international Summer Work Travel students can provide your facility. Also learn about recent restrictive regulatory changes to the H2B temporary foreign worker program, and the current legal challenge to fight them.

You know the impact increased regulation can have on your business. The Safety and Regulations session (Thursday, Nov. 17, 3:30 p.m.) will provide you with information on what’s coming next from OSHA and other regulators so you can be ahead of the curve.

At the Legal Roundtable (Thursday, Nov. 17, noon) we will discuss recent case law and its effect on the attractions industry, including Nalwa v. Cedar Fair, LP, which has the potential to impact not just the attractions industry in California, but across the country. You won’t want to miss this discussion.

A crisis can happen at any time, in any place. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will present free toolkits, training, and information that will help you get your facility prepared for natural disasters, active shooters, or acts of terrorism during Hot Topics in Government Relations (Thursday, Nov. 17 5 p.m.). During this session we will also discuss the recent repeal of the interpretative definition of "unblockable drain" under the VGB and what that means for the industry.

H-2B Update

2011-10-27T09:55:00.000-04:00

On Jan. 19, 2011, the U.S. Department of Labor published a Final Rule that revised the methodology by which the Department calculates prevailing wages under the H-2B program. As the result of a court case, on Aug. 1, 2011, the Department amended that rule to make wage rates established under this new methodology effective for wages paid to H-2B workers and U.S. workers recruited in connection with an H-2B labor certification for all work performed on or after Sept. 30, 2011.

However, on Sept. 28, 2011, the Department announced in the Federal Register a 60-day postponement of the effective date of the Wage Final Rule to Nov. 30, 2011. This delay will permit the various courts involved in litigation relating to the Wage Final Rule to determine the appropriate venue to resolve all claims and to allow the Department to avoid the possibility of administering the H-2B program under potentially conflicting court orders.

To learn more about the new prevailing wage rule, and the various legal challenges, be sure to attend the Immigration and Employment session at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011. The session will be held Thursday, Nov. 17, at 3:30 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

CPSC Repeals Definition of Unblockable Drain

2011-10-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to revoke its previous interpretative definition of an unblockable drain under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGB). This action means that a blockable drain cannot be made unblockable by use of a cover alone.

Background
The CPSC approved the following interpretation of an "unblockable drain" on April 27, 2010:
A suction outlet defined as all components, including the sump and/or body, cover/grate, and hardware such that its perforated (open) area cannot be shadowed by the area of the 18" x 23" Body Blocking Element of ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 and that the rated flow through the remaining open area (beyond the shadowed portion) cannot create a suction force in excess of the removal force values in Table 1 of that Standard. All suction outlet covers, manufactured or field-fabricated, shall be certified as meeting the applicable requirements of the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 standard.

Under this interpretation, when a drain cover meeting certain specifications was attached to a drain, the covered drain constituted an "unblockable drain." As an unblockable drain, this drain did not require a secondary anti-entrapment system.

As a result of the vote, a drain cover can no longer be used to convert a blockable drain into an unblockable drain. Drains that are blockable require a secondary anti-entrapment system.

Secondary systems permitted under the VGB include:
• Safety vacuum release system
• Suction-limiting vent system
• Gravity drainage system
• Automatic pump shut-off system
• Drain disablement; and/or
• Any other system determined by the Commission to be equally effective as, or better than, the enumerated systems at preventing or eliminating the risk of injury or death associated with pool drainage systems.

Compliance with this change is required by May 28, 2012.

Prior to the vote, IAAPA submitted a letter to the CPSC, outlining the waterpark industry's issues with repealing the interpretative definition. However, in discussions with the CPSC, we learned the vote was pre-determined, and was held to allow Commissioner Bob Adler to change his previous vote in favor of the definition.

Comment Period The CPSC will accept comments on the compliance deadline for 60 days. The comment period will close Dec. 12, 2011.

When an agency opens a comment period, it must address all comments submitted, so waterpark operators are encouraged to submit comments outlining all concerns with the revocation of the CPSC’s interpretation.

More information IAAPA staff and industry experts will lead a discussion of this most recent VGB action at the "Hot Topics in Government Relations" session at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 in Orlando. The session will take place Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. in the Orange County Convention Center.

Markey re-introduces federal ride safety bill

2011-09-08T12:21:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass.) reintroduced his legislation that would bring fixed-site amusement park rides under the jurisidiction of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The bill number is H.R. 2861.

This morning, IAAPA President and CEO Chip Cleary released a statement opposing the legislation. The attractions industry is already safe and well regulated. Congressman Markey's legislation would do nothing to improve the strong safety record of amusement park rides in the United States.

We will continue to monitor this legislation closely.

New Resources for U.S. FECs

2011-08-15T15:14:00.005-04:00

I just posted the new ADA white paper for miniature golf courses and supplementary small business primer on our ADA web page.

Together, these materials cover the 2010 Standard and compliance strategies for both new and existing miniature golf courses, as well as barrier removal obligations and general nondiscrimination requirements.

Compliance with the 2010 Standard is required for courses built or permitted after March 15, 2012. Compliance with general nondiscrimination requirements, such as service animals is already required for recreational facilities. Barrier removal obligations are ongoing, but IAAPA recommends facility owners begin assessing their courses and formulating a barrier-removal plan as soon as possible.

There are still some outstanding questions about the new rule's application to miniature golf courses, and IAAPA is in contact with the U.S. Department of Justice on these issues. As we get answers, we will update the whitepaper and notify members. If you have questions that you would like us to ask DOJ on your behalf, please contact us at gr@IAAPA.org.

The end of employment background checks?

2011-08-11T11:48:00.004-04:00

On July 26, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission held a meeting to discuss the use of criminal background checks in the hiring process. This is thought to be the first step in the process of changing the current guidelines on background checks. The EEOC left the hearing record open for 15 days after the meeting so that interested parties could file comments on the issue.

The ability to ask an applicant if he or she has been convicted of a felony then run a background check if necessary can be an important HR tool for IAAPA members. IAAPA filed its own comment letter on the issue, as well as signing onto the letter from a coalition of businesses that rely on background checks to provide customers with safe products and services.

It is unclear whether the EEOC will continue with this guideline change after considering the comments it receives or what exactly the new guidelines will say. IAAPA will continue to monitor this issue and alert members as needed.

Congress passes CPSIA Reform

2011-08-02T09:00:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed H.R. 2715, which will offer manufacturers of children's products a bit of relief from some provisions of the CPSIA.

A quick summary of provisions that will impact IAAPA members:

Lead Limit
• Includes categorical exclusions for ATVs, dirt bikes, bicycles, and printed materials
• Removes the lead limits for “used children’s products”
• Applies prospective limits from the point of manufacture

Third-Party Testing
• Requires CPSC to seek public comment on ways to reduce burden and cost, specifically requesting information on redundancy with existing testing standards
• Includes testing exceptions for small-batch manufacturers

Phthalates Limit
• Includes an inaccessibility exclusion for phthalates

Database
• Requires CPSC to stay publication for five additional days when the commission receives notice of materially inaccurate information
• Requires CPSC to attempt to get model/serial number or a photo of a product in question

The legislation now goes to President Obama for his approval. Stay tuned for updates.

UPDATE: President Obama signed the legislation into law on August 12, 2011. It is effective immediately.

IAAPA Second Vice Chairman Will Morey to Testify Before House Committee Tomorrow

2011-07-27T13:35:00.002-04:00

On Thursday IAAPA Second Vice Chairman Will Morey will testify before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, Census and the National Archives. The hearing, titled "Impact of Obamacare on Job Creators and their Decision to Offer Health Insurance", begins at 9:30 a.m. EDT.

Will's testimony will focus primarily on the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on seasonal employers, and the administrative and financial challenges those employers will face if a "fix" is not put in place.

As you may remember, although every legislator we talked to expressed empathy on the seasonal worker issue, the PPACA does not include an exemption for seasonal workers. As the law stands, employers will have to offer health insurance to "full time employees" (those working more than 30 hours/week) after 90 days. There is a regulatory proposal to give employers up to a year to determine if an employee is consistantly working more than 30 hours per week, but that proposal has not yet been adopted.

UPDATE: The video of the hearing is now available on YouTube:

Upcoming CPSIA Deadline: Are you ready for lower lead levels?

2011-07-12T15:25:00.001-04:00

On Aug. 14, 2011, it will be illegal to manufacture, import, or sell children's products with more than 100ppm of lead.

When the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act (CPSIA) went into effect in 2009, the amount of lead allowable in children's products was reduced to 600ppm. Six months later, it was reduced to 300ppm. The final reduction under the CPSIA will occur in August. Just like the previous reductions, there will be no grandfathering or safe harbor for existing inventory.

There is currently legislation before Congress that would provide limited relief from the lower lead content levels for a select group of children's products such as ATVs and bicycles, where lead is absolutely necessary. However, that legislation is currently stalled due to partisan opposition, so it is unlikely it will be enacted before the lower lead levels take effect. IAAPA members should start checking their inventories to make sure they will be compliant next month.

IAAPA Submits Comment Letters on Proposed Visa Program and Menu Labeling Rules

2011-07-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

While the U.S. Congress continues to debate budget issues, the Executive Branch is active and releasing proposed rules and other regulatory policies that could impact the attractions industry. In the past few weeks, IAAPA has submitted comment letters on the J1 Visa Summer Work Travel program, and menu labeling provisions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

The interim final rule on the Summer Work Travel program incorporates many of the changes seen in the pilot program announced late last year, including pre-placement, employer verification, and prohibited job placements. In our letter to the U.S. Department of State, we explained the importance of the J1 visa program, not only to attractions and their employees but also to the surrounding communities, and how the changes made by the interim final rule will address some of the negative publicity the J1 program has recently received. The interim final rule is effective July 15, 2011. It is unlikely the state department will finish reviewing all of the comments before then. Once the review is complete, State may offer a revised final rule, or just allow the interim final rule to stand indefinitely.

IAAPA felt the proposed rule implementing the menu labeling provisions of the PPACA was favorable to the attractions industry. In our comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), IAAPA agrees with the FDA’s definition of retail food establishment as “an establishment whose primary business activity is the sale of food to consumers,” and the FDA’s example that, generally speaking, amusement parks are not restaurants. Since this was a proposed rule, the FDA will now consider feedback and publish an interim final rule at some point in the future. The PPACA dictated the Secretary of Health and Human Services implement this provision by March 23, 2011, so already the rule is delayed. My educated guess is we'll see a final rule by the end of the year.

Astrid Lindgrens Värld Unveils New Matt's Forest

2011-06-27T15:17:00.001-04:00

Our IAAPA Europe colleague Jakob Wahl sends this update from Sweden:

Friday, June 17, saw the official opening of the new Matt’s Forest section of Astrid Lindgrens Värld in Vimmerby, Sweden. This new land is the biggest investment in the theme park’s history, according to Managing Director Mikael Ahlerup, and is home to an outdoor theater and a a 300-square-meter (3,229-square-foot) rock castle, which is home to the Ronja character from Astrid Lindgren’s last book.

The performers “live” in the castle and the adjacent forest during the day, and invite visitors to play and interact with them. Several times a day they play smaller chapters of the book in shows of around 10 minutes; the major show takes place late in the afternoon, when the story of Ronja is told in further detail, including the happy ending.

Meanwhile the rock castle serves several functions: a huge stage with impressive special effects; a “home” to the actors; an explorer playground for the kids on four different levels; and a cellar, where the park can host special VIP events. An extensive tunnel system under the scenery enables the actors to move, unseen by the visitors, from one part of the scene to another one.

The creative team and the entertainment department of Astrid Lindgrens Värld brought the story to life in a way that visitors of all ages can spend time playing on their own, interacting with the actors, and enjoying the shows.

IAAPA Submits Comment Letter on Health Care Reform

2011-06-22T08:40:00.001-04:00

Last week IAAPA submitted a letter to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in response to the IRS's Request for Comments on Shared Responsibility for Employers Regarding Health Coverage. In the letter, which is available on the IAAPA website, we agree with the IRS's proposed look-back/stability period that employers can use to determine if an employee regularly meets the criteria frequently enough to be considered "full time" under the new health care law, and thus is eligible to enroll in the employer's health insurance plan.

As is the case in many seasonal industries, businesses in the attractions industry rely on seasonal employees who may work more than 30 hours per week, but only do so for a short period of the year. The attractions industry was disappointed that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act did not address seasonal employees under the Employer Responsibility provisions, leaving a lot of human resources professionals in the industry questioning how this law would impact their businesses.

The Request for Comments was the first time the government attempted to address seasonal workers and their treatment under the PPACA. Now that the comment period has closed, the IRS will consider the comments it received and move forward with a rulemaking process. We hope the IRS follows the Administrative Procedures Act and puts out a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which will provide the industry with another opportunity to offer comments. We are watching for that notice, and will alert members when it is released.

U.S. Health Care Reform: Beginning to address seasonal employees

2011-05-31T13:10:00.001-04:00

Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury, Department of Labor, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released a “Request for Comments on Shared Responsibility for Employers Regarding Health Coverage,” which solicits input on several issues regarding the employer responsibility provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The intent is to use the comments it receives from this request to shape the rules it proposes on the employer responsibility provisions.

This is the first opportunity the attractions industry has to solicit clarification on the full-time vs. seasonal employee issue. As you may remember, during the legislative debate IAAPA tried to clarify the differences between full-time, year-round employees and seasonal workers who work more than 30 hours per week for a few consecutive months.

The Request for Comments addresses the following issues:
• The definitions of employer, employee, and hours of service (Section III)
• Determination of whether an employer is an applicable large employer (Section IV)
• Potential methods for determining full-time employees (Section V), including a possible “look-back/stability period safe harbor method” – MORE BELOW
• How provisions of PPACA that establish assessable payments for not offering minimum essential coverage to eligible employees will be interpreted and applied, and situations where appropriate exceptions should be provided (Section VI(A)).
• The 90-day limitation on wait periods and how it applies in certain situations (Section VI(B))

Look-Back/Stability
Under the possible look-back/stability period, an employer would determine each employee’s full-time status by looking back at a defined period of three to 12 months, as chosen by the employer, to determine whether the employee averaged at least 30 hours of service per week (or 130 hours per calendar month). If an employee met this obligation during the look-back period, then he would be treated as a full-time employee during a subsequent “stability period,” regardless of the number of hours of service he worked during the stability period, provided he remained an employee.

The business would be required to enroll the employee in its health insurance program or pay the penalty during the stability period. The stability period could be longer than the look-back period, but not shorter. The look-back/stability process would continue on a rolling basis.

IAAPA intends to submit comments in response to this request, but we need to know how these proposals would work for member companies. Comments are due June 17, so please email us your thoughts by June 10.

URGENT MEMBER ALERT: CPSC Recalls Pool/Spa Drain Covers

2011-05-26T19:05:00.003-04:00

We just received word that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) held a press conference today and announced the voluntary recall of pool and spa drain covers from eight different manufacturers. Click here for a copy of CPSC’s press release with the highlights and photos of some of the recalled covers.

The release does not provide specific model numbers for the recalled covers and the photos included do not represent all of those recalled. If you have drain covers from one of the manufacturers listed, we recommend you contact the manufacturer directly to see if your covers are included in the recall.

Also, please note the “Remedy” section of the press release which states:
“Remedy: Pool owners/operators and consumers who have one of the recalled pool or spa drain covers should immediately contact the manufacturer to receive a replacement or retrofit, depending on their make and model. Except for kiddie pools, wading pools and in-ground spas, retrofit or replacement of installed covers are not required in pools with multiple drain systems or gravity drainage systems or for covers installed before December 19, 2008.”

This recall may generate press coverage since the CPSC issued the press release two days before the Memorial Day weekend. We recommend you survey your pools and spas to understand the extent to which this recall may or may not impact your facility and be prepared to respond to inquiries from the press, employees, or guests.

The IAAPA Government Relations team continues to monitor this issue and if additional information becomes available we will share it with you.

Thank you for your ongoing support of IAAPA and best wishes for a safe and successful holiday weekend.

Setting the Record Straight on ADA

2011-05-24T11:36:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's News Flash (IAAPA member login required) featured an article about a county-operated miniature golf course in North Carolina that will be forced to close if it cannot comply with the new ADA regulations when they become effective next spring. There has been some confusion about this issue, and I wanted to set the facts straight:

"Grandfathering"
The article is inaccurate when it states that up until now, miniature golf courses have been "grandfathered" into compliance. IAAPA members know recreation facilities were not included in the 1991 Standard (however certain elements present in a recreation facility, such as parking lots and bathrooms, were included). Until the 2004 ADA Accessibility Guidelines were published, there were no federal standards for miniature golf courses, swimming pools, or amusement rides. The 2004 Guidelines were not law until adopted by the U.S. Department of Justice last summer, and are not effective until March 15, 2012. Having said that, since the 2004 Guidelines were released IAAPA has encouraged its members to incorporate them into new construction or alteration, as we knew they would eventually be adopted as law.

For elements that were included in the 1991 Standard (such as bathrooms, service counters, and parking lots), there is a "safe harbor" in the new regulations, provided those elements are compliant with the 1991 Standard. This means a business does not have to change these elements to comply with the 2010 Standard.

Title II vs. Title III
The miniature golf course at the Dan Nicholas Park is operated by Rowan County; it is not a private business. Government facilities such as the Dan Nicholas Park are subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Commercial businesses (which make up the vast majority of IAAPA members) are subject to Title III of of the ADA. Both titles were updated in the rulemaking that came to an end last fall, but the rules are slightly different.

Both Title II and Title III reference the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. Both sets of rules have the same effective date for compliance with the 2010 Standards for new construction and alteration, and barrier removal: March 15, 2012.

The major difference lies in the barrier removal obligations. Under Title II, state and local governments do not have the "flexibility" that is provided under Title III for "readily achievable" barrier removal. Under Title II, state and local governments must provide access to programs, and each program is evaluated on the whole. If Rowan County has only one miniature golf course that is not accessible—and cannot be made accessible—and the county cannot afford to build a new, accessible course, then its options are to close the course or wait for legal activity.

A commercial business is required to do barrier removal to the extent "readily achievable," which means "easily accomplishable without much difficulty ot expense." IAAPA encourages miniature golf course operators to survey the accessibility of their courses and develop a response plan to remove barriers on the course. The response plan might not make a course fully accessible by March 15, 2012, but ideally it would show step-by-step how an operator plans to make his or her facility accessible as resources allow.

More Information

Watch your mailboxes for the July issue of Funworld, IAAPA's monthly magazine, which contains an article explaining the new ADA rules for recreational facilities. To provide members with more in-depth information on the 2010 Standards, IAAPA is publishing a series of white papers, which will be available soon. If you have more questions, please don't hesistate to contact us.

U.S. State Dept Issues Interim Final Rule on J-1 Visas

2011-05-13T13:55:00.001-04:00

Late last month, the U.S. Department of State released an interim final rule with request for comments on the J-1 visa Summer Work Travel (SWT) program. The rule will go into effect July 15, 2011, and the Dept. of State will accept comments until June 27.

This rule stems from reports of exploitation of SWT students (not in the attractions industry). Last fall the Dept. of State announced a pilot program that would make changes to the SWT program for students from six countries (Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine). The pilot program served as a basis for this interim final rule.

The rule modifies the Summer Work Travel regulations by establishing different employment placement requirements based on the students’ countries of citizenship and by requiring sponsors to fully vet the job placements of all program participants. It also clarifies that only vetted U.S. host employers and vetted third party overseas agents or partners (i.e., foreign entities) with whom sponsors have contractual agreements may assist sponsors in the administration of the core functions of their exchange programs.

IAAPA knows its members provide a good experience to SWT students. Last month IAAPA met with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange Stanley Colvin to discuss the attractions industry’s use of the SWT program and the new rule. During the meeting Deputy Assistant Secretary Colvin expressed interest in visiting amusement parks to see the positive stories our industry has to tell. If your facility is interested in hosting State Department officials this summer, please contact us.

Consumer Protection Update: VGB & CPSIA

2011-04-26T10:30:00.003-04:00

On April 5, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hosted a public meeting on the testing and certification procedures under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB).

The VGB requires pools and spas in the U.S. to be engineered to prevent entrapment drowning. There are several ways to accomplish this: in large pools or water attractions like those found in waterparks, the drains are usually large (18”x 23” or larger) and therefore physically unblockable*. For smaller drains, VGB-complaint drain covers are commercially available. The meeting only focused on the smaller, commercially-available drain covers, not on large, unblockable drains.

The meeting was part of an ongoing investigation by the CPSC into the methodology and results of the various organizations that certify drain covers as VGB compliant. The procedure for certifying is described in the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8-2007 Standard referenced in the VGB. However, upon investigation, the CPSC has found seemingly slight variations in the testing procedures, which are leading to varying results for the same product. The CPSC would like to clarify the testing procedure so a uniform method is used by all certifying labs, and the results of those tests are within an acceptable margin of error.

The meeting was broadcast live over the Internet, and the archived footage is available on the CPSC website. The first panel was composed of representatives from the three certifying organizations (Underwriters’ Laboratories, NSF, and IABMO). The second was drain cover manufacturers, and the third was the chairman of the A112.19.8 committee, who discussed the standards-creation process, and the committee’s work on the successor standard. The meeting was pretty technical, so waterpark operators might want to have their technical staff review the archived footage. While it doesn’t appear to directly impact waterparks, IAAPA is continuing to monitor this issue.

* These are not the only ways to be compliant with the VGB.

CPSIA Reform Legislation Considered
Earlier this month the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held a hearing on proposed legislation to make several reforms to the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act (CPSIA).

As the attractions industry knows, the CPSIA had good intentions that came along with a slew of unintended consequences. Since the enactment of the CPSIA, our industry has been calling for an amendments bill to address these consequences. A bill was introduced and heard by the Energy & Commerce committee last session, but it failed to move past the committee stage.

This hearing focused mainly on the proposed legislation, which lowers the age in the definition of “children’s product” from 12 to 7, narrows the scope of the Consumer Product Database, makes changes to the provisions addressing lead limits, and creates exemptions to the testing requirements for small-batch manufacturers.

Having discussed the reforms, the subcommittee will now create and mark-up a bill that can be voted on. Committee staff indicated the committee is looking to get this bill out of committee during the summer. Of course, timetables are never firm in Congress, but perhaps by fall we will see some CPSIA relief.

MAHC Ventilation Module available now

2011-04-20T16:49:00.004-04:00

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is a project being spearheaded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that when completed, will serve as a model and guide for state and local agencies to use when updating or implementing regulations governing the design, shape, construction, operation, and maintenance of swimming pools and other treated recreational water venues. The MAHC is being developed by the aquatic industry leaders across the country. Several IAAPA members serve on the steering and technical committees.

The MAHC is being created in modules, which are released as they are available, instead of waiting for a final document to be prepared. This allows the committees a lot of flexibility in drafting and updating the MAHC as needed. An outline was released in 2008 for those interested in seeing what topics the MAHC will address.

Last summer, the CDC released the Operator Training Module for public comment. IAAPA notified waterpark members of their opportunity to submit comments to the CDC on this module. The CDC considered the comments and earlier this month posted the revised modules on the MAHC website.

The CDC also released the Ventilation and Air Quality Module for a 60-day comment period ending June 12, 2011. The Ventilation Module contains requirements for new or modified construction that include:

1. Increased make-up air required in addition to that required in the ASHRAE 62 standard for indoor pools.
2. Determination of the extra make-up air needed based on the indoor venue water use type (e.g., flat water, agitated water, or hot water) and venue or deck patron density (square feet/person).
3. Inclusion in calculations of additional make-up air from surge tanks or gutters that introduce fresh air.
4. Development and implementation of plans to reduce combined chlorine compounds in indoor aquatic facilities and information for facility patrons about their impact on building air quality.

To comment on the Ventilation Module, complete the official comment form, and e-mail to the CDC. If there is interest, IAAPA will submit a comment on behalf of the industry. To be included in that process, please send us your comments.

ADA Amendments Act Final Rule Published

2011-04-18T10:15:00.000-04:00

Late last month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released the final rules implementing the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). The regulations apply to employers with 15 or more employees, employment agencies, labor organizations (unions), and joint labor-management committees. The ADAAA was enacted Sept. 25, 2008, and became effective Jan. 1, 2009. The ADAAA overturned a series of Supreme Court cases, expanded the number of workers who are considered disabled under the ADA and increased the number of employers who must make reasonable accommodations for these employees.

The regulations retain the ADA’s definition of the term “disability” as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; a record (or past history) of such an impairment; or being regarded as having a disability. But the regulations implement the significant changes that Congress made regarding how those terms should be interpreted.

The regulations implement Congress’s intent to set forth predictable, consistent, and workable standards by adopting “rules of construction” to use when determining if an individual is substantially limited in performing a major life activity. These rules of construction include the following:

The term “substantially limits” requires a lower degree of functional limitation than the standard previously applied by the courts. An impairment does not need to prevent or severely or significantly restrict a major life activity to be considered “substantially limiting.” Nonetheless, not every impairment will constitute a disability.
The term “substantially limits” is to be construed broadly in favor of expansive coverage, to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of the ADA.
The determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity requires an individualized assessment, as was true prior to the ADAAA.
With one exception (“ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses”), the determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be made without regard to the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures, such as medication or hearing aids.
An impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active.
In keeping with Congress’s direction that the primary focus of the ADA is on whether discrimination occurred, the determination of disability should not require extensive analysis.

The regulations make it easier for individuals to establish coverage under the “regarded as” part of the definition of “disability," however an individual must be covered under the first prong (“actual disability”) or second prong (“record of disability”) to qualify for a reasonable accommodation. The regulations clarify that it is generally not necessary to proceed under the first or second prong if an individual is not challenging an employer’s failure to provide a reasonable accommodation. The EEOC has information the regulations available on its website, including a fact sheet, general Q&A document, and a Q&A document for small businesses.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 Space Allocation: Day 2—Final Thoughts

2011-04-15T14:02:00.000-04:00

So that's it. Months of work and preparation unspool in the span of a hectic 30 hours or so. The Space Allocation Committee was as dedicated as ever to creating the best possible show floor; they spent more time in front of their computer screens than I think they have in my four years of covering this process. One glance at the interactive floor plan will tell you all that was accomplished here.

As of now, there are 669 booths on the floor covering 357,000 net square feet. That's more than 60 exhibitors and 55,000 square feet above where we were after Space Allocation last year.

Ray Zammit of Nanco said he was pleased with the new interactive floor plan system and that he's thrilled to see how much of the floor is already spoken for. He feels it speaks to improving economic conditions and positivity in the industry.

"It's encouraging," agreed Committee Chairman Jack Mendes. "People are feeling positive and they're showing a bit more. There's some momentum going, and that's a good thing."

While Space Allocation is a ton of work, it's exciting, too. The meeting is like the unofficial kickoff not only for IAAPA Attractions Expo, but our other two shows, as well: Asian Attractions Expo this June in Singapore, and Euro Attractions Show this September in London. Thanks to those of you who followed along who will exhibit at all of those shows this year; we very much appreciate your participation.

And thanks to everyone who clicked on this little corner of the Internet over the past two days. I hope it was helpful, and I hope you have a great Expo in November.

From here on out, if you have any questions about your booth contact the IAAPA sales team at exhibitsales@IAAPA.org.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 Space Allocation: Day 2—Morning Session

2011-04-15T07:53:00.015-04:00

12:46 p.m.: OK, so there are two or three booths hanging around still. But my previous statement otherwise remains the same.

12:45 p.m.: DONE! All booths are assigned. The committee will hang around for a few minutes in case there are any move requests, so get them in ASAP.

11:54 a.m.: The committee just placed QiQi Inflatable Co., No. 620, which marks the end of our returning exhibitors. Everything from here on out—45 companies—are first-timers.

The committee is going to go grab some lunch while the IAAPA sales team assigns the first-time exhibitors. Committee members will be back about 12:30 p.m. to handle any final booth moves. If you have a request, send it to exhibitsales@IAAPA.org right away. The committee probably won't be here much past 1 p.m.

11:29 a.m.: While the committee continues to deal with booth moves, let me take an opportunity to give you faithful readers a heads-up for great content elsewhere on the blog. My colleague Stephanie See, IAAPA's manager of government relations and safety services, has been blogging like crazy over the past several weeks, providing updates on all sorts of U.S. government-related issues. Look down on the right of this page and click the "Government Relations" tag to find this valuable information.

11:11 a.m.: Another milemarker! Seniority No. 600, Fathom It Distributing, just went on the floor. The committee's really trying to push through and get everyone on the floor by 12:30 today.

10:54 a.m.: 575 booths on the floor. Steelman Partners just got assigned. Less than a hundred to go! Pace has slowed significantly the past half hour as a batch of booth moves came in.

10:30 a.m.: The committee is back from break, working on a few booth moves before resuming new assignments.

10:20 a.m.: I've kinda been buried in my laptop for most of this process, so for some reason I hadn't gotten a good look at how the floor is shaping up until now. I'd encourage you to go look at the interactive floor plan, because I was shocked at how full the floor looks already. It's very exciting to see that and try and picture what it will look like in person seven months from now.

Speaking of, Space Allocation has its own language it seems like at times. Terms like "full back wall," "island," "end cap," "split" and more fly around the room with hardly any words in between because everyone in here speaks the same dialect. It's impressive how the committee and the IAAPA exhibit team can visualize in three dimensions what they're seeing in 2-D on the floor plan, right down to envisioning how columns will affect people and where companies who need proximity to water drains can fit.

The last booth assigned was Inforesight Products, No. 563, and the committee is taking another short break before the final push to the end.

10 a.m.: Showtime Pictures LLC was just assigned, which means we now have 550 booths on the floor. Getting close now! A little more than a hundred to go.

9:51 a.m.: During the break I had a quick chat with Jeff Hudson, president of Skee-Ball Inc., who's marking his 10th year on the committee this time around.

From my observations in the back of the room, Jeff has been quite active during this process, as he handles all the gaming and plush companies, as well as basically any other companies affiliated with family entertainment centers. He's also been helping acclimate some of the new committee members, and based on his experience is one of those who helps assign booths that may not have a specific committee member assigned to them.

"The first meeting I was very lost, but by the second meeting I kinda got the hang of it—knowing to look ahead and see how it all flows," he said.

Jeff said the key is, like anything else, being prepared. Over the weekend he went through the entire list of Space Allocation companies and color-coded those he's responsible for so he knows exactly when they're coming up in this fast-paced process. When he has a span of time between those companies he's identified ahead of time, that's when he starts scanning the pages for other booths he can help assign, if need be.

9:30 a.m.: The committee is back from break.

9:18 a.m.: The committee is taking a 10-minute break for some well-earned coffee. Moving at a really good clip this morning. Last booth assigned was No. 517, Theming and Animatronics Industries.

9:03 a.m.: It's cliche, I know, but I can't believe how fast time flies. The committee just placed Chuck Wagon Old-Fashioned Soda, No. 489, who has four years' seniority. If you'd asked me five minutes ago, I never would've guessed Old-Fashioned has been with us for that long; I interviewed owner Terry Schaeffer during his first Expo in 2008 because he was having such a great show and I remember it like yesterday. Terry, glad to see you've stayed with us!

Just assigned No. 500, Spin-T LLC.

8:29 a.m.: 475 booths on the floor now, as Garner Holt Productions just went on.

8:13 a.m.: The booth moves are wrapped up and now the committee is assigning new booths. I wanted to remind you to check out this page, which gives estimated times for assignments. The page was updated last night to reflect the most accurate estimates for today's timing. Remember, this is in no way 100% accurate, but at least it'll give you a feel for whether you should be watching a 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.

Good morning! The Space Allocation Committee members are filtering into the room, getting ready for an 8 a.m. start. They have about a dozen booth move requests to handle first, and then it'll be on to No. 457, Barron Games International. There's still more than 200 exhibitors to place today, and the goal is to be done by about 1 p.m. EDT.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 Space Allocation: Day 1—Afternoon Session

2011-04-14T13:25:00.025-04:00

7:40 p.m.: All right, whew, the committee's called it quits after the longest day I've spent with this bunch in four years of doing this. As of now there are 461 booths on the floor covering 292,000 net square feet. About 380 booths were assigned today.

Space Allocation will begin bright and early tomorrow at 8 a.m. EDT (an hour earlier than originally scheduled). First booth assigned will be No. 457, Barron Games International.

Like I said, today was a major-record day for traffic on the blog, so thanks for following along and hopefully this was helpful. Good night!

7:20 p.m.: SHOUT OUT to Kees Albers of Unlimited Snow-Tape My Day, who e-mailed me today from the Netherlands to say he was staying up WWAAAAAYYYYY late to watch for his booth assignment, even though there was no guarantee he'd make today's cut. Well, congratulations, my friend, your sleep deprivation paid off! At No. 447 you're gonna be one of the last booths assigned today. Thanks for staying up with us.

6:53 p.m.: Today IAAPA's new president and CEO, Chip Cleary, has watched Space Allocation from the sidelines, soaking up the process. He listened a lot and talked to committee members when he could catch them away from their monitors (which hasn't been often on this hectic, strenuous day!). I asked him for a quick comment about what he's observed today, and here's what he said:

"When you come to IAAPA Attractions Expo this November you might wonder how this all comes together. In my many years of involvement with IAAPA I had never seen the Space Allocation Committee in action. Twenty-five computers, 16 big monitors, 15 committee members, eight IAAPA team members, six contractor team members, and lots of coffee and commitment. The floor slowly appears on the big screen but the commitment of our volunteer committee members and the IAAPA team members is inspiring to see."

The last booth placed was Soundtube Entertainment, No. 416. Really making up some ground now.

6:44 p.m.: Just hit No. 400! Milspec Industries is on the floor.

6:20 p.m.: The committee assigned its 300th booth a few minutes ago. We're more than halfway home now, and the second half always goes quicker because the booths are typically smaller and options on the floor start to lock in a bit more.

Last booth placed, Midway Stainless Fabricators, No. 387.

6:09 p.m.: So while I'm communicating on the busiest day in this blog's history, I figure what better time to talk about something I'm quite proud of: The cover story of this month's Funworld magazine. A couple months ago I was invited to Six Flags' corporate headquarters in Arlington, Texas, to interview the company's new CEO, Jim Reid-Anderson. He was good sport enough to don a hard hat for our cover photo, and then talked to me about basically every aspect of his plan for helping Six Flags' continued recovery from bankruptcy.

It was a great discussion, one I was privileged to have, and I think all of you out there could get something out of it. You can read it via Funworld's digital edition by clicking here.

BTW, the last booth placed was Trendy—LLC, No. 375.

5:51 p.m.: The committee decided to extend today's meeting an extra hour to approximately 7:30 p.m. EDT. The last booth placed was No. 357, Randolph Rose Collection.

5:11 p.m.: SHOUT OUT to my peeps at Mini Melts Inc.! They e-mailed me today to say they've been following along to see when/where they were placed with seniority No. 336. Welcome to this year's show, guys!

5:06 p.m.: Right on time … back and placing once more. Just added True Food Service Equipment at 331.

4:56 p.m.: The committee's taking a 10-minute break. Hardly any of these today as the members have been working relentlessly to get these booths assigned and catch up on the goal for Day 1. Just did Aerophile at No. 327.

4:53 p.m.: Just hit No. 325, International Cordage Inc. I don't want to jinx anything, but the committee's hitting a stride of late. Pace returning to normal over the past hour or so.

4:37 p.m.: There we go! Booth No. 300 is on the floor now that Magnet World Inc. has been assigned.

4:28 p.m.: I was trying to wait for an update at a big ol' round number, but it's been too long since my last post so I'll just go with No. 291, Leisure Craft, which was the last booth assigned. Pushin' on to 300 …

3:44 p.m.: We've already set a one-day record for traffic on the blog, so thanks to all of you who are following along. I hope it's helpful to you. E-mail me at jschoolfield@IAAPA.org if there's anything I can help you with.

Toy Factory, No. 268, was just assigned.

3:10 p.m.: Committee's restarting now. Assigning International Laser Tag Association, No. 242.

2:53 p.m.: Short break as we address a couple redraws on the floor plan. Keep an eye on that interactive website.

2:48 p.m.: Sorry this post disappeared momentarily, folks. The committee's been moving pretty well this afternoon. Last booth that was assigned was Ninja Jump, No. 241.

2:17 p.m.: This is my fourth Space Allocation live blog and I just had something happen for the first time: A blackout!

OK, not really. But as you may have seen in the pics I posted this morning, we have quite a bit of equipment in this meeting room, and out of nowhere half the room's computers and extended paraphernalia lost power. Cool thing was, because the new assignment system is entirely web-based we were able to keep the meeting going without missing a beat thanks to laptops and Wi-Fi.

I don't know exactly what happened, and everything got back up and running pretty quickly, but it was an interesting 30 seconds of … "Huh?" What did we ever do before laptops, wireless Internet, and web-based interactive software programs. Really.

1:42 p.m.: Just placed booth No. 200! MedTech Wristbands just went on the floor. What a difference some food makes, huh? Committee's picked up the pace after lunch nicely.

1:36 p.m.: I spoke with Committee Chairman Jack Mendes briefly during the brief lunch break. He said part of what has the committee a little behind this year is learning a new computer system for assigning booths. He thinks it's just taking everyone—both the committee members and those running the system—a little time to get up to speed, but that will come with time.

This is our second consecutive year in Orlando for Expo (the second of a 10-year run, as we announced last year), but that doesn't mean the show is the exact same every year. Different companies come in and out of the show, he said, and those who are in change their sizes and sometimes their locations, which means it's like starting fresh every year. So what makes the show so exciting year in and year out also makes it challenging to plot out.

"We're trying to make sure the floor flows nicely and we don't create any dead-ends," Mendes said.

The committee is getting back to assignments now, starting with No. 181, NAARSO. They also have a couple booth moves to handle, as well.

To this point, 180 exhibitors are on the floor, covering a total of 124,000 net square feet.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 Space Allocation: Day 1—Morning Session

2011-04-14T08:29:00.012-04:00

12:39 p.m.: The committee just placed its 100th company of the day, AIMS International (seniority No. 180), which includes creation of the AIMS Pavilion on the show floor. The committee is breaking for a 30-minute lunch now. We're running an hour behind, based on where we expected to be, so hopefully we can make up a half-hour and return to estimated assignment times this afternoon.

12:17 p.m.: Sorry for the lack of updates over the past 45 minutes or so, but it's been a little slow of late so not much to report. There have been some alterations to the floor, so be sure to keep refreshing that page. The last booth placed was Sega Amusements, No. 161.

11:56 a.m.: Recent assignment: Alcorn McBride, No. 156.

11:22 a.m.: The committee will only break for a 30-minute lunch today instead of an hour, since we're running a bit behind so far today.

"We'd rather rush lunch than rush the process," said BSR's Jack Mendes, the committee chair.

I will of course update you when the committee breaks for lunch.

11:17 a.m.: For those familiar with the NCAA men's basketball tournament, the people who put that bracket together each year have a "war room" of sorts, where they watch all the games and collect all the data to determine the 68 teams who get into the field for the Final Four.

That's the comparison that comes to mind sitting in the Space Allocation room. The members are arrayed around a large U of tables with big screens in front of them displaying the interactive floor plan. Here are a few photos:

Just placed Royal Train Rides, No. 134.

11 a.m.: Committee's coming back. About to assign No. 124, Innovative Concepts in Entertainment.

10:51 a.m.: The committee is breaking for 10 minutes as IAAPA's VP of exhibit sales Pete Barto works on a sizable redraw of the floor plan. Keep refreshing this site AND the floor plan to keep an eye on the proceedings and get a look at what the floor looks like when this little process is done.

10:34 a.m.: As a refresher, here's how the Space Allocation process works:

There are 15 members of the Space Allocation Committee from all different sectors of the M&S community. Thus each member watches over the exhibiting companies in their respective areas of expertise. For example: Monty Lunde (Technifex) and Keith James (JRA) handle theming and design companies, Vittorio Fabbri (Intamin) and Sophie Bolliger (B&M) keep an eye on ride manufacturers, etc. Their job is to be prepared with a booth assignment when their companies come up.

Each exhibiting company submits booth number requests. Early on, typically those requests are relatively easy to accommodate since there are so many spaces available on the floor. But as the show fills up, companies' requests start to disappear. That's when the committee members really kick into action. They'll make recommendations for new booths, oftentimes talking with the exhibiting company directly to work on a solution. The key to this selected group is their knowledge of two areas: their industry sector AND experience exhibiting at IAAPA Attractions Expo; both sides of that coin factor into the decision as the committee members try to get their companies the best position possible.

Sometimes the booth assignments just flow right along, but elsewhere there is significant discussion as members take into account proximity to competitors and maintaining the layout and integrity of the show floor. It can get complicated, that's for sure.

The last booth assigned was SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment at No. 111.

10:08 a.m.: REMINDER: The online interactive floor plan is live this year, so you can see booths immediately as they are assigned. The key is: remember to REFRESH YOUR SCREEN (sorry for the all-caps, but this is important!). The last booth assigned was Severn-Lamb, No. 102.

9:43 a.m.: And they're off! Space Allocation is officially under way. BJ Toy Manufacturing Co. was just assigned (seniority No. 82).

9:12 a.m.: Still doing updates and housekeeping stuff. I will post as soon as we get started. Just a reminder: booths are assigned based on seniority (number of years exhibiting at the show). Anyone with 25-plus years' seniority is placed ahead of this meeting, so there are 80 or so booths on the floor already.

9:02 a.m.: Committee Chair Jack Mendes from Bob's Space Racers is addressing the committee, laying out the process. We'll be starting soon.

Good morning, everyone. I'm back for another year of wall-to-wall coverage of Space Allocation for IAAPA Attractions Expo. Over the next two days the Space Allocation Committee will put 588 exhibitors on the floor for our trade show in Orlando this November.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m., but there are some housekeeping items to take care of before booth numbers start flying at 9:30 a.m. (All times I give are EDT.)

Keep refreshing this page, as I'll just update this post periodically, rather than starting a new one every time. If you have questions about your booth, e-mail exhibitsales@IAAPA.org immediately. If you have a question for me, you can post in the comments section or e-mail me directly at jschoolfield@IAAPA.org.

Thanks for following along today. Space Allocation is always one of our highest-trafficked days, so I hope this is helpful to you as we start working toward Expo.

Space Allocation Meeting Coverage Begins Thursday, 9 a.m.

2011-04-12T10:30:00.001-04:00

For the fourth consecutive year I'll be live-blogging IAAPA Space Allocation, where booths for this year's IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando are assigned.

If you've followed along in previous years, you probably have an idea for what's coming: My job is to be a fly on the wall while the Space Allocation Committee shapes the show floor. You can keep refreshing the blog to get updates on the committee's progress, as well as a sense for how the process works and what it's like to put together the industry's biggest exhibition.

Kevin Rohwer, vice president of sales and marketing for S&S Worldwide, is new to the committee this year, so I asked him what he thinks about the whole process as he's getting ready to join us in Virginia for the two-day event:

"I’m excited that I was asked to be a part of the Space Allocation Committee. I have always enjoyed my interaction with IAAPA, and this will be my 15th consecutive showing at IAAPA Attractions Expo. I’ve been a recipient of good from IAAPA and I’m honored to give back to IAAPA in whatever form my energy and experience can provide. To be trusted by IAAPA and my peers is an honor—one I will not take lightly. What makes IAAPA great is that there are those willing to give of their time and talents in hopes of making our industry, better."

This year I'll be doing double duty, providing Twitter updates, as well, so whichever version you're more comfortable with, you'll never be lacking for updates on how the meeting is going. At the same time, I'd recommend keeping an eye on the interactive online floor plan. This site is updated in real time so you can see how the floor is taking shape as your time for placement comes up.

If you have any questions about the process, e-mail my colleagues on the IAAPA Exhibit Sales Team at exhibitsales@IAAPA.org; if you have any comments/suggestions for what you'd like to read about during the meeting, e-mail me at jschoolfield@IAAPA.org.

See you Thursday!

Health Care Update: FDA Food Labeling Rule & 1099 Repeal

2011-04-11T14:45:00.000-04:00

Some good news out of Washington last week: both the House and the Senate passed H.R. 4, which repealed the 1099 provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

IAAPA members may remember the PPACA expanded the 1099 reporting obligation as a revenue-raising measure to pay for the legislation. Previously corporations needed to file a Form 1099 with the IRS when they purchased more than $600 in services from an independent contractor, or other unincorporated business. Under the PPACA, beginning in 2012, 1099 reporting was expanded to include the purchase of goods over $600 and payments to corporations (except non-profits).

If the repeal is signed by President Obama, the rules will revert back and a 1099 will only be necessary if a business is buying services from an unincorporated business. Stay tuned for more information.

FDA Labeling Proposal Released
Last week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released proposed rules on the menu labeling provisions of the PPACA. The PPACA requires restaurants with 20 or more locations, serving substantially the same menu, to provide nutritional information on the menu or menu board. The rule was supposed to be out by March 23, but it got held up in the regulatory process.

There are two proposed rules: one for menu labeling, and one for vending machines.

Overall, IAAPA’s Government Relations department thinks the rules are good for the industry. We are also pleased the rules are in the proposal stage and that there are 60 days to offer comments. But this is where we need your help: tell us if the proposed rules will work for your facility. If they won’t, what changes can be made to them? IAAPA intends to file a comment with the FDA, so if you would like us to include your input, please let us know by May 30!

CPSC to Hold Pool Safety Hearing

2011-03-28T09:37:00.004-04:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will hold a hearing on pool drains on Tuesday, April 5, at 9 am EDT. The hearing will be broadcast live on the CPSC's webcast website (please note, the website is inactive when there is not a live hearing).

The hearing will focus on a CPSC investigation into the adequacy of testing procedures used to determine the flow ratings of some Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB)-compliant drain covers. The investigation has revealed that the testing protocols used by some laboratories may have been improper and, as a result, some covers certified by these laboratories may not comply with the VGB.

Gravity drainage systems and large, unblockable drain covers, like those commonly used in waterparks, are not part of this investigation. However the investigation did include the smaller, "off-the-shelf" drain covers. CPSC is undertaking this effort in order to identify covers that have improper ratings and provide important safety information about drain covers to the public by Memorial Day weekend.

IAAPA Submits Comment on H-2B Wage Rule

2011-03-24T13:30:00.002-04:00

Earlier this week IAAPA, through the H-2B Workforce Coalition, submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on an H-2B rulemaking. The letter can be viewed in the GR Archive section of the IAAPA website.

The rulemaking concerned the implementation of a recent controversial rule on wage methodology for H-2B workers. In its letter, the Coalition requested that DOL rescind the rule as a means of complying with President Obama’s Jan. 18 presidential memorandum that expressed the administration’s commitment to eliminating excessive and unjustified regulatory burdens on small businesses.

As members of the attractions industry know, during busy seasons companies must supplement their full-time staff with temporary seasonal workers. Unfortunately, even in today’s tough economic climate there are sometimes not enough local workers available to fill all the temporary seasonal positions. As a result, the attractions industry sometimes uses the H-2B program to find seasonal workers.

Now that the comment period has ended, the Administrative Procedure Act dictates that the Department of Labor will consider the comments it received, and produce a final rule that takes those comments into account. However, for political reasons, it is highly unlikely the DOL will heed our suggestion and rescind the rule.

First IAAPA Leadership Conference Wraps in Spectacular Fashion

2011-03-18T03:02:00.000-04:00

It's safe to say the 2011 IAAPA Leadership Conference was a big hit.

I've just returned to my room here in San Diego after a long, exhausting, GLORIOUS day visiting three wonderful SoCal parks, culminating with a viewing of Disney California Adventure's "World of Color" as a fitting exclamation point to a fantastic week.

Today was filled with behind-the-scenes access as we traveled up I-5. At Legoland California we got to see the surefire soon-to-be hit Star Wars Miniland in construction; Knott's Berry Farm gave us a look at its operations in food & beverage, entertainment, and maintenance; and Disney took us where almost no outsiders have gone before: behind and below the screen of "Soarin'" and out onto a balcony of "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" for a spectacular view of the construction going on at Cars Land.

I'll have much more to come in the May issue of Funworld—including some great photos from the entire week of activity—but right now I have to start packing so I can get to the airport in, oh, five hours. But before things wrapped tonight I spoke with several IAAPA officers as well as other attendees, and everyone is already looking forward to doing this again next year.

For the many I met this week, thanks for spending time letting me get to know you. And for those who didn't make it this year, I hope I'll get to meet you at an IAAPA Leadership Conference in the future. This certainly was an event I will never forget.

ADA Primer Now Available

2011-03-17T10:45:00.001-04:00

The new ADA rules for public accommodations went into effect on Tuesday (March 15, 2011). This means businesses now must comply with the ADA's general nondiscrimination requirements, including provisions related to policies and procedures and effective communication. The deadline for complying with the 2010 standards, which detail the technical rules for building accessibility, is next year (March 15, 2012).

The U.S. Department of Justice recently published a free guide, ADA Update: A Primer for Small Business, to assist in navigating the recently updated rules for public accommodations. The title suggests the guide is only for small businesses, but after reading through it, I think the information presented can be useful to any business.

The primer addresses (in relatively plain English) both the requirements that are effective now, such as service animals and mobility devices, and the 2010 standard, but it does not address rules unique to the attractions industry such as those on miniature golf courses, amusement rides, and pools. In order to provide our members with more information on the regulations for those facilities, we are preparing a series of white papers that will assist members in developing their compliance strategies. In the next few weeks, look for more information from IAAPA on the new ADA rules. And, if you are in New England and have questions about the ADA, I'll be giving a presentation with IAAPA FEC Committee Chairman Tim Sorge at the NEAAPA Annual Meeting, March 29-30, in Providence, Rhode Island.

Inaugural IAAPA Leadership Conference Debuted Today

2011-03-16T03:07:00.001-04:00

Day 1 of the new IAAPA Leadership Conference is in the books. Today attendees got a real flavor for what an industry hotbed San Diego is with visits to three vastly different facilities: Boomers!, a family entertainment center; Belmont Park, which offers the feel of a traditional seaside park; and SeaWorld San Diego, a big theme park experience. Here are a few pics from the day (photos by Robert Benson):

I don't appear in any of those photos because I wasn't there. Instead, I spent my day split between two committee meetings: Zoos & Aquariums, and Museums & Science Centers. I was so impressed with the intensity these groups brought to their respective tasks and to plan their dedicated education days at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 this November in Orlando. I can't divulge any specifics of what they have planned since it all has to be finalized, but I can tell you both groups have big plans to make their own tracks special—must-do experiences for their attraction communities.

Tonight I joined several of those same committee members along with the rest of the conference attendees for an exclusive dinner at SeaWorld San Diego (my first trip to this park). After reconnecting with some old friends and meeting some new ones—and a trip through the "Wild Arctic" attraction (uh, yeah, that walrus is so huge it boggles the mind!)—we all settled into Shamu Stadium for an after-hours showing of "Shamu Rocks!," the park's nighttime whale show. The big guys were kind to us and didn't splash our group in the chilly weather. Doesn't he look cool under the lights?

IAAPA Committees Gather in San Diego Ahead of Leadership Conference

2011-03-15T00:57:00.000-04:00

The first IAAPA Leadership Conference officially gets under way Tuesday here in San Diego, but there was quite a bit of work and activity happening already.

Today seven IAAPA committees held their annual face-to-face meetings, many of them focused on this year's education planning for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 this November in Orlando. I sat in on three different meetings throughout the day: Amusement Parks & Attractions, Waterparks, and Communications.

It was a pleasure for me to be a "fly on the wall" (although I couldn't keep my mouth shut entirely!) listening in on the conversations among these experts about trends and challenges they're facing back at their parks and attractions, and how they want to address these issues during Expo. Whether it's social media, government relations/compliance, or discussion of the latest technology, I'm looking forward to researching these topics further in the pages of Funworld, as well.

I was also impressed with the dedication of these volunteers, some of whom flew halfway around the world to sit in on these meetings and share their expertise and experience. In one day alone, I met with industry folks from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and elsewhere. The committees had packed agendas and the discussion was enlightening.

And this is just the preview. Starting tomorrow the IAAPA Leadership Conference officially starts with tours to Boomers!, Belmont Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. The goal for this new association event is to give attendees behind-the-scenes access to exemplary attractions, as well as numerous networking opportunities with colleagues; with those two components in place, essentially the learning never stops. Later this week we'll be visiting Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland, and Disneyland, among others.

I'll be in more committee meetings tomorrow, but the Leadership Conference runs through Thursday so I'll have further details later this week and then a full report in the May issue of Funworld.

CPSIA Database Launches Friday

2011-03-09T11:10:00.004-05:00

If you manufacture, import, or even put your logo on a children's product in the U.S., and you have not already registered your company with the new CPSIA database, stop reading this blog and do it now!

A controversial part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act was the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database, where individuals can post safety complaints about consumer products. Manufacturers who register with the database will be given 10 days' notice to respond to these complaints before they are posted on the Internet. If a manufacturer is not registered, the complaints will still be posted in 10 days. It's important to remember that the CPSIA expanded the definition of "manufacturer" far beyond the colloquial usage. Importers, retailers, and private labelers can now be held liable if the product does not comply with the CPSIA.

IAAPA has many issues with the final rule regarding the public database. As we said in our comment letter, we disagree with the expansion of the provisions explaining who may file and what information will be published online. We are also concerned about how the CPSC will handle situations where both a manufacturer and a private labeler are identified. The manufacturing community as a whole is concerned with the potential for abuse and fraud.

Last month, freshman Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS), introduced an amendment to the budget Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1) that defunded the CPSIA database until certain issues were addressed, but ultimately the Senate voted down the bill, so the database is set to launch later this week.

IAAPA members can register to be notified of a product complaint at SaferProducts.gov.

Do State Budget Shortfalls Mean Trouble for the Attractions Industry?

2011-03-04T15:19:00.002-05:00

I’ve been on the road a lot lately, visiting associations for state and regional attractions. Two weeks ago, I was in Austin, Texas, to participate in the Texas Travel Industry Association's Unity Dinner and give a presentation on federal health care reform to TTIA members. Earlier this week, I attended the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Association’s Spring Meeting in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Later this month I will be in Providence, Rhode Island, at the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Annual Meeting.

Some years state-by-state issues vary greatly, but right now I hear similar themes in every region I visit: the recent economic troubles have left many states with budget shortfalls. Decreased property values and business revenues, coupled with unemployment means states are not getting the tax revenue they are used to. Some states relied on one-time stimulus payments to fund ongoing expenses. One of the things I learned in Texas is that with the appropriations currently in place (meaning no new spending, and no inflation adjustments), the state is facing a $4.3 billion shortfall.

Just like a business does when revenues are less than expenses, state governments are looking at ways to cut spending and/or raise revenue. How they go about this is something members of the attractions industry should pay close attention to.

Most states have agencies dedicated to promoting travel to the state. These agencies are funded in different ways, but in most of the agencies I am familiar with it's through taxes on hotels, rental cars, and other travel expenses. In Texas, 1/12th of the revenues generated by the state's hotel occupancy tax are dedicated to state travel promotion.

Travel promotion is a great return on investment for states: promoting travel to a state is like free advertising for the attractions within the state. The attractions get more visitors, who generate revenue from sales, hotel stays, admissions, and other taxes, which is money for the state and its residents.

Unfortunately, when there’s a budget shortfall everything’s on the table, including state tourism promotion in some states. While I am generally in favor of reduced government spending, cutting state travel promotion actually costs the state money: In a year after defunding its state tourism promotion program, Colorado lost tax revenues that totaled 11 times the amount of tourism promotion funding the legislature cut. Years later, Colorado is still fighting to regain its footing in the tourism market.

If your state tourism bureau is facing budget cuts, speak up! Call your state representative and senator—or, better yet, set up a meeting with them. Don’t know your state elected officials? Look them up on IAAPA’s website. Tell your elected officials not to cut funding for the state tourism office. Explain how it’s a great return on investment, and remind them of the Colorado mistake. For more talking points, or if you need help, contact me.

ASTM Update

2011-03-02T15:24:00.001-05:00

Recently I attended the ASTM International F-24 Committee meeting in New Orleans. Although I talk about safety standards and ASTM all the time, this was my first time actually attending a meeting—and I was in awe over not only the amount of work that got accomplished in such a short timeframe, but also at the talent and passion committee members have for the attractions industry.

More than 125 individuals from eight countries attended the F-24 committee meeting, which lasted three days. I personally attended meetings on water attractions, terminology, restraint systems, and a Canadian harmonization session, but there were many other meetings on topics such as ziplines, ropes courses, and challenge courses; fall protection; training, and certification; and, my favorite name for a task group: Gravity or Patron Controlled Non-mechanical Spherical Devices.

One of the highlights of the meeting was when Walt Disney Imagineer Mike Withers was presented with ASTM’s highest award, the ASTM Award of Merit. Mike is only the second member of the F-24 committee to receive this honor, which makes him a “Fellow” of the ASTM society. I have worked with Mike regularly during my time at IAAPA, and can personally attest to why he is deserving of this award, but I think the Awards Task Group’s nomination remarks describe Mike’s talent and passion so much better:

“[we] nominate Mike for this award for his technical expertise combined with his engaging personality, his reputation for integrity, fairness and openness, and his unique ability to solicit compromise between opposing views that have led to increase the standing and relevance of Committee F24 and ASTM in the global marketplace. The work that he has shepherded, participated in or successfully incorporated in regulation has set the bar for safety that will allow for countless happy experiences for generations to come. His contributions have made ASTM the leader in standardization in our industry and have helped us all to address our single most important responsibility – safety.”

The next ASTM F-24 Committee meeting will be held Oct. 13-15, 2011, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the Valley Ho Resort. If you are passionate about safety in the attractions industry, you should definitely check it out. Membership on ASTM Committee F-24 gives you the opportunity to work with industry and technical experts from around the world in the premier ASTM standards development forum. You’ll help craft the standards that support the global amusement ride industry and promote safety for ride and park visitors everywhere.

For more information on the fall meeting, or becoming a member of the F-24 committee, check out ASTM International’s website.

Maximize F&B Sales at Your Waterpark

2011-02-16T09:00:00.003-05:00

Now is the time to fine-tune your plans for maximizing revenue, guest satisfaction, and attendance. This month’s IAAPA webinar, set for Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. EST, focuses specifically on how waterparks can boost food and beverage sales, but any park with concessions can learn from our experts. Ken Whiting of Whiting’s Foods/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk shares some insight into what participants can expect from the session.

What are the key areas of focus during this webinar?
We’ll address some current trends and strategies that work for all food and beverage operations in the attractions industry, as well as some waterpark-specific areas, including:
- cabana sales
- maximizing beverage revenue
- cashless payment systems
- healthier food options

Can you share a challenge waterparks face in refining and updating F&B offerings?
The spending patterns within waterparks are different than in a dry park. Being in bathing suits without constant access to money limits spending. Aligning their operation with services, menu items, and payment methods that enhance and encourage spending is key.

What types of information can participants in this webinar implement immediately?
There will be best practices and strategies shared that work in our industry. Menu item development, peak sales period management, and staff motivation ideas are typically low cost, easy to implement, and able to be acted on right away.

What is the most appropriate audience for this session?
Anyone with food service, retail, or general management responsibilities at a waterpark attraction will benefit from the information.

What can small/independent operators with tighter budgets glean from this session?
Many operators believe they have to spend big for large returns. Often that just isn’t the case. We’ll provide many proven tactics that are low cost, high return, and industry specific. Even with little or no budget, significant gains can be had. Everyone who participates in this webinar will leave with ideas that will work for them.

To learn more about IAAPA’s free member webinars and to register, click here.

New CPSIA Resources

2011-02-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

Product Safety Daily is a free daily e-mail publication that focuses on global consumer product safety news. Consumer product safety has been a hot topic in the U.S. for the past several years, with the passage and implementation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act, but there have also been major consumer product safety reforms in other parts of the world, such as Canada and Europe. If you’re not already receiving it, I recommend you sign up for Product Safety Daily.

Speaking of the CPSIA, its implementation has been a difficult-to-follow process. Provisions are stayed and stays are then extended, making it can be difficult to keep track of what parts of the law are in effect now. CPSC has created a chart of CPSIA requirements and their stays of enforcement—such as the recently extended Section 102 Testing and Certification requirements. IAAPA members can reference this chart to review the status of the many CPSIA provisions that impact the attractions industry.

You can find the chart and other CPSIA resources over at IAAPA’s Toy Safety webpage.

Start Planning: National Tourism and Travel Week Is Coming!

2011-02-11T10:25:00.001-05:00

Every year the first full week of May is recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week in the U.S. During this week cities, states, and travel businesses nationwide sponsor rallies and other events to celebrate the power of travel.

The week began as National Tourism Week, and was established by Congress in 1983. In a 1984 White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with “the appropriate ceremonies and activities.” Since its establishment, the U.S. travel community has collectively marked the event in a number of creative ways, from staging local rallies and conducting media outreach to securing proclamations and resolutions from local legislative bodies.

This year, the event will be May 7-15, with the Travel Rally Day occuring May 10.

Travel Rally Day is a concerted effort to demonstrate travel's impact on local workers, businesses, and economies. Individual events are staged in cities nationwide during National Travel and Tourism Week. The goal of Rally Day is to unite a community's travel workers and supporters and publicly represent the industry to media, elected officials and residents with a message that travel matters to this nation and to local communities.

Now is the time to start planning for National Tourism and Travel Week and the Travel Rally Day. Our friends at the U.S. Travel Association have compiled a website of helpful tips and tools to help you plan. Your local visitors bureau or state tourism agency may already have something in the works, so you may want to combine forces with them, or start your own!

If you are planning to participate, tell us, so we can help promote your event.

New Pilot Program for J-1 Visa Summer Workers

2011-01-31T11:08:00.003-05:00

Last fall, the U.S. Department of State announced a pilot program which will make changes to the J-1 visa Summer Work Travel (SWT) program. The pilot program is effective now and only applies to SWT participants in six countries (Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine). It is rumored that this pilot program will be expanded to the entire SWT program through a rulemaking early this year.

Some of the changes included in the pilot program are:

- Students are required to have accepted a job offer prior to interviewing for a visa.
- Certain “inappropriate” job placements are prohibited.
- A public database will be created that identifies all local agents that work with sponsor companies, including evaluations or rating of the local agents.
- Students will be required to complete a survey at the end of their stay.
- All participants (students, sponsors, agents, etc.) will need to abide by a new Code of Conduct.

IAAPA has been told there will be a regulatory action on the SWT program in the first few months of 2011. We have also been told the regulatory action will be the release of an interim final rule with an open comment period where interested parties can submit their comments to the Department of State. We do not know if the interim final rule will be effective in time for the 2011 hiring season.

IAAPA is monitoring the issue, and will alert members when the regulatory action occurs and how IAAPA members can submit comments on the proposed rules.

IAAPA Submits Comments on ADA Rulemaking

2011-01-25T13:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday the comment period closed for several Advanced Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on regulations related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). IAAPA submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, explaining the potential effects these proposed rules could have on the attractions industry.

The proposed regulations do not replace the final rules that go into effect March 15. Those final rules address standards of accessible design and barrier removal activities. If implemented, these proposed rules will address websites, self-service equipment such as vending machines or ticket kiosks, and movie captioning.

The attractions industry is committed to providing accessible entertainment for all guests. IAAPA agrees with the intent of the proposed rules, but did ask that flexibility be granted for some of our members' unique attractions. We also requested DOJ grant the industry adequate time between when the final rules are published and their effective dates.

Next Steps

What should happen next is DOJ will review all of the comments it received and move forward with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which will be open for comments. After considering those comments, DOJ will publish a final rule. I have not heard a timeframe on these regulations, but it probably won't be until later this year, or even in 2012.

Safety Update: Web Conferences on CPSIA Database and OSHA Regulatory Agenda

2011-01-07T11:25:00.005-05:00

On Thursday, January 20, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will hold a webcast demonstrating the new Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database. IAAPA members will remember the database is part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act and allows consumers to make "reports of harm" about consumer products.

During the webinar, CPSC Commissioner Bob Adler and database Project Manager Ming Zhu will demonstrate key functions of the database, including the new Business Portal, where manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers can register to receive notification if a report is made about a product. The Business Portal is designed to facilitate more efficient electronic notice, review, and comment on reports of harm before they are published in the database. Businesses will be able to register an account on the Business Portal during this demonstration.

Webinar participants will also learn how a consumer will use the online reporting form and how to search the database for information about consumer products.

Participation is free, but advanced registration is required.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Labor held a series of webchats about its current regulatory agenda. The archived chats are available on the Department of Labor’s website. IAAPA members should pay close attention to the chats concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Wage and Hour Division .

Wet 'n Wild Orlando Runner Wins GKTW 5K

2010-11-18T15:31:00.000-05:00

There could have been no better setting—and no better weather—for the fourth annual IAAPA 5k Fun Run & 1k Fun Walk to benefit Give Kids The World Village on Thursday. For the first time, under partly cloudy skies and comfortably cool temperatures, the Fun Run took place at the Village in Kissimmee, Florida, just a few miles from the Orlando Convention Center.

Pamela Landwirth, president of Give Kids the World, kicked off the event at 7:30 a.m. by thanking the runners and walkers, numbering some 100, for contributing to the cause with their $25 entry fee, and for getting up so early to participate. “This has become a great even for us that has really grown,” Landwirth said.

The overall winner was Brett Clarke of Wet 'n Wild in Orlando, who finished in 18:27. The top female finisher was Maria Spry, whose son Morgan is currently staying at Give Kids The World Village. Maria clocked in at 20:04. One notable finisher was 10-year-old Ethan Knoebel, grandson of Knoebel Amusement Resort Co-President Buddy Knoebel, who was running with his father, Trevor. Ethan finished in an impressive 23:27. Finishing in 28:15 was Becky Bray, wife of IAAPA President Charlie Bray, who is credited with having founded the event.

Some companies had an impressive number of participants, including Namco America, which brought about 20 staff members to the event, and Wet 'n Wild Orlando, which turned out about 15.

Tips for Pitching Stories to the Media

2010-10-15T15:45:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all who participated in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic regional networking event for IAAPA public relations and communications professionals! The event was held at Hersheypark and included lunch, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and speaker Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, a freelance travel and tourism writer. Amusement parks, FECs, and ski resorts were all represented and we had a lot of productive discussions.

Here are a few pitching tips from Marilyn:
- Personalize the pitch. Read the writing of the reporter and understand their interests.
- Point out what makes it different.
- Look for current trends or local events that relate to what you are pitching.
- Include key facts and messages as bullet points in the body of the e-mail and attach the full release.
- Timing is important. Don't forget some publications require information months in advance (like IAAPA's own FUNWORLD magazine!).
- E-mail pitches, don't call.
- Build relationships. Be accessible.
- Return phone calls.

Thanks again to all who helped make the day a success. We learned a lot in planning this and look forward to holding similar events in 2011.

ADA Update and Opportunities to Learn More

2010-10-04T09:10:00.001-04:00

The final regulations codifying the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) were published Sept. 15. These final rules will take effect March 15, 2011. Compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design is permitted as of Sept. 15, 2010, but not required until March 15, 2012. For existing facilities, barrier removal needs to be conducted to the extent “readily achievable” by March 12, 2012.

The U.S. Department of Justice has prepared fact sheets identifying the major changes in the rules. IAAPA members should look at the Title III highlights for a sense of what the new regulations include (quick review: Title I of the Act deals with employment practices; Title II is for government facilities; and Title III is for "public accommodations," which is what attractions are). Members may also find it helpful to review the summary of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design.

Members should familiarize themselves with the new rules and consult their attorneys and ADA consultants to determine what changes (if any) need to be made to make your facilities compliant.

Here are a few items of interest to the Attractions Industry:
1. Miniature Golf — At least 50 percent of all holes on a miniature golf course must be accessible. These accessible holes must be consecutive, and they must be on an accessible route. The last accessible hole must be on an accessible route that connects to the course entrance or exit without going back through other holes. Sections 239.2 and 1007.3 of the 2010 Standards require at least 50 percent of golf holes on miniature golf courses to be accessible, including providing a clear floor or ground space that is 48 inches minimum by 60 inches minimum with slopes not steeper than 1:48 at the start of play. (Note: this is the same as the guidelines previously published by the U.S. Access Board.)

2. Amusement Rides — Many newly designed or newly constructed amusement rides must be accessible and located on an accessible route to the ride. However, amusement rides designed primarily for children, amusement rides that are controlled or operated by the rider (e.g., bumper cars), and amusement rides without seats, are not required to provide wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, or transfer systems, and need not meet signage requirements. That said, these rides must be on an accessible route and must provide appropriate clear space.

3. Service Animals — The rule defines “service animal” as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The rule states that other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as service animals. Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used purely for emotional support, are not service animals. The final rule also clarifies that individuals with mental disabilities who use service animals that are trained to perform a specific task are protected by the ADA. The rule permits the use of trained miniature horses as alternatives to dogs, subject to certain limitations. To allow flexibility in situations where using a horse would not be appropriate, the final rule does not include miniature horses in the definition of “service animal.”

4. Wheelchairs and Segways — The rule adopts a two-tiered approach to mobility devices, drawing distinctions between wheelchairs and "other power-driven mobility devices." "Other power-driven mobility devices" include a range of devices not designed for individuals with mobility impairments, such as the Segway PT, but which are often used by individuals with disabilities as their mobility device of choice. Wheelchairs (and other devices designed for use by people with mobility impairments) must be permitted in all areas open to pedestrian use. "Other power-driven mobility devices" must be permitted to be used unless the covered entity can demonstrate that such use would fundamentally alter its programs, services, or activities, create a direct threat, or create a safety hazard. The rule also lists factors to consider in making this determination. This approach accommodates both the legitimate business interest in the safe operation of a facility and the growing use of the Segway PT as a mobility device by returning veterans and others who are using the Segway PT as their mobility aid of choice.

5. Play Areas — Play areas designed, constructed, and altered for children ages two and older in a variety of settings, including parks, schools, childcare facilities, and shopping centers, are covered. Accessible ground and elevated play components, accessible routes, ramps and transfer systems (typically a platform or transfer steps), and accessible ground surfaces must be provided.

Upcoming ADA Information Sessions
Mark your calendars!
1. Free webinar on the ADA for IAAPA members: Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m. Representatives from the U.S. Access Board will give a presentation on new regulations for attractions including miniature golf and will be available to answer your questions. Don’t miss this invaluable chance to hear from the agency that created the guidelines.
2. “The ADA and the Attractions Industry,” Tuesday, Nov. 16, 3:30 pm, as part of the education sessions at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010. Hear ADA experts discuss the new rules and their impact on miniature golf, amusement rides, and other attractions. Bring your questions to this informative session!

AIMS Safety Seminar at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010

2010-09-30T09:14:00.001-04:00

For the second year, the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International (AIMS) Safety Seminar will be held in conjunction with IAAPA Attractions Expo. The seminar will be held Nov. 13-18, at the Double Tree Resort Orlando – International Drive and Orange County Convention Center.

The seminar is a comprehensive safety training program for both current and future leaders in the area of maintenance and/or operations at amusement parks and other attractions. Attendees will receive valuable safety and maintenance instruction from top industry leaders that they can bring home to their facilities to apply to their own jobs and share with colleagues.

The program, in a nutshell:

Education: More than 200 classes will be offered, and attendees can customize their course work to meet specific goals. Specializations are available in maintenance, operations, aquatics, leadership, and crisis communications. In addition to classroom sessions, attendees will spend time on the show floor at IAAPA Attractions Expo, interacting with manufacturers and suppliers to build their industry knowledge.
Certification: For those seeking AIMS certification, several tests are being offered during the seminar. (Be sure to bring completed applications, documentation, and payment!)
Networking: The partnership with IAAPA Attractions Expo allows AIMS Safety Seminar attendees to attend the industry’s premier networking events. From receptions to tours to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter event on Thursday night, AIMS Safety Seminar attendees will get unparalleled exposure to our industry and the people behind it. (Expo admission is included for AIMS participants, but separate registration is required for special events.)

Seminar registration is available through AIMS. Hotel reservations should be made directly through the Doubletree. A group rate is available through this link.

I hope to see you in Orlando!

September FUNWORLD Highlights Gardaland, Italy

2010-09-14T12:14:00.000-04:00

As IAAPA prepares for EAS 2010 next month in Rome, FUNWORLD's September issue takes a look at the Italian attractions industry in this month's cover story. Gardaland's Aldo Vigevani, divisional director for the Merlin-owned park, graces the cover and talks about the growth opportunities our industry has in the country.

The September issue of FUNWORLD is available to read right now via digital edition by clicking here.

Other highlights from this issue include:
• Fernando Medroa discusses the success and continual improvements at Walibi Belgium
• Arnaud Bennet talks about the unique legacy of France's Le Pal amusement and wildlife park
• FEC experts share their thoughts on the future of the business
• Full coverage of IAAPA's record-breaking Asian Attractions Expo 2010 which drew thousands to Kuala Lumpur in June

And, of course, there is much more. Thank you for reading FUNWORLD, and if you have any comments/questions, please e-mail me.

Health Care Reform Update: IAAPA submits comments on tax credits, menu labeling

2010-09-09T11:00:00.001-04:00

IAAPA recently submitted comments to two regulatory bodies on rulemakings under the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (health care reform).

The comment period ended last week on tax credits for small businesses not subject to the employer responsibility provisions, but choose to offer their employees health insurance anyway. Generally speaking, IAAPA supports these tax breaks. However, the bulk of IAAPA's comment focused on the definition of "seasonal worker."

As you may remember, the definition of a seasonal worker and the applicability of the employer responsibility provisions to seasonal workers are somewhat ambiguous in the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act. The attractions industry relies on seasonal workers to staff peak times, but unlike a regular full-time or part-time employee, a seasonal worker is unique in that he or she works a lot of hours in only a few short months. The rulemaking on the small business tax credit presented an opportunity for IAAPA to request a clarified definition of "seasonal worker" as one who works fewer than 120 days.

This week we also filed a comment with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a proposed rule on menu labeling at resturants and other food retail outlets. Under the health care law, businesses that have 20 or more outlets, operating under the same name and serving substantially the same menu items, must post information about calories, fat content, and other nutritional information on menus or menu boards. This requirement also applies to vending machines.

IAAPA's comment focused on mobile handcarts, which may serve a variety of items but have limited surface area available to post nutritional information. Since much of the proposed rule is statutory (that is, in the law), the agency does not have the power to "overturn" the menu labeling provisions, but it does have discretion in areas where the law is ambiguous.

We encourage IAAPA members to read both our of comments, which can be found on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Two IAAPA Webinars Coming Soon!

2010-08-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

IAAPA’s webinars—free to members—are a quick and easy way to gain knowledge, best practices, and cost-effective (and often free) takeaways to implement at your business right away.

Two excellent programs are coming up in the weeks ahead:

Motivating without Money: Budget-Friendly Ideas for FECs & Supervisors
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 1 p.m. EDT
Join Ken Whiting, president of Whiting's Foods/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, for a discussion about motivating and encouraging employees when money is tight. Learn from other participants, and share ideas during this lively brainstorming session.
And to learn more during IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando this year, sign up for Whiting's WAVES for Success all-day Institute program, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Advanced registration required.

First Spanish-language webinar!
Francisco Duncan, safety, maintenance, and operations consultant with Duncan Consultores, will discuss ASTM International and the important role it plays in the attraction industry. Spanish and English descriptions below:

¡La Seguridad es Primero! Introducción a la ASTM Internacional
Martes, 24 de agosto, 1 p.m. EDT
Desarrollar y alcanzar normas y estándares internacionales basados en las mejores prácticas sirve para garantizar la seguridad y un record positivo de la industria. Francisco Duncan, experto en seguridad presentará este seminario para ayudar a los profesionales de los parques de diversiones y atracciones a entender la importancia de la ASTM para cualquier tipo de instalación de entretenimiento. ¡No se lo puede perder!
Expositor: Ing. Francisco Duncan, Consultor de seguridad, mantenimiento y operaciones de Duncan Consultores

Translation:
Safety is First!An Introduction to ASTM International (Presented in Spanish)
Tuesday, August 24, 1 p.m. EDT
Developing and achieving international norms and standards based on best industry practices helps ensure safety and a positive industry record. Safety expert Francisco Duncan will present this Webinar to help amusement park and attractions professionals understand the important role ASTM offers for any type of entertainment facility.This is a conference you can’t miss!
Speaker: Ing. Francisco Duncan, Safety, maintenance and operations Consultant, Duncan Consultores

To register and to learn more about IAAPA's webinars, click here.

FUNWORLD Follow-Up: Madison Children's Museum's New Building

2010-08-11T11:42:00.000-04:00

One of my first cover stories for FUNWORLD was the June 2005 issue covering the Madison Children's Museum. The focus of that story was about the facility's green initiatives, which were ahead of their time at that point.

At the end of that story, I mentioned how the museum planned to take its green initiatives to the next level when it eventually moved into its new facility. Well, five years later, MCM hosts its grand opening event for the new building this Saturday.

You can read more about the $16.5 million facility here. Congratulations to the Madison Children's Museum on their new digs!

FUNWORLD Follow-Up: A Photo Tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2010-08-09T16:30:00.002-04:00

You'd think an eight-page cover story in FUNWORLD's August issue would've been more than enough room for me to cover everything about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure. But … no!

Here are some photos from our cover shoot that unfortunately didn't make the magazine. They're so good, though, I didn't want them to go unseen—that castle just loves the camera!

All of these photos were taken by our regular Orlando-area collaborator, Brian Pepper of Digital Imaging Direct. And a big thank you to the Universal PR team for allowing us to come in and cover their sparkling new land.

Let's start—where else?—with Hogwarts Castle, which houses the new dark ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" …

These winged boars stand watch over the entrance to the castle/queue.

This is the shot we used for our cover, taken from the outdoor portion of the "Dragon Challenge" queue (formerly "Dueling Dragons"). That's "Flight of the Hippogriff" whizzing by on the right (formerly "The Flying Unicorn". The line for "Forbidden Journey" got much, much longer. And if you look closely, just to the right of the boars is the test seat for "Forbidden Journey" (the first of two—there's another right before the boarding platform).

The attention to detail on Hogwarts Castle is amazing.

Here's a great look at the snowy rooftops of Hogsmeade (100-degree heat or not!), the village nestled at the foot of Hogwarts Castle that serves as the "midway" for the Wizarding World. The large building on the right is the Owlery, the wizards' version of a post office. An owl pops out of the clock tower every 15 minutes, and if you walk underneath you can see animatronic owls up in the rafters. It's also one of the best places in the land to grab a shady seat and watch the wizardly world go by.

The Hog's Head pub is one of a few spots in Wizarding World where you can purchase Butterbeer (a must for any trip!).

Butterbeer, you say? This cart out in the thoroughfare is wildly popular, too.

This is one of the "living portraits" in the "Forbidden Journey" queue inside Hogwarts. It's textured to look like a real painting, but the figure moves and talks like you'd expect from a video screen.

And as a farewell, here's a look at Hogwarts from yet another angle. This shot is from the wooden bridge that goes over the park's lagoon and connects The Lost Continent with Jurassic Park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be a featured topic at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010. We're hosting a party in the land on Thursday of the show, while Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, will discuss Wizarding World during his keynote speech at the annual General Managers and Owners' Breakfast. Click here for more info on both.

New Model Aquatic Health Code Module Open for Review

2010-07-28T14:14:00.010-04:00

If you attended IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009, you may remember hearing about the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The MAHC is a project being spearheaded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that when completed, will serve as a model and guide for state and local agencies to use when updating or implementing regulations governing the design, shape, construction, operation, and maintenance of swimming pools and other treated recreational water venues. The MAHC is being developed by the aquatic industry leaders across the country. Several IAAPA members serve on the steering and technical committees, including IAAPA's current chairman, Chip Cleary.

The MAHC is being created in modules, which are released as they are available, instead of waiting for a final document to be prepared. This allows the committees a lot of flexibility in drafting and updating the MAHC as needed. A strawman outline was released in 2008 for those interested in seeing what topics the MAHC will address.

A draft of Module Six, which focuses on Policies and Management is now available. Waterpark members are encouraged to review the draft module and offer their comments using the CDC's comment form. Comments are due to the CDC by Sept. 30, 2010. If needed, IAAPA will submit a comment on behalf of the waterpark industry. To be included in this comment, please e-mail your comments by Sept. 20, 2010.

As new modules become available, the CDC will post them on its website. We're also monitoring the website and will alert waterpark members as modules come up for comment.

It's Here! The new ADA rule is released.

2010-07-27T14:40:00.005-04:00

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the orginial Americans with Disabilities Act, the U.S. Department of Justice released the final regulations revising the Americans with Disabilities Act. IAAPA members may remember IAAPA's involvement with these regulations throughout the rulemaking process.

On Friday, July 23, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder signed final regulations revising the Justice Department’s Americans with Disability Act regulations, including its ADA Standards for Accessible Design. In general, these final rules will take effect six months after the date on which they are published in the Federal Register (which hasn't happened yet), but compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible design is not required until 18 months after the date of publication.

DOJ has prepared fact sheets identifying the major changes in the rules. IAAPA members should look at the Title III highlights for a sense of what the new regulations include (quick review: Title I of the Act deals with employment practices; Title II is for government facilities; and Title III is for "public accommodations," which is what attractions facilities are). Members may also find it helpful to review the summary of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design.

Here at IAAPA, we've begun reviewing the new rule and will have a summary for the attraction industry soon. Continue to check this blog and the IAAPA website for information. Also, be sure to attend our education session on the ADA at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 in Orlando. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

IAAPA Submits Comments on CPSIA Database

2010-07-26T12:25:00.015-04:00

Last week IAAPA submitted a comment on the proposed rule on the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database. The database was a controversial part of the Consumer Product Safety Information Act (CPSIA), that was enacted in late 2008 and made drastic changes to existing consumer protection law in the United States.

Once the database is active, consumers, government agencies, health care professionals, child service providers, and public safety officials will be able to file a report about harmful consumer product. Manufacturers and private labelers can register to be notified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) if a report is filed about their products. A manufacturer will have 10 days to respond after being contacted by the CPSC, and then the report will be published on a website, Saferproducts.gov.

Because the database is mandated by law, the CPSC must establish it by March 2011. Like most of the CPSIA, the CPSC does not have a lot of regulatory flexibility, but through rulemakings such as this one, the industry has the chance to offer comments on the proposal.

Now that the comment period is over, the CPSC will consider all the comments it received and create a final rule on the database, which should be available sometime this fall or winter. Keep watching the blog, your e-mail, and our website for updates. And thank you to those IAAPA members who submitted comments on this important issue.

GKTW Update: Coasting for Kids and Expo Car Auction Sneak Peek

2010-07-21T13:36:00.002-04:00

A couple of Give Kids The World fundraising updates:

COASTING FOR KIDS
On July 29, all 11 Cedar Fair amusement parks will participate in a fundraiser allowing enthusiasts to marathon a coaster to raise money for GKTW. I wrote about this last year when it was just an event at Cedar Point. Now the fundraising is spreading across the entire continent (yep, some lucky fans will get to ride "Behemoth" at Canada's Wonderland all day long).

To become one of the riders, click here. If you'd like to donate to the cause without riding, you can add your contribution to CoasterBuzz Webmaster Jeff Putz's sponsorships by clicking here (CoasterBuzz helps organize and promote the event). For any other information about Coasting for Kids, click here.

CAR AUCTION AT IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2010
This year GKTW will raffle off a four-door Honda Civic hybrid during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010. The car (pictured) will be on display Nov. 16-19, at the GKTW booth on the trade show floor.

Raffle tickets will be: $25 for 1; $50 for 3; $100 for 7. The winner is responsible for tax, title, and registration fees. Tickets will ONLY be sold on the trade show floor.

Sneak Peek: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on the Cover of FUNWORLD's August Issue

2010-07-20T11:05:00.000-04:00

The August 2010 issue of FUNWORLD is hot off the press and should be arriving in your mailboxes over the next few weeks. But I'm so pumped about this edition, I just can't wait to show it off! So click here if you'd like to read it via our online digital edition.

As you can tell from the cover image above, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure is the lead story this month, with the massive Hogwarts Castle gracing our cover. I spent a couple days last month poring over everything Potter IOA has to offer, and you can read all about Wizarding World in my eight-page feature.

August is our annual New Rides and Attractions issue, where we highlight as many of this year's new projects as possible—the section is nearly 50 pages long! In it you'll read about:

It's one of my favorite issues of the year, certainly, and I hope you enjoy it, too. Thanks for reading FUNWORLD, and please feel free to e-mail me with any comments about the magazine.

Universal Creative V.P. Talks Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2010-07-06T11:50:00.001-04:00

Though the July issue of FUNWORLD just came out, I'm already getting excited for everyone to see the August issue, which features The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on the cover to headline our annual New Rides and Attractions issue.

I spent a couple days last month exploring all the new land at Universal's Islands of Adventure has to offer (which is quite a bit!). You'll have to wait a few more weeks to read my eight-page blowout story, but to whet your appetite here's a Q&A with Thierry Coup, vice president of creative development for Universal Creative, all about Harry Potter.

How are you handling overall capacity for Wizarding World?
There is tremendous excitement for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which has resulted in a significant number of guests. To make sure that everyone has an enjoyable experience, we are pacing guests into the area, and inviting new guests inside as others leave.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most anticipated theme park experiences of our generation. Our goal is to make sure that every guest who wants to experience it is able to do so.

Can you talk at all about the technological breakthroughs you accomplished to create "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey"?
"Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" is a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking—specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.

The attraction’s newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking, and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series—and the future of theme park entertainment.

Did you have any idea Butterbeer would be such a runaway hit? Everyone seems to want that wonderfully sweet stuff.
We knew there were high expectations for Butterbeer, and we definitely wanted to make sure that we met them. We worked very closely with the filmmakers and J.K. Rowling to make sure that everything—the look, the taste—was just right. The response has been great! It’s absolutely wonderful to see guests walking around the park with Butterbeer mustaches.

What kinds of reactions are you seeing from guests upon entering Wizarding World?
It’s always very exciting and rewarding to see the reactions of guests as they enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Some guests jump up and down with excitement as they enter, others run around with huge smiles on their faces. Some explore the area in awe and make comments like, “I can’t believe I’m here,” or “This looks just like the movies.”

The retail outlets in Wizarding World are like attractions, too. What are some of the most popular merchandise items?
Because of the great anticipation for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we knew guests would be eager to enjoy the merchandise we have in the land. Some of the most popular items are magic wands, Hogwarts house robes, Gryffindor apparel, Chocolate Frogs, and Pygmy Puffs.

What are one or two things in Wizarding World people might miss but you really love?
There are many details in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for guests to explore. For example, while dining in the Three Broomsticks, guests can see shadows of house elves working upstairs. Also, in Zonko’s, there are Extendable Ears hanging from the roof, and if you listen closely, you can hear whispering. The window storefronts in Hogsmeade are also incredibly detailed—every window has a magical touch for guests to enjoy, like the screaming Howler in the Owl Post window and the flying snitch in the Spintwiches window. All of these details help create an immersive and authentic experience for our guests.

How key are these little touches to the overall depth of theming on display in the land?
Universal Orlando Resort is committed to delivering the highest level of detail and authenticity for our guests. Our team worked very closely with the filmmakers to make sure every detail within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was authentic to the Harry Potter books and films—from the snow on the rooftops of Hogsmeade to merchandise available in the land. This level of detail and theming really helps to immerse guests into the adventures of Harry Potter.

What affect do you hope Wizarding World has on Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando Resort is unlike any other destination—we bring pop culture’s most powerful and compelling characters and stories to life. Our guests are pulled into the heart of these stories, and they become a part of the most exhilarating entertainment experiences ever created. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter carries on this theme and provides our guests with another unparalleled entertainment experience.

For more on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be watching for the August issue of FUNWORLD.

Call for Comments: CPSIA Database Provisions

2010-06-29T09:15:00.001-04:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is currently soliciting comments on a proposed rule on the public database provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act (CPSIA). These provisions were especially controversial during consideration of the CPSIA, as there is a huge potential for abuse and misuse of the public database if it is not properly controlled.

IAAPA is seeking input from our members to include in our public comment. All comments submitted during the regulatory process are “public,” but if you submit your comments as part of the IAAPA comment, we can keep your comment anonymous.

The deadline to submit comments to CPSC is July 23. If you would like to file your own comments, you can do so at www.regulations.gov. If you would like your comments included in IAAPA’s public comment, please e-mail them to me by Monday, July 19.

Will you please support IAAPA PAC?

2010-06-24T11:03:00.004-04:00

Last week, I attended a conference on best practices for GR professionals. One thing I learned in a session on Political Action Committees is that the number-one reason association members don’t support their association PAC is that they are not asked.

But of course it’s not that easy.

While a corporation can solicit any member of its restricted class (generally speaking, the salaried professionals and their families), and a union can just take part of a member’s dues and put it towards political activities, a trade association like IAAPA is required to get prior approval to solicit before we can even tell you simple information like which IAAPA members gave to the PAC last year, or how you can secure a front row seat at the General Managers and Owners’ Breakfast at IAAPA Attractions Expo.

IAAPA’s online prior approval form allows members to give prior approval for up to three years, and also gives members the choice of allowing IAAPA to solicit just the member or the restricted class of the member’s company (which you’ll need to do if you are interested in our easy-to-administer payroll deduction program). Completing a prior approval form doesn’t commit you to giving any money to the PAC; it simply allows me to send you invitations to events, news about PAC contributions, and other information you may find useful.

Supporting IAAPA PAC represents a true investment in the attractions industry and makes a real difference in our association’s and the industry’s future. I hope you'll make the choice to get involved in IAAPA PAC and help us support candidates who support our industry. For more information, visit our PAC web page or e-mail me at ssee@IAAPA.org.

Regulatory Spotlight: OSHA

2010-06-22T09:54:00.000-04:00

While the Senate is deadlocked on the tax extenders bill, and House leadership is attempting to minimize losses this November through the DISCLOSE Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is creating regulations that are of interest to the attractions industry:

OSHA Slip and Fall Rule
A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on slips and falls was published in the May 24 issue of the Federal Register. A public hearing on the revised changes will be held after the public comment period ends on August 23. IAAPA members are encouraged to submit comments on this rule, either on their own or by e-mailing them to us for inclusion in an industry comment.

The proposed rule will revise the Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment standards for general industry workers, and make them comparable to the existing standards for construction and maritime workers. The revised regulations will also allow OSHA to fine employers who let workers climb ladders without fall protection.

There are an estimated 20 workplace fatalities per year in the United States due to slips and falls.

For more information on fall protection, please visit OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics page.

OSHA Hexavalent Chromium Rule
As of June 15, employers must notify employees of all hexavalent chromium exposures in the workplace. The final rule revises a provision in OSHA's Hexavalent Chromium standard that required workers be notified only when they experienced exposures exceeding the permissible exposure limit.

Occupational exposures to Hexavalent Chromium can occur among workers handling pigments, spray paints, and coatings containing chromates; operating chrome plating baths; and welding or cutting metals containing chromium, such as stainless steel. Workers breathing Hexavalent Chromium compounds in high concentrations over extended periods of time may risk developing lung cancer, irritation, or damage to the eyes and skin. Workers exposed to Hexavalent Chromium are at greater risk for lung cancer and damage to the nose, throat, and respiratory tract.

For more information on Hexavalent Chromium, please visit OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics page.

OSHA Training Standards Policy Statement
In April, OSHA sent a memorandum to its regional administrators regarding an employer’s obligations for training employees. The memo, which applies to agriculture, construction, general industry, and maritime training requirements, states “an employer must instruct its employees using both a language and vocabulary that the employees can understand.” The memo gives examples for employees who don’t speak English, employees with limited vocabularies, and employees who are illiterate, and it says employers must conduct the training in a way the employee can understand.

To assist employers with Spanish-speaking employees, OSHA has created a web-based assistance tool.

The memo also provides enforcement guidance for regional compliance officers who are responsible for checking and verifying employers have provided training to employees.

IAAPA will continue to monitor OSHA and other regulating bodies and disseminate information to members as necessary.

'Cool' Merch and the Start of an Award-Winning Article

2010-06-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

People love to ask writers, "Where do your ideas come from?" Well, in this case, I actually have a good answer (for a change).

Monday night I received a Gold Excel Award from Association Media and Publishing for a story I wrote last year on merchandise trends in the attractions industry. To read the story, click here.

Obviously I'm proud to win a first-place writing award, but I'm especially proud it was for this story, because I can remember exactly where I was when I thought it up: standing in line at a store!

I took an extra day in Orlando after IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 to enjoy all our industry has to offer, and eventually ended up that Saturday evening in November at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney doing some Christmas shopping. In the men's department I found this awesome "Pirates of the Caribbean" "two-fer"—where it looks like a T-shirt on top of a longsleeve shirt, but it's really just one shirt—that didn't look like your stereotypical amusement park shirt. The pirate skull logo was off center and up on the left shoulder, and it had some designs down only one of the sleeves. It was definitely geared toward a 20-something (at the time!) like me, I thought.

As I stood in line to buy it, I watched as other guys came into the department. The shirt was up on a second-level rack way over in the corner—not out in the middle of the floor on a big display or something—and yet just about every male around my age who walked through seemed to notice it and at least stop and look seriously at it, if not grab one for themselves.

Obviously, I wasn't the only guy looking for a piece of nontraditional theme park clothing. And, thus, an award-winning story was born. Obviously Disney was looking to be a little more trendy, hip, … "cool" with this shirt, and it worked on me. Was this intentional? Do they do this often? How big a part of their merchandising effort is material like this? All those questions started percolating.

I filed that scene away in my brain and returned to it several months later when I was planning to go to Disney's Hollywood Studios for the "American Idol Experience" premiere. I always try and make the most out of my trips to Orlando, so I asked my PR contact about my idea—is Disney trying to be "cooler" with its merchandise? The answer was a resounding "Yes!" because, as it turns out, Downtown Disney was about to launch its Tren-D store, which coincided perfectly with the germ of my potential article. And off I went …

Everyone who works in a creative field—whether it's writing stories or building attractions—knows winning awards is a tenuous thing; you can't let them define what you do, because you're bound to be disappointed. Either you believe the work is good or you don't, and you have to be satisfied with that. I've certainly entered WAY more contests than I've actually won.

But it sure does feel good to win, right? So I want to say a big thank you to the folks in Walt Disney World PR and Merchandise, first and foremost, for helping to kick this story off, and also to all the other sources in that article who were generous enough to talk about their ideas, philosophies, and product lines with me.

Whether it's a new shirt or a new roller coaster, there is amazing stuff going on in this industry every day, and I definitely am privileged to write about it—awards or not.

Coaster Crew Looking for Donations to Benefit GKTW

2010-06-17T15:21:00.000-04:00

Amusement Park enthusiast group The Coaster Crew is hosting its fourth annual Single Riders event this weekend at Kings Dominion to raise money for Give Kids The World.

All day Sunday, approximately 30 Crewers will wait on the exit ramps of coasters throughout the park and hop into trains that need a single seat filled here and there. They've gathered sponsorships for how many laps they take, and all the money will go to GKTW. Coaster Crew's Clint Novak told me the group's raised $11,957 over the first three years, including $3,000 in 2009; he's hoping to get close to a whopping $10,000 this year.

Though the event is upon us, there's still a way parks can help. After Single Riders wraps, Coaster Crew will host an eBay auction for park-related items. If you have something you're just planning on throwing out, snap a quick picture of it and send it to Clint at coasterclint@coastercrew.com. Or just snail-mail him the item and he'll take care of the rest. One park's trash is another park fan's treasure, you know.

"Either way, coaster geeks like myself love stuff that parks and manufacturers throw away! So any donated items would help out a lot," he said.

And, finally, don't forget to keep clicking your support of GKTW at Pepsi's online grant contest.

Health Care Reform Update: Grandfathered Plans

2010-06-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

This week the U.S. Departments of Treasury, Labor and Health and Human Services released the Interim Final Rule for Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Coverage Relating to Status as a Grandfathered Health Plan under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The Department of Health and Human Services has prepared a summary of the grandfathering provisions, but below is a summary prepared by IAAPA's consultants. (This summary is not legal advice and IAAPA members should consult with their attorneys and human resources professionals when creating their compliance strategies with this and all laws):

Pursuant to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("the Affordable Care Act"), health plans that existed on March 23, 2010, are "grandfathered" and therefore exempt from some of the new law's provisions. For plan years beginning on or after Sept. 23, 2010, all plans (including grandfathered plans) are subject to certain health care reforms including no lifetime limits on coverage, no rescissions of coverage except in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation, extension of parents' coverage to most adults under age 26, prohibition on excessive waiting periods, and requirements to provide consumers with a standardized and easy-to-understand summary of coverage. However, grandfathered plans are exempt from other provisions in the Affordable Care Act at least until Jan. 1, 2014.

Given the potential importance of maintaining grandfathered status, the question arises as to what changes, if any, may be made in a plan without causing the plan to forfeit grandfathered status because the changes are significant enough to render the plan not a plan that existed on March 23, 2010. The interim final regulations seek to address this issue.

The interim final regulations provide that a group health plan or health insurance coverage no longer will be considered a grandfathered health plan if a plan sponsor or an issuer:

Eliminates all or substantially all benefits to diagnose or treat a particular condition. The elimination of benefits for any necessary element to diagnose or treat a condition is considered the elimination of all or substantially all benefits to diagnose or treat a particular condition.

Increases a percentage cost-sharing requirement (such as coinsurance) above the level at which it was on March 23, 201.

Increases fixed-amount cost-sharing requirements other than copayments, such as a $500 deductible or a $2,500 out-of-pocket limit, by a total percentage measured from March 23, 2010, that is more than the sum of medical inflation and 15 percentage points.

Increases copayments by an amount that exceeds the greater of: a total percentage measured from March 23, 2010, that is more than the sum of medical inflation plus 15 percentage points, or $5 increased by medical inflation;

For a group health plan or group health insurance coverage, an employer or employee organization decreases its contribution rate by more than five percentage points below the contribution rate on March 23, 2010.

With respect to annual limits (1) a group health plan, or group or individual health insurance coverage, that, on March 23, 2010, did not impose an overall annual or lifetime limit on the dollar value of all benefits imposes an overall annual limit on the dollar value of benefits; (2) a group health plan, or group or individual health insurance coverage, that, on March 23, 2010, imposed an overall lifetime limit on the dollar value of all benefits but no overall annual limit on the dollar value of all benefits adopts an overall annual limit at a dollar value that is lower than the dollar value of the lifetime limit on March 23, 2010; or (3) a group health plan, or group or individual health insurance coverage, that, on March 23, 2010, imposed an overall annual limit on the dollar value of all benefits decreases the dollar value of the annual limit (regardless of whether the plan or health insurance coverage also imposes an overall lifetime limit on the dollar value of all benefits).

The interim final rule acknowledges there may be other changes in a plan which could trigger a forfeiture of grandfathered status. To this end, the Departments specifically requested comments on whether the following changes should result in the cessation of grandfathered health plan status: (1) changes to plan structure (such as switching from a health reimbursement arrangement to major medical coverage); (2) changes in a network plan's provider network; (3) changes to a prescription drug formulary, and if so, what magnitude of changes would have to be made; and (4) any other substantial change to overall benefit design. IAAPA members are encouraged to send their comments on these items to us and we will include them in our public comment.

To maintain grandfathered health plan status under these interim final regulations, a plan or issuer must maintain records that document the plan or policy terms in connection with the coverage in effect on March 23, 2010, and any other documents necessary to verify, explain, or clarify is status as a grandfathered health plan. The records must be made available for examination by participants, beneficiaries, individual policy subscribers, or a state or federal agency official.

Plans or health insurance coverage that intend to be a grandfathered health plan also must include a statement, in any plan materials provided to participants or beneficiaries (in the individual market, primary subscriber), describing the benefits provided under the plan or health insurance coverage, and that the plan or coverage is intended to be a grandfathered health plan within the meaning of section 1251 of the Affordable Care Act. In these interim final regulations, the Departments provide a model statement plans and issuers may use to satisfy the disclosure requirement.

Archived Health Care Webinar Now Available
Last week, IAAPA hosted a webinar on health care reform. Members can log in to the IAAPA website and view the archived footage of this program.

IAAPA's Charles Bray on the Passing of Holiday World's Will Koch

2010-06-14T13:46:00.000-04:00

Everyone at IAAPA was saddened to hear of the death of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari owner and president Will Koch. Here is a statement from our president and CEO, Charles Bray:

“Today is a sad day for the worldwide attractions industry. We’ve lost a true industry pioneer and friend in Will Koch. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, the Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari staff, and the park’s loyal guests who all loved Will.”

“Will is known throughout the industry for his commitment to listening to and taking care of his guests and employees. To Will, the park guests are more than patrons, they are members of the Holiday World family.”

“We have watched Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari thrive and grow under Will's leadership. He is known throughout the industry for being innovative and for upholding high-quality operating standards. Will and the Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari team championed industry innovations such as offering free soft drinks, free sunscreen, and free parking for guests and earned multiple industry awards including the prestigious Applause award for industry excellence and numerous Golden Ticket Awards for friendliest staff, cleanest park, and top-quality roller coasters. They also believe in maintaining direct contact with their guests and using their feedback to refine park operations. As a part of that commitment, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari became an early adopter of social media including the use of blogs, Facebook, and Twitter."

“Will was always willing to share his knowledge, experience, time, and talents with others throughout the worldwide attractions industry. He has been involved in and supported IAAPA for many years and his contributions will be missed. Will was a member of the IAAPA board of directors from 2003 to 2006 and he served on a number of IAAPA committees, including the executive committee, strategic planning committee, small amusement parks committee, exhibitor awards committee, service awards committee, and the government relations committee."

“We will all miss him.”

More Sixes, More Fun

2010-06-11T10:30:00.002-04:00

This season Six Flags not only brought back the popular icon Mr. Six after a few years’ hiatus, but the company added a sidekick to ramp up the fun. Little Six—the “Robin” to Mr. Six’s “Batman”—now joins Mr. Six on the quest to find the most fun they can in Six Flags’ updated “More Flags, More Fun” campaign. FUNWORLD caught up with Jessica Sokolowski, senior director of advertising with Six Flags, to discuss the evolution of the Mr. Six campaign and why it’s so popular.

What inspired Six Flags to bring Mr. Six back after the hiatus?
A couple of things lead us to the decision to bring Mr. Six back. First we know Mr. Six is beloved by many and in a down economy we wanted t lean into the familiar. Second, it became apparent to us that there was still a demand for Mr. Six after conducting focus groups for our “More Flags. More Fun” campaign across the country. All but two groups asked, unaided, that we bring him back.

Where did the idea for a miniature sidekick come from, and what do you want him to accomplish?
There’s always been questions about Mr. Six—where he came from, what does he do in the offseason, does he have a family? We thought it would be a great way to share a little more about Mr. Six and evolve the campaign overall by introducing a sidekick. He’s not his son or grandson or brother. They’re kind of like the superheroes of fun; Mr. Six is to Batman as Little Six is to Robin. They’re the dynamic duo of thrills.

From a creative perspective, what was involved in the process of bringing Little Six into the fold?
We wanted to add to the mystique behind Mr. Six and evolve the campaign by introducing a companion. Since Mr. Six represents the spirit of Six Flags, we wanted to bring in a character that represents the spirit, or the kid, in all of us. In a brainstorm, we had an epiphany to bring the “kid in all of us” to life via a sidekick for Mr. Six—Little Six.

What has been the overall response from your customers?
All in all, the response has been positive. People really respond to Mr. Six, and all indicators are that the campaign continues to break through. What’s interesting about Mr. Six is, [people] either love him or they’re not sure about him. It’s the same way with Little Six. The best thing for us is, regardless, if people have an opinion about it, he always starts a conversation, and people love talking about him. That works for us. If you don’t like him that’s OK, at least you have a point of view about him.

How has the power of viral marketing and social media fueled the interest in the new campaign?
We’ve engaged in a lot of activity on the viral and social media front, from viral videos about Little Six to flash mobs at the CNN Center with Mr. and Little Six. It’s been a fun space to work in with these characters.
But one noteworthy effort was when we put them both on The Today Show. We walked them into the audience and when Al [Roker] saw Mr. Six and Little Six, he made a big fuss, and they played the music, and Meredith [Vieira] did the dance. We posted that on our Facebook page, and on the “Today” show, it ended up being the viewers’ favorite moment of the week. Once they did that, [the characters’] approval ratings soared.

What is the key to Mr. Six's—and, by extension, his sidekick's—popularity?
Mr. Six—there’s something about him. He seems to appeal to everyone: families, parents, kids, and even teens. It’s a rarity to find something that a teenager and a mom would both like.

What has the Mr. Six campaign done for Six Flags as a whole?
We originally brought him to market in 2004 and almost immediately he became part of pop culture. He’s been on “Good Morning America,” David Letterman, “The Daily Show,” “Saturday Night Live.” Beyond that, for Six Flags, Mr. Six is an extension of the Six Flags brand. He personifies the Six Flags experience and makes you feel more alive, like that incredible feeling you get on that first drop of a coaster, or that big splash into a wave pool, or when you feed a giraffe up close. The energy and the excitement he brings remind you how amazing a day at Six Flags is over anything else.

What’s in store for the characters in the future?
We’re always looking for ways to evolve the campaign and evolve his role. That’s TBD, but certainly worth watching. Keep your eyes open to see what’s coming next with Mr. Six.

View the new “More Flags, More Fun” campaign here.

New Resources Available on Health Care Reform

2010-06-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

As regular readers of this blog know, the health care legislation signed into law by President Obama in March has many implications for the attractions industry. The fact that the law is actually two different pieces of legislation—further complicated by the many “holes” that need to be filled in during the regulatory process—make it difficult to navigate, especially for small and seasonal businesses.

At its April meeting, the IAAPA Government Relations committee established a task force of industry professionals to help IAAPA GR staff and our consultants analyze the new law and determine where we could be most effective in the rulemaking process. The task force worked throughout April and May and produced two products we hope will be useful to IAAPA members as you begin to think about compliance.

IAAPA published a summary of key provisions that will most likely impact the attractions industry over the next four years. Members are encouraged to review the summary with their attorneys and Human Resources professionals. The summary addresses the employer responsibility provisions, food labeling requirements, tax credits, and other useful information, and provides a timeline for when various provisions go into effect.

On June 9, at 1 p.m. EDT, IAAPA will host a special webinar on health care reform. The webinar will be led by George Olsen of Williams & Jensen, a leading expert on health policy. By participating in this webinar, IAAPA members will learn about the provisions of the new law that uniquely affect the attractions industry, where further guidance is needed, and about IAAPA's ongoing legislative and regulatory efforts. Specifically, George will address:

Employer responsibilities and penalties
"Grandfathered" plans and things to consider before making changes to your current health plan
Food labeling provisions
A timeline for implementation

The webinar will feature an extended question-and-answer period where members can get guidance on the law and its implications for their businesses.

The webinar is free for IAAPA members, but you must register in advance.

As I said above, the health care reform issue is far from over. IAAPA is continuing to work on health care reform through the legislative and regulatory process, and will keep members aware of any developments.

Helping GKTW One Click at a Time

2010-06-01T12:17:00.000-04:00

Our friends at Give Kids The World are asking for help raising money to refurbish some of their villas at the Village. Below is information from GKTW on how you can assist just by clicking your mouse:

Starting today, you can help Give Kids The World Village earn $250,000 with just the click of your mouse. Our idea to "refresh" the Village is now live on the Pepsi Refresh Project web site—and we need your help!

By voting once a day, every day in June you can help Give Kids The World receive this grant to refurbish our Village villas.

Follow these easy steps:

1. Visit www.refresheverything.com/givekidstheworld and click the "Vote for this idea" button.
2. A popup window will appear where you will enter your information and sign in.
3. After signing in, you will be taken back to the Give Kids The World page. Click "Vote for this idea" to submit your vote.
4. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues to "Vote 2 Refresh" GKTW.
5. Repeat once a day, every day until June 30.

It really is that simple to help us reach this amazing goal. Our success is in your hands!

Media Previews New Rides and Attractions at U.S. Parks

2010-05-27T11:55:00.005-04:00

Thanks to all IAAPA members who sent information on their new attractions for 2010 to our press office!

Last week, AP travel editor Beth Harpaz published a summer preview story based on IAAPA’s annual “What’s New” at U.S. parks and attractions press release. You can read the story at USAToday.com; we've had calls from other reporters, as well, based on the release.

The IAAPA Communications Team also recently distributed a “What’s New” at U.S. waterparks press release. We will keep you updated on the progress of both publicity campaigns.

Keep an eye out for future opportunities like this to help us promote all the exciting new things you're doing. Later this summer we will collect information for a “What’s New” for Halloween release and a release previewing holiday events.

If you have any questions or would already like to start sending us some updates for later this year, please e-mail pressoffice@IAAPA.org.

Write This Down! More Tips for Green Meetings and Operations

2010-05-25T09:33:00.001-04:00

In the June issue of FUNWORLD, Matt Lawrence, general manager at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan, told us how his location is implementing the company’s "Project Great Wolf," which has earned them a Green Seal certification at all its locations. In an excerpt from our conversation, Lawrence expanded on the area of meetings and corporate services, and Great Wolf’s focus on sustainability. Hopefully these pointers will be applicable at your own facility. Remember to check the June issue for many more tips!

Have you found that making your operations environmentally conscious has drawn more guests?
Yes! Having green standards in place has been a draw for our leisure and meeting guests. Some people are only interested in staying or booking a meeting if they know a facility is environmentally friendly.

How do you implement green practices into planning your meetings and corporate events?
There is no question that today’s meeting planners are looking for ways to be environmentally friendly while holding a memorable meeting or event. Turning an ordinary meeting into a green meeting is a lot easier than some would think. Here are some simple ways to conduct greener meetings—and general operations—and also cut costs.

Provide attendees with pitchers of tap water instead of bottled water.
Instead of print-outs, use e-mail to correspond and track information electronically. This not only saves trees, but also cuts costs for paper, ink cartridges, and postage.
Find alternatives to disposable items. For example, we use dry erase boards, scrap paper, and table linens.
Use programmable on/off timers or sensors in meeting rooms. If there isn’t any movement in the room motion sensors can signal the lights to turn off.
We have co-mingled recycling bins in our conference center, all public areas, guest rooms, and employee areas.
Our lighting uses only energy-efficient bulbs.
We work directly with the Father Fred Foundation in Traverse City to donate unused food whenever possible. The food is temperature controlled so we can ensure the food we are donating is safe.

Employ Young People? Check Out These Resources!

2010-05-19T09:10:00.000-04:00

Summer is quickly approaching. Young people will soon be out of school and reporting to their summer jobs at amusement parks and attractions across the United States. Or in some cases, they’ve already been working for a few weeks now. All of this makes now an excellent time to remind U.S. IAAPA members of the resources the federal government provides for businesses that employ workers under the age of 18.

Once again, IAAPA has partnered with the Department of Labor to get the word out about Youth Rules, an online database of federal and state labor laws. IAAPA members can visit Youth Rules and search by state to find out what sort of jobs young people can do, learn about mandatory work breaks, and get compliance assistance. Teens can look up what hours they are allowed to work, if they need to get a work permit (which they should do before schools close for the summer), and read some helpful tips on workplace safety.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), teens face a high risk of being injured on the job. A 10-year study, which concluded in 2007, found younger workers were twice as likely as their older counterparts to be treated in hospital emergency departments for work-related injuries.

To reduce this risk, NIOSH recently introduced Youth at Work: Talking Safety which can help teens identify workplace health and safety hazards, and take measures to reduce risk for injury. This curriculum is meant to be used in a classroom or other group training settings, and has been customized to address state-specific rules and regulations. The curriculum includes slides and talking points for the presenter, handouts, and completion certificates for the students, and interactive material such as an online video that can be emailed to employees to watch before they begin training.

The exciting atmosphere and family-friendly environment makes the attractions industry a great place for teens to work, and teens can make great employees. By reviewing resources such as Youth Rules and Youth at Work: Talking Safety, you can ensure everyone has a safe and successful summer.

Go Extreme or Go Home: Entertainment Design Group on ABC’s ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’

2010-05-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

One can usually spot the scenic work of Entertainment Design Group (EDG, www.goedg.com) on attractions such as “Terminator Salvation—The Ride” (left) at Six Flags Magic Mountain and “Bizarro” (bottom of post) at Six Flags New England and Six Flags Great Adventure. So when ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”—the home redesign show for families in need—approached EDG to make over a 6-year-old’s room, it was a perfect match. EDG, located in Atlanta, is only 85 miles from the newly built home, located in Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia.

The episode airs this Sunday, May 16, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC. And before any secrets or final designs were let out of the bag, Gary Seputis, on-site production manager for the project, gave us a glimpse into the work behind the camera and what to expect when taking part in such a challenge.

How did you get involved with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” and how did you feel about participating?
We were contacted by Alexandra Lacey, one of the show’s design producers who had gotten our name from a company that participated in a previous episode. Most of us had seen the show before and we jumped at the opportunity to be involved.

I’ve seen a lot of episodes, and in many cases they’re doing basic design. But as things have gotten more extreme over the years, they’ve begun to do really off-the-wall projects—things that have to be custom built and designed. People probably don’t think of a scenic company as something for a home, but the show decided to tap into our resources.

What initial guidelines were you given at the project's outset?
Well the time frame was a little scary. They called us about four weeks before the installation and we started from scratch at that point. Alexandra threw some ideas out and over the weeks, those ideas changed completely; it was a very fluid process. Once she had met the child whose room we were designing, the design started to change a bit.

And all materials and services that appear on the show are 100 percent donated—down to each screw and every piece of drywall. All of our products, transportation, and time spent on design and construction time was donated. So, as other vendors for the episode either fell through or others were confirmed, we had to change the concept for the room. Alexandra came up with other ideas and there were a lot of phone conversations. We didn’t really get a final design until 48 hours before installation. We were still massaging the ideas up until that point.

The team (right): Team members working on the project included Gary Seputis; carpenters Shannon Lewallen and Tim Lewallen; Steven Guy; Ben Locke; and Ken Cain, who designed and drew renderings.

What moments did you most enjoy from the experience?
The whole process! It was really neat to be involved in such a huge undertaking—it’s absolutely crazy how large of a production this really is. What you don’t see on television is how many people are actually involved.

When we arrived to install, we were at the back of a line of 25 trucks. There was a queue headed up to the house and about 100 personal vehicles parked up and down the road of all the companies donating their goods and services. On top of that, there were 250 to 350 volunteers who parked at an off-site facility and were brought in on school buses. They were all there to paint, clean floors, and help install equipment. It was almost like an ant hill got kicked over and people were just flowing out.

When we arrived, the yard was nothing but clay and mud and workers were creating and paving the driveway. Then when we drove out that night, they had finished the driveway and everything was completely landscaped, all during that 12-hour work day.

Did EDG get to take part in the installation?
The frame and rough end of the house were built by other companies, but after designing our components, we took them on site and installed them ourselves. And we took special considerations because Jacob—whose room we were working on—is in a wheelchair. Everything needed to be made accessible to him and at a specific height.

From a public relations standpoint, how did you promote your involvement in the show?
Other than the one press release, we aren’t able to really promote our involvement until the episode airs. We couldn’t give out too much information, but we will be receiving credit on the show itself, which includes our name in the credits as well as on the web site of the show. We’ll also be able to put the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” logo and links to the episode on our EDG web site.

It just seems that people have a real connection with this show. So when people see that we’re involved and have donated our time and talents, that will help install trust in our company.

What advice do you have for other IAAPA members with similar television opportunities or redesign projects?
If anyone can afford to take it on, it’s a great opportunity, if just for the charity and community support aspects of it.

But it does take a huge amount of support and effort. Make sure you get a good idea of what the timeline and expectations are before you get involved. And understand there will be some changes. It was an exciting project for us, but we did not expect the timeline and expectations to keep changing like they did. Just roll with it and make it happen!

Check back next week for part two of our interview with Seputis, where he delves into the theming and installation details of the final room design, and what EDG learned as a company!

All photos courtesy Entertainment Design Group.

IAAPA Webinar: Training New Supervisors

2010-05-13T15:00:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday, May 18, 1 p.m. EDT, attractions human resources experts Matt Eckert of Holiday World, Matt Heller of Universal Orlando, and Shaun McKeogh of Farah Leisure will share insight about the challenges new supervisors face and what their managers need to know about preparing them for a new role. McKeogh gave In the Queue a glimpse into what webinar participants will learn.

What are the key issues for this webinar?
The key issues highlighted in the webinar include highlighting the range of challenges faced by new supervisors, peer pressure, strategies to step up to the challenges, and practical advice and support to turn challenges into opportunities.

Please share an example of a challenge that new supervisors face?
New supervisors face the daunting task of having to rise above the pressure of having to fit in with colleagues and friends who they once worked alongside but now manage. The challenges faced by the new supervisor in this situation include fear of rejection from their friends, the pressure to favor friends in decision making, a reluctance to reprimand or remind colleagues, and rejection from friends. New supervisors have often been the popular person in friendship groups and now must make decisions or deliver instructions that may make them unpopular. It takes a strong, confident, and mature person to be able to deal with these challenges all at once.

What challenges do their current managers face in training them?
Current managers face challenges in training new supervisors if no rapport is built across the generation divide. Empathy for the new supervisors’ challenges and an awareness of the language that is best going to communicate to the generation of the new supervisor will make training and mentoring most effective.

What is the most appropriate audience for this session?
The best audiences for this webinar are colleagues considering a move to management, people who have recently moved into a new supervisors positions, and managers charged with training and mentoring new supervisors.

What takeaways can participants expect from this session?
An awareness of the issues faced by new supervisors and practical advice and support in addressing common new supervisor challenges.

To register or learn more on IAAPA’s e-learning programs, click here.

Navigating the new FTC Advertising Guidelines

2010-05-05T10:43:00.005-04:00

Late last year, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published revised guidelines for advertisers on how to keep endorsements and testimonial ads in compliance with the FTC Act. The guidelines address endorsements by consumers, experts, organizations, and celebrities, as well as the disclosure of important connections between advertisers and endorsers. The last time these guidelines were updated was in 1980—four years before Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was even born—so regulators felt updates were needed to incorporate social media and other new marketing platforms.

Last month, the IAAPA Government Relations Committee met with FTC officials to discuss the guidelines and their applicability to the attractions industry. Randy Davis, IAAPA senior vice president of government relations and safety, summarized the discussion, including the questions raised and answers given in a letter. The FTC replied to IAAPA’s letter, confirming the summary was correct, so members can now use the points raised in the letter to help craft their policies.

Here is a summary of the letter:

Media Days

In this situation, the traditional media, as well as “new media” (e.g., bloggers, social media users) is invited to a facility to participate in a special event specifically for the media. For example, a park is opening a new ride and invites reporters and bloggers to preview it and talk to the manufacturer and park executives. Invited guests do not pay for admission.

In our discussion, the FTC indicated this would be considered a news event and therefore the facility operator would not be required to inform attendees that they needed to disclose that they received free access.

Opening Day

Some IAAPA facilities host events on opening day for the traditional media, bloggers, and users of social media. The FTC understands how an “Opening Day” can be newsworthy, especially for facilities that may not have a new ride or attraction that year.

If your facility hosts an “Opening Day” and lets bloggers and users of social media simply have a day in the facility, they should include a statement similar to the following in their write-up: “I was invited to tour [X Facility].” This would be sufficient to indicate they did not pay admission, and would comply with the guidelines.

Monitoring Efforts

We raised the issue of the how extensive our members’ monitoring efforts need to be. According to the FTC, there is a test of reasonableness based on the cost of the monitoring versus the risk of consumer injury. Facilities need to have a monitoring process in place. This should include such things as monitoring the blogs or postings of individuals who they know to be influential, but they do not need to check everything blogged or posted by everyone.

If the facility checks a blog once and finds it complies with the guides, the facility does not have to recheck that blog. If monitoring reveals that the guides have not been followed, a facility does not have to contact the author, but they should consider steps such as not inviting them back.

Celebrities

Another hot topic for facilities is visits by celebrities. In the meeting, we raised the example of a celebrity contacting a theme park and asking to visit. The theme park in this example provides free admission to the celebrity. The FTC told us the issue in these situations is whether or not the celebrity is part of the park’s marketing campaign.

If a facility’s policy is to provide complementary admission to celebrities who are not spokespersons, there is no need for the celebrities to note that they were provided entry free of charge if they later discuss their visit in a blog or a tweet. If the park asked celebrities for a picture and distributed it to local media and social sites, there is still no requirement that free admission be disclosed. However, if the celebrities were part of an overall public relations strategy (i.e., if he or she was contracted as a “spokesperson”), they would need to make the relationship clear.

IAAPA members should familiarized themselves with the regulations and our letter, and make sure their internal policies are in compliance with the new regulations. As with all policies, members may want to check with an attorney with questions specific to their facilities. For general questions, please feel free to contact us.

Tax Benefits Available to U.S. Companies That Hire Unemployed Workers

2010-04-30T15:29:00.007-04:00

The "Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act" (HIRE Act) created tax benefits to encourage U.S. employers to hire workers. The good news for the attractions industry in the U.S. is that these tax incentives may apply to eligible summer hires.

Employers who hire unemployed workers this year (after Feb. 3, 2010 and before Jan. 1, 2011), may qualify for an exemption from the employer's share of Social Security tax on wages paid to those workers after March 18, 2010. Even better news if your business is not seasonal: If an eligible new hire is retained for at least a year, the businesses may claim a "new hire retention credit" of up to $1,000 per worker on their 2011 return.

So who's an eligible employee?
According the IRS, qualified employees are individuals who start work with a qualified employer after Feb. 3, 2010, and before Jan. 1, 2011, who have been unemployed or employed for less than 40 hours total during the 60-day period ending on the date such employment begins, and who are not family members of or related in certain other ways to the employer.

Do students or recent graduates qualify?
Yes, if the employee meets the above qualifications. It is not necessary that the individual was previously employed and has lost his or her job to be a qualified employee.

What does an eligible employee need to do for my business to qualify for this tax credit?
Qualified employees must certify by a signed affidavit, under penalties of perjury, that they have not been employed for more than 40 hours total in the past 60 days—ending on the date they start employment with your company. The IRS plans to issue a model affidavit that can be used for this purpose.

Do I need to fill out any paperwork?
Yes, employers need to complete an IRS Form W-11 and submit it with the signed affidavit to take advantage of this program.

For information about the HIRE Act, including other FAQs and the tax form that must be completed to qualify for this tax credit, please visit the IAAPA Government Relations web site.

Animals in Captivity Subject of Congressional Hearing Tuesday

2010-04-28T10:06:00.011-04:00

Yesterday a U.S. House committee held a hearing examining the educational benefit of marine mammals in captivity. If you're interested, you can watch the archived footage of the hearing.

Julie Scardina, Animal Ambassador for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, testified before the committee along with a representative from AZA, several scholars, a representative from the Humane Society of the United States, and the director of the recent documentary "The Cove" (who repeatedly called marine mammal exhibits "dolphin circus shows"). IAAPA submitted a letter for the record on behalf of its zoo and aquarium members. Additionally, several IAAPA member facilities submitted letters discussing the educational, environmental, and economic benefit zoos and aquariums provide.

IAAPA members know how seeing dolphins, orcas, polar bears, and other marine mammals (and more generally, all wildlife) inspire children and adults to learn about science and conservation because they see it first-hand. Moreover, we know the benefits zoo and aquarium facilities provide by allowing visitors to see animals that they would otherwise not be able to see in an up-close, safe, family-friendly environment.

Overall, the hearing was informative for the subcommittee and the public. SeaWorld did an excellent job explaining the many ways it contributes to education and conservation in the U.S. It is unclear if any "next steps" will come from this hearing, but as always, we will keep members updated on the issue.

FUNWORLD Update: College Students Getting More Involved with IAAPA

2010-04-26T14:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a post on young professionals in the industry from Andrew Hyde of the Future Theme Park Leaders Association at the University of Central Florida:

In its October 2009 issue, FUNWORLD published an article highlighting several young professional organizations at college campuses across the United States. The article detailed our desire to help make the attractions industry more aware of us, as we share great passion for the industry and, as students, we all are doing everything we can to use our schools as a foundation to help create a career in the attractions business.

Over the past few months a lot has happened within the organizations and the plan to work together grows stronger and stronger. Myself and leaders from the other groups have been talking and e-mailing with IAAPA in hopes of furthering the young professionals program within the association. We plan to post updates here on the In The Queue blog in the future.

In the meantime, here are some updates from several of the organizations:

• The University of Cincinnati Coaster Cats was founded in fall 2008. Starting off as an engineering group, it has since grown into a more well-rounded organization that focuses on all aspects of the attractions industry. The group has been on several facility tours and had one-on-one sessions with several regional businesses such as Kings Island, Holiday World, and The Gravity Group. Some recent projects include the design and modeling of a coaster to hypothetically be placed on campus. The group's future plans include marketing talks, more tours, and a CoasterDynamix project.

• Theme Park Engineering Group at Ohio State is working on a pneumatic-powered robotic bird that can be controlled by their own software; the bird will be able to move and synchronize with various music or audio feeds. The group is also working with CoasterDynamix doing product development and testing for a potential coaster model. They will be going to high schools this quarter to get feedback on an educational presentation they created, which showcases their 10-foot-tall steel launching tower model.

• Future Theme Park Leaders Association at the University of Central Florida recently spent several days in California meeting with leaders of Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Universal Studios Hollywood. The group is made up of students looking to work their way into leadership in theme parks and many are already participating in leadership internships at the Central Florida parks.

We're all looking forward to IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 in Orlando, but in the meantime if you have any questions or ideas for how IAAPA can serve the young professional community please feel free to e-mail me and I will pass it along. Also, please send me any information on what other schools are doing to embrace the attractions industry.

IAAPA Webinar: Go Mobile

2010-04-16T14:39:00.002-04:00

Mobile sites. Native applications. Apps. If these are foreign concepts to you or if you’d like to learn more, attend IAAPA’s next webinar, Wednesday, April 28, at 1 p.m. EDT.
Damien Lasater, design manager with the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, will be discussing the use of mobile applications (iPhones, etc.), mobile sites, and other tools that can help drive interest, sales, and attendance at your facility. Lasater shared some insight into what participants can expect from the webinar.

How prevalent are iPhone and other cell phone applications in our industry?
New applications within our area are becoming available everyday in both native format (downloaded onto a device) and mobile web (available within a browser on a mobile device). Almost all of the major attractions have some type of app providing wayfinding and visitation information.

What are some of the benefits to having a specific app related to a park or attraction?
There are multiple benefits to creating an app or mobile web-based area related to an attraction. Apps that empower visitors with tools for wayfinding, entertainment, and social media can improve the overall experience and allow visitors to share it. Alternatively, entertainment-based apps can build awareness for a new attraction within a park and deliver fresh content to keep that attraction top of mind.

Who will the webinar be geared toward?
The webinar will be geared toward groups considering an app or creating their first app.

Aside from the iPhone, what other app uses will the session cover?
Beyond the iPhone this session will explain the differences between native applications and mobile web based applications/sites. For example, a native application is one that must be downloaded onto a device by a user and often provides a much richer and faster experience. A mobile web application is one that is accessed through a web browser within a phone and does not have to be downloaded to be experienced. We’ll also look at a few trends within apps—such as augmented reality (AR)—and how they are changing how consumers interact with their devices and surroundings

What can attendees expect to take away from the discussion?
Attendees can expect to be able to answer the question “Is an app the right solution for my attraction?” and have a solid understanding of the different devices, technologies, and processes involved in creating an app.

To register or learn more on IAAPA’s e-learning programs, click here.

May's FUNWORLD Is All About Holidays

2010-04-15T15:35:00.000-04:00

What is this, Christmas in April? Maybe so.

I've been a FUNWORLD editor since October 2004, and the new May 2010 issue is easily among my top five out of the 60 editions I've helped publish. I posted the digital edition today, so click here if you want a sneak preview before the print version lands in your mailbox.

This month's magazine, as the headline says, is all about shoulder-season success. Even though we haven't even hit the peak summer season yet, everyone knows it's never too early to start thinking about Halloween and Christmas events, which take months of planning to do right. This ENTIRE issue is dedicated to helping you make those events better than ever this year.

Topics include:
• How to navigate the sensitive politics of the holiday season (should you use the word "Christmas" or just "holidays"?).
• Is it possible to be too scary in your Halloween events?
• How can you maximize incremental holiday revenue through food, souvenirs, etc.?
• What can zoos do to set themselves apart from the crowd during Halloween?
• What are the benefits for FECs and other attractions to open on Christmas Day?
• What impact do holidays have on charitable fundraisers at attractions?
• How LEDs are changing the way attractions decorate for the holidays.
• Why warm-weather facilities are finding success with cold-weather activities.
• How FECs use the holidays to boost group sales.

I love this issue, and I hope you do, too. In fact, I hope you pass this around through your whole office, then rip it up and pin some of the pages to your bulletin boards to help in your planning for this year's post-Labor Day bonanza.

Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions/comments, please e-mail me.

GKTW Featured in New Movie, 'Letters to God,' Out Today

2010-04-09T14:10:00.000-04:00

"Letters to God" is a new movie opening today, and the story is based on a Wish child named Tyler who visited Give Kids The World in 2004. Tyler's father, Patrick Doughtie, wrote the story for the film, which will hit 900 theaters across the U.S., said Susie Storey, communications director for GKTW.

The production set up shop for an entire day at Give Kids The World last May (4 a.m.-7 p.m.!), filming scenes for what ended up being the last seven minutes of the movie, Storey said. GKTW President Pam Landwirth made the final cut, as did a scene in the Village's theater; Landwirth is also featured in the behind-the-scenes promo video at the top of this page. Scenes were also shot at Universal Orlando, Storey said.

Doughtie was inspired to write the story, Storey said, when, following Tyler's death, Doughtie found a notebook his son had filled with "letters to God"—essentially prayers. For more about the movie's storyline, click here.

Storey said GKTW is definitely "proud to be a part of ["Letters to God"]." She said GKTW officials hope people who may never have heard of the Village before will be intrigued and want to find more about the organization after they leave the theater.

For more about "Letters to God" and see a preview, click here. For more about GKTW, click here. To find a showing near you, click here.

'Undercover Boss' Revealed! Part 2 of Our Interview with Herschend CEO Joel Manby

2010-03-31T14:45:00.010-04:00

Last week, I had the chance to talk with Joel Manby, CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, about his experience on the CBS reality show, “Undercover Boss,” in which he went undercover to work frontline jobs at Herschend properties.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch the show, you can see the full episode here on the CBS web site. Be warned—you may want to keep a box of tissues nearby.

In our discussion, Manby (below, right) divulged some great lessons learned from the experience which we weren’t able to talk about until after the airing. Here’s part two of our interview:

IAAPA: Why did you choose those specific locations to visit (Ride the Ducks at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia; Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri; and Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey)?
Manby: I’ve visited Dollywood so often that I knew they might recognize me. Even at Silver Dollar City, I’ve worked the gates there, so we had to wait for the people who knew me to go on break for 20 minutes and we filmed in that small window of time. Also, we just recently purchased the aquarium, so I hadn’t really gotten to know the workers there yet. And with Ride the Ducks, if you don’t go on tour with that particular captain, you might not meet them.

What reactions did you get from workers who appeared on the show as well as park employees after the big reveal?
To see the look on the hosts’ faces when they met me and realized who I was—it was so much fun. What was really meaningful was when I got to reinforce what I saw in them and how great they were. People don’t get enough encouragement in life, so the chance to do that was really fun.
As far as the rest of the Herschend staff, since filming, we’ve experienced a huge morale boost.

Is there anything you want HFE to do differently, or objectives you’ve reevaluated since stepping into someone else’s shoes?
The main changes we implemented were those to programs that will help our employees.
We really beefed up the marketing for our Share it Forward program to motivate people to apply for it. As a leader, if you see someone who has just lost their health insurance or has a family crisis, it’s your job to help them through that time.

We added a component within the Share it Forward Foundation, as well. Mercedes and Jennifer, who were both on the show, are single parents. This inspired us to create a new program for single parents. If you make under a certain income level and you’re a single parent, you’ll be able to get a financial stipend for medical or daycare needs to help pay for expenses like childcare and health care. Seeing things firsthand helped me to see the need for this.
Another thing we did was establish a scholarship in honor of Jack and Peter Herschend. We’ll annually fund a full-time educational scholarship during their school year, and while they’re in school, we’ll pay them half of the salary they earn over the summer, so they don’t have to go part time and work.

Also, we have a sub-program of Share It Forward called an Emergency Needs Program for people in financial crisis. We gave Richard [from the show] the catastrophic limit of $10,000 and went in there with a construction crew and redid his doors and heating system. For me, that was truly one of the highlights of being with Herschend. It was a really gratifying moment, and he has such a sweet family that it was all really meaningful.

Albert, who you saw on the show, would have had to work for seven years to get his undergraduate degree. In the summer, they’ll make their full-time wage, and then when they’re in school and not working, they’ll still make half of their salary.

That’s what I got when I worked with General Motors during college. Harvard was still expensive back then, and I never would have been able to afford it. But they paid me half my salary as I lived in Boston and worked for them. Also, when I was in high school, a man funded my private education, so I’ve had both a company and an individual help me go to private schools. This is a way for our company to give back—and everyone can apply.

How do you feel about the outcome of the show and the decisions you made because of it?
The decisions we’ve made as a result of the show are all difficult, because they all cost money. But it all goes back to what we’re trying to create—a culture of servant leadership. The guest experience can never rise any higher than the passion of your employees. It is our responsibility to take care of them.

One thing I was really trying not to do was a lot of "one-offs." I wanted to do something systemic throughout the whole company. We didn’t have much time so that was hard. We literally shot the experience, and they came to do the reveal the next day. I had to decide what we could and should do in a very short period of time … it was exciting!

Photos courtesy of Herschend Family Entertainment

Space Allocation 2010: Final Numbers/Thoughts

2010-03-30T15:54:00.004-04:00

Space Allocation 2010 is over. The committee placed 604 booths across 301,650 net square feet of exhibit space.

I spoke with several committee members today, and they all said it was another challenging year but they were happy with the result. Monty Lunde, principal for Technifex Inc., felt as I did the committee was never able to quite settle into an extended groove, where the booth assignments really flow at a regular pace, but as I addressed in earlier posts, all of you out there following along have made this a more interactive experience for the committee, so this type of pace is to be expected now. Lunde said overall this improves the process because people have what they want now and are able to immediately work out the details of their booths with their appropriate committee member, rather than having to wait until after the fact to try and sort things out.

Jim Seay, president of Premier Rides Inc., spent most of his day walking back and forth in front of the big board, making suggestions and helping to keep the flow going as well as possible. Despite the stop-and-go pace, the committee placed almost 50 more booths this year than last in the same amount of time, which Seay said had a lot to do with returning to Orlando's Orange County Convention Center, a place the members are obviously familiar with.

"It was nice to get back to a well-known environment," Seay said. "The convention center is set up so well for our show."

"It was good and worked out well," Committee Chair Jack Mendes said after assigning the final booth shortly before 3 p.m. "Everybody hung in there, did a good job, and we got it done on time. It was a good meeting, and the show's looking good."

All right, so that does it from another long, hectic, and productive IAAPA Space Allocation. This is always an exciting beginning to the IAAPA Attractions Expo season; it's easy to start imagining how all these booths are going to look on that big ol' convention center floor.

From here on out, if you have any questions about your booth, or for those of you following along who might not actually have space reserved yet, the Exhibit Sales Team can help if you e-mail them at exhibitsales@IAAPA.org.

Space Allocation 2010: Day 2, Afternoon Session

2010-03-30T12:46:00.009-04:00

2:45 p.m.: The committee will be DONE with booth assignments momentarily. The members will only be here until 3 p.m., so if you have a booth move, it must come in RIGHT NOW!

Thanks to everyone who followed along this year—we had our third straight year of record readership. I hope it was helpful.

2:33 p.m.: Still having in-depth discussions right down to the last. Been working a solution for the past 15 minutes, but I think we're about to start up again.

2:15 p.m.: Getting very close to the end now. Just placed No. 575, CES Sales Inc.

1:47 p.m.: The committee just placed No. 541, Space Dome Technologies Ltd. (Simulation), which means they've now assigned booths for all returning exhibitors. Now they hit the home stretch, comprised entirely of first-time exhibitors. This section typically goes rapidly.

1:25 p.m.: During the lunch break I spoke with Alan Ramsay, president/CEO of CLM Entertainment Inc., who's participating in his first Space Allocation as a committee member. In 2009 Ramsay sat in the back of the room observing what he calls "the science behind the chaos," and he said that experience definitely paid off this year now that he's part of the procedure, watching over companyies that fall in non-traditional amusement categories—vaccuum cleaners, for instance.

"It gave me an idea of how the process goes," he said. "It's very organized, there's a logical method to it. Fundamentally, the ultimate 'science' is to ensure the good of the show in everything that's done."

The committee's been on pause for a few minutes dealing with booth moves, but they're about to start up again on No. 518, Alpine Products LLC.

1:06 p.m.: No. 500 is on the floor! AAAG was just placed. About a hundred to go.

12:46 p.m.: The committee's back from lunch with booth moves to handle before assigning the final 120 booths.

Space Allocation 2010: Day 2, Morning Session

2010-03-30T07:55:00.012-04:00

12:02 p.m.: The committee's breaking for lunch, with the last booth placed No. 481, Janus International Hospitality Student Exchange. Booth moves caused the past 45 minutes to bog down, but the committee remains ahead of last year's pace.

11:11 a.m.: Hanging out in the Space Allocation meeting reminds me of my former life as a newspaper reporter. There's nothing like a busy newsroom on deadline, with phones ringing, conversations going back and forth, challenges and solutions being debated. It's a glorious, constant, productive racket.

Space Allocation is like that.

I've had IAAPA V.P. of Exhibit Sales Pete Barto in my ear all morning as he works the phone trying to get exhibitors coming up for placement in the best possible position. Down the table from him is the rest of the Exhibit Sales Team, keeping in constant contact with the committee to make sure everything's flowing correctly, while Director of Operations Diane Vidoni mans the massive physical floor plan over on the other side of the room.

The committee members are constantly on their own cell phones touching base with their constituent groups, then talking among one another to ensure no one's stepping on another's virtual toes. Some of the members stay stapled to their seats and man their personal virtual trade show floor layouts, while others prefer to stalk back and forth in front of Diane's big board as they look for spaces. And all the while, Committee Chair Jack Mendes' voice booms over the room's sole microphone keeping everything moving, confirming assignments and moving on to the next company.

Yeah, it's busy in here. Shouldn't be any other way.

Just placed Polin Waterparks & Pool Systems, No. 466. We're now into the companies with two year's exhibiting seniority.

10:54 a.m.: Less than 150 booths left to assign today.

10:52 a.m.: The committee paused a few minutes ago to let the IAAPA Exhibit Sales Team catch up on confirmations after that flurry of assignments in the past half hour. During the break I talked to Bob Domkowski, marketing manager for ITT Water & Wastewater, about this morning's session. Talk to 14 different committee members, you'll probably get 14 different takes on how this process goes. Domkowski, participating in his fourth Space Allocation, said: "This is the most challenging portions, I think, the fill-ins, trying to satisfy requests and come up with unique space sizes and placements."

The committee continues to move right along in what is certainly the most consistent hour of this entire process, though booth moves and a few larger booth placements pop up occasionally and halt the process. They just placed No.450, Amusement Insurance Resources, with three years' seniority.

10:17 a.m.: The committee is CRUISING right now: Just assigned No. 433, Unlimited Snow, with three years' seniority.

9:51 a.m.: Just assigned No. 400, Seasafe Inc., with five years' exhibiting seniority.

9:38 a.m.: We're getting close to another milestone, as the committee approaches No. 400. Right now they're working on No. 395, Eworks Pro Inc.

9:00 a.m.: OK, going back a little bit, the committee took some time this morning to redraw portions of the floor plan because they looked ahead and saw there are several large booths coming up for assignment. To accommodate the exhibitors as best as possible and maximize traffic flow on the show floor, a few portions of the floor plan were adjusted; often these things have to be done on the fly as the committee sees how the floor shakes out. Check here for the updated online layout.

The committee just assigned No. 379, GEP Productions Inc.

8:53 a.m.: Google's been having technical difficulties for the past half hour, and it just came back, so sorry about the lack of posts. Will update what's been going on momentarily, but for now the committee is at No. 375, InPark Magazine.

8:19 a.m.: Still working on booth moves/floor plan adjustments. I will post again once new booths start going on the floor.

7:57 a.m.: Getting ready to start up again this morning. A handful of booth moves to take care of first, then on to new assignments, starting with No. 360, International Currency Technologies Inc., with six years' exhibiting seniority. There are currently 359 booths on the floor covering 226,900 net square feet.

Space Allocation 2010: Day 1, Afternoon Session

2010-03-29T12:49:00.015-04:00

6:02 p.m.: The committee just wrapped after a long day. The last booth placed was No. 358, Max-R, with six years' exhibiting seniority. Although it ran a bit later than last year, the committee nevertheless placed more booths today than it did on Day 1 last year, which was another challenging session.

As a reminder, the committee will start at 8 a.m. EDT tomorrow, instead of 9 a.m.

5:35 p.m.: I spoke with Jack Mendes again quickly between assignments and he echoed Tim Timco's comments from earlier on why this afternoon has taken more time than anticipated.

"We got bogged down in a lot of special issues and problem childs, and it took us longer than normal," he said. "We've had more inquiries, and a lot of it is the exhibitors are watching it online and getting back with us, changing things and changing their booth sizes. It's a good thing, but every time we do that we stop and go."

Mendes said he likes to hit about No. 400—or two thirds of the total companies—on Day 1, but they probably won't hit that before having to break tonight for dinner (the meeting was scheduled to stop at 5:30). He said the group will come in an hour earlier than planned tomorrow, meaning assignments should start at 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday. Mendes hopes assignments should click away at a good clip tomorrow.

"Historically, as you get to the smaller booths it's less of a problem with moving things around and finding spaces for them and not being near competitors," Mendes said.

Then again, nothing this year has gone exactly as we'd thought.

4:51 p.m.: Art Attack, No. 301, was just placed. "I call that the halfway point, guys!" Jack Mendes said into the microphone.

4:37 p.m.: The committee's starting up again, with, yep, another booth move. Now it's on to No. 285, Ideas Extremas S.A. de C.V.

4:19 p.m.: I just spoke with Tim Timco, vice president of sales and marketing for Worldwide Ticketcraft, about the, uh … deliberate pace of this afternoon's assignments. He believes it's a result of this new IAAPA Information Age—namely the online floor plan and this blog.

"As more people follow things on the Internet, it gives them an opportunity to call in right away where they didn't in the past," Timco said. "It helps us all address things immediately, rather than after the fact. It may cause us to go a bit slower, but in the long run it serves its purpose and is worthwhile."

The committee's taking a short break, but will resume the proceedings shortly. The last booth assigned was No. 283, QubicaAMF Worldwide, with 10 years' exhibiting senority.

3:46 p.m.: Pace is better the past half hour, though it seems like every time I go to write that very sentence, something comes up to slow the process down. In general booths are moving faster now. Just assigned No. 272, Novelty Inc., with 10 years' seniority.

3:15 p.m.: Sorry for the lack of updates over the past hour, but there's just not that much to report other than things still are going very slow this afternoon. It's not any one thing, just booth moves that require a lot of discussion, checking of the floor plan, etc. We're behind last year's pace in Vegas at the moment, which is surprising but it just shows the committee is working every question thoroughly. We're still hanging around the 250 mark in seniority.

2:24 p.m.: The committee's back, and seems things are settled. Just placed Tapeswitch Corporation, No. 239. Right now we're in exhibitors with 12 years' seniority.

2:13 p.m.: The committee is taking another break, in light of discussions popping up all over the room. The committee's seeing some potential upsizing in booths and it's about time to start placing inflatables, so in light of several requests coming in at the same time it's bogged down the process for a little while.

1:47 p.m.: Back in session. Price Chopper, No. 228, just went on the floor.

1:38 p.m.: The committee's taking a short break as a few members continue to discuss some booth assignments.

1:24 p.m.: During the lunch break I talked with Committee Chair Jack Mendes, who said the morning went well.

"Normally it's a little slow getting started trying to get everything in place," he said. "I think this afternoon will move a little bit quicker."

Dan Kroeger, president of Gold Medal Products Co., concurred with Mendes that pacing was good, and said he was surprised there wasn't more feedback for booth moves. "Maybe it's a bit too early for that," he said.

Mendes said coming back to Orlando for 2010 does help the allocation process "because it's a big square with a minimum amount of columns. We don't have multiple levels or ceiling height issues, so it's a pleasure."

"We're all used to the Orlando facility," Kroeger said. "People can say, 'Put me in the spot I was in two years ago,' so it simplifies things."

Kroeger believes the pace will quicken this afternoon, as further into the process the newer exhibitors typically take less space, so it's easier to place them. At the same time, however, it gets more complicated to accommodate requests as the floor fills up. "You still try to fit people into the general vicinity of where they want to be," he said.

The most recent booth assignment was Tornado International Ltd., No. 215.

12:52 p.m.: Committee's back from lunch, starting with a few booth moves that came in, and then starting up fresh with Ragtime at No. 192.

Space Allocation 2010: Day 1, Morning Session

2010-03-29T08:50:00.015-04:00

12:16 p.m.: Stats update: 195 exhibitors are on the floor as of now, covering 130,700 net square feet.

12:10 p.m.: The committee is breaking for lunch. The booth just assigned was Professional Rides AG, No. 191. The lunch break is set for a half hour. We're about a third of the way home.

11:34 a.m.: We're plowing past the two-hour mark now, and the committee just placed PEM Fountain Co., No. 163. That means the committee's hovering around the 50-booths-per-hour pace they like. There's a lunch break coming up in an hour or so, and then I expect the pace will quicken a bit this afternoon.

11:16 a.m.: BOOTH UPDATE: American Coaster Enthusiasts, No. 153, was just placed.

11:12 a.m.: During the break, I talked with committee member Dick Mason, president/CEO of Mason Corporation in Brentwood, Tennessee. This is Mason's first official stint on the committee, but he participated in Space Allocation several years ago as an emergency alternate. I asked him the difference between then and now:

"At the time, it was not as computerized," he said. "It's a lot more efficient now. There was a lot more pencils and erasers before. This is like a war room—it's fascinating. It does justice to the members; everyone's trying to give people the booths they want."

10:47 a.m.: OK, they're back. Dealing with a booth move first, then back to assigning new spaces. This is a good time to remind exhibiting companies to watch for your confirmation e-mails and send in any changes ASAP.

10:33 a.m.: The committee's taking a short break. Up next when they return: No. 130, WorldRide Service & Supply Inc.

10:29 a.m.: It's still not too late to submit a contract for Space Allocation. A contract just came in a few minutes ago from a company that decided it wasn't prudent to miss out on this week's activity. The committee can't guarantee immediate placement, but the company will be worked in and it's certainly better to be in the mix today than wait until after the dust settles and pick up what's left.

To that effect, a few minutes ago a committee member called a member he knows isn't in and should be to let that potential exhibitor know how important it is to be involved today. For companies with significant exhibiting seniority, waiting until after Space Allocation is like throwing money away.

10:11 a.m.: Just a refresher on how this process works: The 14-member committee is comprised of members from different disciplines throughout the industry. Those committee members are then charged with keeping track of exhibitors in their respective areas. Everyone has a printed list of exhibiting companies, ranked in order of seniority and including preferences for potential booth spaces.

So the individual committee members look down the list for companies in their areas ahead of time and determine best possible booth locations based on those specified preferences. That way, when Committee Chair Jack Mendes calls out the company's name for assignment, the associated committee member is ready with an recommendation. When it works like this, the assignments come at a quick clip.

Discussion ensues, though, if a company's request is already taken, and the committee works to meet the exhibitor's expecations as best as possible given what's available on the floor. An e-mail confirmation of that assignment is sent immediately, so the exhibitor can respond in kind if it would like a different booth.

9:57 a.m.: It's been a sluggish start this morning, catching up with those 25-plus exhibitors, but now things are rolling right along. We're approaching No. 100, Safari Thatch Inc.

9:46 a.m.: A few technical difficulties out of the gate, but the committee's wrapped up with the few 25-plus holdovers, so now we're going to start running in order. The committee just assigned No. 85, Lil' Orbits Inc.

9:27 a.m.: OK, we're under way! All exhibitors with 25 years' seniority or more are assigned prior to Space Allocation, but a couple of those are being dropped in first, then the committee will resume regularly scheduled programming. By tomorrow afternoon, 602 booths will be on the floor!

9:20 a.m.: Going over some IT stuff, but we're getting close to go time.

Good morning, all. The Space Allocation Committee is getting settled here in Reston, Virginia. Committee Chair Jack Mendes of Bob's Space Racers is going over a few notes and then we'll be off and running.

Remember to refresh this page often to see my updates throughout the day.

Space Allocation 2010 Starts Monday Morning

2010-03-28T15:37:00.002-04:00

The IAAPA Space Allocation Committee is gathering in Reston, Virginia, today (near Dulles International Airport) in preparation for two busy days of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 business.

The fun begins tomorrow morning at approximately 9 a.m. EDT, when booths will start filling the floor plan of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, the home of this year's conference and trade show.

For the third consecutive year I'll be covering Space Allocation wire to wire (it should wrap sometime early Tuesday afternoon). Keep refreshing In the Queue for the latest updates on how the booths are progressing, what number is up next, and in-the-room discussion by the committee members on how they feel the meeting goes this year.

So, rest up and get ready for an exciting couple days—I'll be back tomorrow morning!

Health Care Reform Becomes Law

2010-03-27T08:45:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Senate-passed version of the health care reform bill (H.R. 3590) was approved by the House of Representatives on Sunday, March 21, and signed into law by President Obama Tuesday. Also, both Houses of Congress considered and approved the Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872), which makes changes to the first bill agreed upon in advance by both chambers and the president.

The final bill was nearly 1,000 pages long and we want to thoroughly analyze it before we say what impact it will have on the attraction industry. Many parts of this law are yet to be decided, as they are subject to the regulatory process.

We do, however, want IAAPA members to know we are working on a comprehensive description of provisions likely to impact them, as well as a timeline for when these provisions go into effect. We will also monitor all legislative and regulatory developments and alert members when action is needed.

While we are working to distribute this information to members as soon as possible, we want to reassure members that they have some time, as the employer responsibility provisions take effect in 2014.

On Duty: What the CEO of Herschend Learned from Going “Undercover”

2010-03-25T13:49:00.020-04:00

A clean-shaven executive by day, Joel Manby, president and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), recently donned an experimental scruffy beard and horn-rimmed glasses for an episode of CBS’ “Undercover Boss” (see his before and after photos below). The reality show places company executives in frontline positions alongside unsuspecting employees and lets the cameras roll.

Manby, whose episode airs this Sunday, March 28, at 9 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Central, took on jobs at Silver Dollar City and Showboat Branson Belle in Branson, Missouri, Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, and Ride The Ducks at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia. I had the chance to talk with Manby about his experience.

What background did you have with the job positions you portrayed on the show? Manby: I did not have any experience because I came to work from Herschend directly from the automotive business. So I took the opportunity because I hadn’t worked the frontline jobs before and wanted to see what it was like.
Certainly the jobs were hard—you’re dressed with heavy clothing and standing in the sun as a Showboat operator … and you’re getting up at 3:30 a.m. to wash the streets of Silver Dollar City. But it was the level of connection I had with the employees and their stories that surprised me the most and made it a really compelling experience.

What did you learn from the experience about your employees or facilities?
While I certainly learned of things we could tweak at all the properties, what I was most unaware of going into it were the employee’s personal stories.

One of the people I met along the way was Richard, a maintenance worker at Silver Dollar City. I was washing streets with him and found out he had experienced a catastrophic event in his life and was going through financial troubles but hadn’t told anyone.

Then at Adventure Aquarium, I worked with a fantastic young lady named Mercedes who has an amazing story. She and her son Carl were homeless and living in a temporary shelter. She looked for a job for nine months before the Adventure Aquarium hired her. Since then, she’s done a great job and has been promoted a few times. During the show, I also met Jennifer, another single mother and a server on the Showboat. Through these women, I learned the tremendous needs of single parents in our company.

Signing on for this was potentially a risky decision—going into an uncontrolled environment and not knowing what you were going to find out.
Exactly! You’re completely unable to control the outcome. The show chooses where you’re working and who you’re working with, and they edit it in any way they want. You sign off on it from the very beginning. But I had such a belief in our folks, that I was comfortable doing it.
We did not do it for PR reasons. Our brands are all regional, and while there may be a marginal affect from the publicity, I don’t think the show will grow our national audience much. As far as the quality of our employees, I knew what I would find when I went out there, so I knew I could take the risk. One of our big missions is to create a culture of “servant leadership,” and I wanted to see if that was alive and well at the front lines like we say it is.

This experience was also about reinforcing to our hosts that they work for a great family and a good company that cares about them. The Herschend family has always run this organization well, and there’s a real balance between the guest experience and how we treat our employees.

What did you learn about being attuned to the needs of employees?
As a company, I learned there are programs HFE has available to people that they weren’t taking advantage of. There were some things we should be providing them that we were not.

I also realized that I personally withdrew a bit during the recession. We were making so many difficult decisions that no one enjoys making—like pay cuts—and I care so much about our folks. I withdrew into my office too much when making those difficult decisions.

The show forced me back out to the front lines and totally re-energized me to be the cheerleader for our workers. During this recession, there’s so much pain out there; it’s all of our responsibilities to get involved.

As far as internal operations go, the show reaffirmed what we all know—that leadership needs to always over-communicate. Any leader who wants to do a good job, needs to make sure everyone understands where the company’s headed—have a clear vision you believe in and constantly communicate it to your staff so they understand where you’re trying to take the company. Show them a realistic plan to get there; hire and surround yourself with great people who can execute that plan; and then let them go and do a great job. They’ll do anything for the company as long as they know where it’s headed and that they’ll contribute to its success.

Would you recommend the same opportunity to other park leaders?
If anyone gets a chance to work the frontline jobs without the employees knowing you’re the CEO, it’s a great gift. You can certainly still learn as much about the guest experience without being incognito, but going undercover gives you some anonymity. When you’re in a higher position of leadership, you’re treated differently whether you want to be or not. In this case, I was just another person to them—I got some of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Don’t do it if you’re just looking for the publicity. But if you want the truth and to learn about your company and yourself, and you’re willing to take some risk—do it.

Watch a preview of Sunday's episode here. And check back on the IAAPA blog on Monday to hear how the show had a lasting effect on HFE and its employees.
All photos courtesy of Herschend Family Entertainment.

Health Care Reform Update: Final Language Released

2010-03-19T12:04:00.004-04:00

The language of the final health care bill was released yesterday afternoon. This bill is actually an amendment which makes changes to the legislation the Senate passed on Christmas Eve, so to see what the entire law says, you have to go back and forth between the two bills (and existing U.S. Code). For now, the House appears to be sticking to its promise to give legislators and the public 72 hours to read the bill before the House votes on it. The vote is currently scheduled for Sunday.

Throughout the health care debate, IAAPA has primarily been concerned with how the bill will treat the part-time and seasonal workers upon which the attraction industry relies heavily. Here are the provisions that relate to those employees:

• Employers are not required to provide coverage for employees who work fewer than 30 hours per week.

• Employers of 50 or more full-time equivalents will be considered a “large employer” and will be subject to penalties for not offering qualifying coverage to full-time employees. A full-time equivalent is determined by dividing the aggregate number of hours of service of employees who are not full-time employees for the month by 120. That number is added to the number of full-time employees. If the number is greater than or equal to 50, a business is considered to be a “large employer.” For example, if your business employs 18 full-time employees and 50 part-time employees who work 20 hours a week (or 80 hours a month), you will be considered a "large employer".

• If you have fewer than 50 full-time equivalents, you are not subject to penalties for not providing coverage. If you are a very small business, you may be eligible for tax credits.

• A new provision disregards the first 30 workers employed by the employer in calculating the amount of the penalty.

• If you are a “large employer” and do not offer health care coverage AND you have at least one full-time employee who receives a premium tax credit or cost-sharing subsidy, you will be assessed a penalty of $2,000 per full-time employee. However, you may subtract 30 from the number of full-time employees and only pay the penalty for the remaining number of employees (e.g., if you have met the definition of “large employer” above and you have 32 full-time employees, you will only pay the penalty for two of them).

• If you are a “large employer,” do not offer “affordable” coverage, and you have at least one full-time employee who receives a premium tax credit to purchase coverage in an exchange, you will be assessed a penalty of $3,000 per employee who receives a credit.

• Employers have 90 days to enroll full-time workers in a health care plan before the penalties begin.

IAAPA is part of a seasonal worker coalition that has worked diligently to secure a fix for temporary and seasonal workers. We consider the 90-day delay a small victory. However, we would still like to see a clarification of full-time employment as 390 hours in a calendar quarter. We will explore the possibility of clarifying this further in the regulatory process if this bill is passed.

For the health care legislation to become law, the House will first pass (or "deem and pass") the health care bill the Senate passed in December. That bill will go to President Obama for his signature.

Then the House will pass a second bill, which will be the final language of the health care bill (referenced above). The Senate would have to vote on the second bill. If the Senate parliamentarian agrees the amendments are appropriate to be considered under the reconciliation process, the Senate will operate under special rules where only 51 votes are needed for final passage. The second bill will essentially replace the original Senate bill, which by that point will be law. The actual changes the legislation makes will not be effective for three years, during which time they will go through the regulatory process and be considered by different agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Internal Revenue Service.

If you would like to voice your opinion on this legislation to your elected officials, we encourage you to use our grassroots action center.

Space (Allocation): The Final Deadline Is Near

2010-03-18T09:27:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is your last chance to submit an exhibiting contract in time for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 Space Allocation. Any company that doesn't get in under Friday's deadline will have to wait until after the allocation meeting, March 29-30, and take remaining space on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those who may not be familiar with this whole Space Allocation thing, here's how it works: Companies who submit their contracts for Expo ahead of time are ranked according to seniority; those who have been participating in our shows the longest get first dibs at booth space for this year's trade show floor in Orlando.

Booths are assigned by the IAAPA Space Allocation Committee, which is made up of companies from all different segments of the industry—everything from ticketing systems to redemption games to themed design to roller coaster manufacture. Over the course of two days, the committee places every company who submitted a contract prior to the meeting, which this year will probably be more than 500.

If you'd like to learn more about the process, you can check out my coverage of the meeting from last year in Las Vegas. This year we'll be going live again here at In the Queue, so you can follow along and keep tabs on when your booth is due to come up.

More to come as we get close to two of the fastest-paced days of the Expo calendar. For now, check out the official Space Allocation page for all the basic info you need for the meeting.

The CPSC's Focus for 2010: CPSIA and VGB

2010-03-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Over the past few weeks we’ve attended several meetings regarding the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and garnered some valuable information for IAAPA members.

Since 2008, the main focus of the CPSC has been implementing the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act (CPSIA) and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB). As IAAPA members know, both laws have had a sweeping impact on the attraction industry in the United States.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s activities will continue to present a number of challenges for IAAPA members and many other industries this year. The CPSC has published 41 Federal Register notices (essentially 41 rules) concerning the CPSIA, and will publish 12 more rules in the next few weeks, including a revision of the definition of “children’s products,” and a rule on testing for children’s products. The Commission is also looking at cadmium limits under the CPSIA.

In 2010, the agency will turn from implementation of the laws to enforcement. The proposed FY2011 budget (which will take effect in October 2010) includes requests for additional compliance officers, field investigators, technical specialists, attorneys, and a coordinator for state and local authorities. The agency has also requested an additional 16 employees for import surveillance, and $100,000 for the destruction of goods refused at ports of entry by CPSC.

One of the most significant issues that will occur in FY2011 is the creation of the public database under CPSIA. This will allow reports by consumers, health care providers, and safety officials. Manufacturers will have an opportunity to comment on items in the database. CPSC will prioritize safety issues within the database. Potential problems with this database include duplicate submissions, misidentifications, malicious reports from competitors, and other misuse.

VGB Update for Waterparks
Another piece of legislation that has had a big impact on IAAPA members is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB). The CPSC is also wrapping up implementation on this piece of legislation and shifting priorities to education and enforcement.

On March 1, CPSC Commissioners cast a series of votes on the implementation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. We’ve uploaded details on the votes and statements from Chairman Tenenbaum and Commissioners Moore, Adler, and Northup to our Waterpark Safety Page and encourage waterpark members to read them.

The CPSC’s FY2011 budget contains an additional $1 million for pool and spa safety education, to bring the total amount to $8.1 million since the law was enacted. The CPSC is expected to roll out its grant program to help states and municipalities enact model pool legislation and educate citizens about pool safety.

The CPSC will vote on the state grant program and the model legislation in the coming weeks. IAAPA waterpark members should watch their e-mail boxes for a notice when those votes take place.

Health Care Reform: Getting Close to a Final Bill

2010-03-08T08:15:00.001-05:00

As Congressional leadership and the White House wrap up discussions on the final health care reform bill, details about the treatment of part-time and seasonal workers are starting to surface.

The White House fully supports a 90-day delay in auto-enrollment, meaning employers have about three months to sign their employees up for their health insurance plan. For now, that provision has made it into the final bill.

As far as part-time workers are concerned, Inside Health Policy (subscription required) is reporting Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has secured a concession to include part-time workers in the soon-to-be-released health reform bill. The extent to which part-time workers are included is still unclear: there is a rumor that employers would be required to provide health insurance benefits, but we’ve also heard that part-time workers will be added together to count towards the 50 full-time employee threshold that defines small employers. For example, two part-time employees who work 20 hours a week would count as one full-time employee.

Since part-time workers are also critical to the attractions industry, we are now working to exempt part-time workers from any insurance mandate. Friday, IAAPA partnered with 18 like-minded industries to send a letter to Speaker Pelosi, reiterating our concern with including part-time workers under the employer mandate.

It is widely assumed that when the President called for an “up or down vote” in his speech on Wednesday, he was telling Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to bring the health care bill to the floor under budget reconciliation rules. To do this, Speaker Pelosi will bring the Senate bill to the House, amend it with the White House package of amendments and pass the amended bill with a simple majority. Then the Senate would take up the amended bill under reconciliation, where filibusters and amendments are not allowed and the bill only needs a 51-vote majority to pass. Since both chambers passed identical bills, there would be no need for a conference committee and the bill could go straight to the president.

President Obama has said he would like to pass a health care bill before Congress goes to Easter Recess on April 6. IAAPA members should watch their e-mail boxes for Action Alerts as the situation unfolds.

Another Way to Connect: Mentoring Program

2010-03-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

One of the key benefits to IAAPA membership is the opportunity to connect with peers, colleagues, and friends through a variety of ways such as trade shows and networking events. Over the past year, the association added a dimension to that for the small parks and attractions (e.g., standalone attractions) community: the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program. This member benefit is a formal way of opening the door for peers to share ideas, contacts, and advice.
John Norris (Seabreeze Park, Rochester, New York), a member of the IAAPA Small Parks and Attractions Committee, shares a few thoughts on this important opportunity.
For those who might not be familiar with it, please explain the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program.
It’s an opportunity for a small park or attraction member to have an ongoing dialogue with a mentor in the small parks and attractions community. Mentors can share their experiences, contacts, and knowledge about the industry, and they can act as a sounding board to bounce ideas off. Mentors can help point mentees in the right direction when they are looking for help from consultants, suppliers, and other industry services. Mentors and mentees enter into a written agreement that they’re going to work together, and the relationship lasts as long as both parties agree.

How did the program come about?
It’s a pilot project. During our Small Parks and Attractions Committee meeting last winter, one of the goals we had for the coming year was to continue to have open lines of communication with our constituency. My thought was that I really wanted to make sure members know if they ever have any questions or comments—about public relations, a supplier, a marketing idea, safety issue, anything at all—they can always feel free to e-mail or call any one of the committee members. And if we don’t have the answer, we’ll help point them in the right direction. So we discussed that concept, and it developed even further into this mentor program. And it really ties in well with IAAPA’s goal of “The Power of Partnership” program.

Why is this new program so important for small or independent parks and attractions in particular?
As a committee, we’re trying to fill the needs of the constituency. There may be some park owners out there or attractions that are looking to expand their business. They might already have a facility and they’re looking to get into a new angle, like an attraction that is looking to add rides or water—those types of things. Or they are fairly new to the business and are looking for some guidance going forward.

What level of park employee is this program best suited for and why?
There’s a group called Young Professionals in the association, and they might want to look at the mentoring program. Also, owners of parks and senior-level managers might be expanding their facilities or looking for more input.

What can participants expect to take away from the experience?
I think they’ll gain both personal growth and growth for their facilities, and over time they’re going to develop stronger relationships with people in the industry—get to know more people, more contacts. That’s really what the association is all about: bringing people together who are in a like profession and can share ideas and goals as a whole industry. For mentors, over the years they’ve received a lot of support and generated a great number of contacts and information from people in our association as they grew in the industry. Now it’s a chance for them to turn around and provide that for younger people growing up in the business. The mentees today will be mentors down the road, helping the next person along. We are not only looking for mentees—we’re looking for volunteer mentors as well.

For more information and to sign up for the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program, click here , or contact Heidi Aulakh at +1 703/836-4800 or haulakh@IAAPA.org.

To view this article on the FUNWORLD digital edition, click here.

Photo courtesy John Norris

Gearing up for the 3rd Annual Middle East Safety Institute

2010-03-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

I recently conducted an e-mail interview with Richard A. Carroll (otherwise known as "RAC") regarding his participation as a speaker at the upcoming 3rd Annual Middle East Safety Institute in Abu Dhabi. Excerpts from our e-mail are below:

Tell me a little about yourself and your role at Jeff Ellis and Associates (E&A).
My role as SR.VP/COO encompasses oversight and direction of all E&A services. As a senior consultant for the firm I lead a team of six client managers to deliver quality programs and client services to more than 450 facilities participating in the one-of-a-kind Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program worldwide. E&A also provides aquatic safety consulting, accident investigation, litigation support, and site plan reviews within the consulting framework.

What can attendees expect to learn from your session on waterpark safety?
Attendees can expect information on foundational waterpark safety and best practices for lifeguards, lifeguards operations, and facility management of lifeguards.

This is IAAPA’s third safety conference in the Middle East. Why do you feel this program is important for the industry in that part of the world?
The emerging growth and establishment of the Middle East as an amusement and tourism hub underlines the importance of foundational safety and operational best practices. In order for the region to grow as an amusement destination, safety and effective operations must be a hallmark of all facilities.

***

To learn more about the Middle East Safety Institute, visit our web site. Here are the basics: March 15, 2010, at the Radisson Blu Yas Island Hotel Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Institute will cover best safety practices and allow attendees to share their own experiences through a combination of roundtable discussions, lectures, and networking opportunities. The cost is US$99 and includes lunch and an exclusive tour of Ferrari World. To register, complete this form and return to Angela Kernan (Fax: +1 703/738-7409) or register online.

FUNWORLD Follow-Up: Thorpe Park, PR, and … Urine?

2010-02-26T15:12:00.003-05:00

Today's IAAPA News Flash included this story about Thorpe Park's request for guests to provide urine samples—for the smell.

The park wants to incorporate a urine stench as part of its new "Saw Alive" horror maze attraction opening next month. So it asked guests to provide samples and the nastiest-smelling urine would be replicated in the attraction.

This is yet another example of Thorpe's edgy public relations strategy, which we profiled in this month's issue of FUNWORLD. You can read that story here. This kind of idea is exactly why I wanted to highlight the park's PR operation in the first place—hopefully you find the piece as informative and fascinating read as I did.

I followed up with park spokesman Gareth Arculus to ask what is, to me, the most critical question in this whole endeavor: Who on earth has to smell all those samples?

"The responsibility—and some say very lucky judge—for the final decision of the Stench of 'Saw Alive' lies with Thorpe Park Entertainment Manager Laura Sinclair. As we look to create the world’s most extreme live action horror maze, we are looking to build a total experience that will attack all the senses, whilst also using live actors, special effects with a shocking twist, and immersing guests into the world of 'Saw.'

"Laura is working closely with a company to develop the aroma that will be used to really bring to life the iconic Washroom scene from the films, and we’re sure that it’s not the only lasting impression that people will leave 'Saw Alive' with."

March FUNWORLD Online Now: FECs, Waterpark Weddings, and More

2010-02-25T13:50:00.004-05:00

The March issue of FUNWORLD is hopefully hitting your mailboxes right about now, but in case you haven't seen it yet, you can check out my cover story on new FEC Committee Chair Dorothy Lewis and the rest of the new magazine by clicking here.

Lewis and I talked about the IAAPA/IALEI combination and the future for the newly named FEC Council as she and the committee go through this important and exciting year for family entertainment centers in the association. Lewis also talks about her history in the business and why she has such a passion for educational seminars.

Other stories of note in this issue:

• News Editor Keith Miller looks at the live animation trend occurring in the industry right now.
• Departments Editor Marion Hixon highlights how waterparks are turning into hot spots for weddings.
• Contributing Editor Mike Bederka examines the current state of the arcade business and what entrepreneurs are doing to keep it fresh and competitive.
• Mike also researched dos and don'ts for FEC owners looking to sell, and John Morell provides tips for attractions responding to the H1N1 virus.

And there's much more! Keep in mind as you're reading the digital edition, any web address you see is "live"—click on it, and you'll be taken directly to that site.

You can send any feedback on this issue to me—I'd love to hear what you think.

The White House's Health Care Proposal

2010-02-23T12:20:00.006-05:00

As some of you may have seen, President Obama released his health care reform proposal yesterday. The 11-page document is an executive summary of ideas, some from existing legislation, and some entirely new ones that will fuel Thursday’s much-publicized (and public) “Bipartisan Meeting.”

It’s important to note that the President’s proposal is not in “legislative language,” which means while there are broad ideas for what the bill should do, there’s no explanation of how it will be accomplished. There are no details in the summary, including how part-time and seasonal workers will be treated under the president’s plan, which is the part of the legislation that will most impact the attractions industry. When the legislative language is released, we will know more and can take action on the proposal.

As for the process, the Senate no longer has its filibuster-proof supermajority of 60 votes, so there has been talk in Washington of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid using the budget reconciliation process to pass the final incarnation of the health care bill. Special rules in the Senate allow for “reconciliation” bills to be passed with only 51 votes—a much easier hurdle for Senator Reid to clear. House bills only need a simple majority to pass and if Speaker Pelosi can hold her caucus together (which may not be easy), she can attain this number.

Curious IAAPA members should read through the president’s proposal—since it’s a summary, it’s a quick but interesting read—and if they can, tune in for the meeting on Thursday (it will also be shown live on C-SPAN 3 beginning at 10 a.m. EST). After we’ve gotten more details about the treatment of part-time and seasonal workers, we’ll contact our U.S. members about action they can take.

February Webinar: Drive Party Sales

2010-02-19T13:48:00.003-05:00

Need to boost your birthday party business or group sales program? During this month’s IAAPA webinar, Sheryl Bindelglass, president and founder of marketing firm SherylGolf, will share tips you can put to use right away to increase revenue.

“Extreme Birthday Party Makeover: The Party Examples Continue,” takes place Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. EST. As part of the discussion, she asks participants to send examples of their party marketing materials, which she will review during the webinar. In the Queue caught up with Bindelglass this week to find out more about this session.

Birthday parties are a core part of the FEC business. Why is it important to keep things fresh?
When you’re dealing with repeat customers you may get people who come back to your facility year after year and have the same child have two or three birthday parties with you. They’re looking to see what you’ve changed, to see what’s new and what’s different—whether you’ve added a new attraction or you’ve added a new value to the package.

In these budget-conscious days, what are some examples of small affordable changes that can boost revenue?
The first thing I’d recommend is to go back and look at your packages and see how you can repackage or rebrand them. Can you put a package together that used to be $9.99 a child and add value to it—whether it’s an extra ride or a couple dollars in the video arcade area? What can you do to have a greater perceived value and make that $9.99 package a $12.99 so you’re getting a greater per cap per person? You always want to create upsells. If you attend the webinar, you will learn some key tricks on how to be successful with upsells.

Who do you recommend participate in this webinar?
Anyone and everyone who would like to host a birthday party or celebration at their facility, whether it’s an amusement park, a family fun center, a farm, a museum, or an aquarium. Even if you’re in the party business, you will still learn new and improved ways to make more money with party packages.
We’ve heard from family fun centers, a children’s museum, a haunted attraction, a farm, a waterpark, a very diverse group of locations, ranging from small facilities to large operations. The same core principles apply whether it’s a small change of looking at your flier and noticing you don’t even have your web site on it, or looking on your web site and finding you’re missing key information that could help you sell more packages. You should learn at least one or two golden nuggets you can implement within an hour after the webinar. Quick, easy, inexpensive, even free things you will be able to do immediately after the session. You will not have to wait months to make some of these quick-fix recommendations.

Though FECs do a lot of birthday party business, are there general group sales concepts other facilities can learn from this session?
Do you know what your sales numbers are? What your goals are? Does your whole company understand how important it is to reach your goals? I’ll talk about obtainable goals and what can you do to motivate your staff to sell.

You’ve welcomed attendees to submit samples for this webinar. What types of materials are you looking for, and what can participants expect to learn from your evaluations?
We’re looking for your flier, web site, or anything that ties into your birthday party. We’re going to pick several examples and show you how little changes can have a big impact.

To register or learn more on IAAPA’s e-learning programs, click here.

State Legislation Preview

2010-02-17T14:36:00.006-05:00

Apologies for the lack of posts lately; in case you haven’t heard by now, the Washington, DC, area was covered in a record-breaking amount of snow last week. We’re (mostly) dug-out now, so we're back at the blogging game once more.

I’ve been updating the State Bill Tracker on IAAPA’s Capwiz site and I came across a few bills of interest to the attractions industry:

Maryland Waterpark Legislation
Waterpark members may remember similar legislation introduced last session in Maryland. Called “Connor’s Law” in honor of a child who drowned in a country club pool, HB 273 calls for a 1:25 lifeguard-to-swimmer ratio in all Maryland pools. The bill was referred to the Health and Government Operations Committee for a hearing.

Florida Parental Waiver Legislation
Two years ago, a Florida court held that a pre-injury release executed by a parent on behalf of a minor child is unenforceable against the minor or the minor's estate in a tort action arising from injuries resulting from participation in a commercial activity. In plain English: a parent can't sign a liability waiver for his or her child.

This decision had a substantial impact on go-kart and other attractions operations in the state of Florida. This legislation (HB285/SB1578) seeks to restore the right of a parent to sign a liability waiver for his or her child. Similar legislation was introduced last session but did not make it to final passage. This session the legislation has been introduced earlier in the session, giving it better chances for passage. The legislation was referred to the Judiciary Committee in the Senate and the Criminal & Civil Justice Policy Council in the House.

School Start Date Legislation
There are several legislative proposals this year addressing the school calendar. IAAPA tracks these proposals for members, since obviously the school calendar has a big impact on the industry:

Indiana - SB 150

Tennessee - SB 3088

Virginia - HB 1111

IAAPA tracks legislation in every state and notifies members when action is needed, but we usually don’t lobby directly at the state level. Many states have state or regional associations that work closely with IAAPA and lobby on legislation that has the potential to affect the industry, but if your state doesn't, or if you’re looking for some additional guidance, please feel free to contact us.

IAAPA Attractions Expo Played Role in Merlin/Cypress Gardens Deal

2010-02-03T13:21:00.007-05:00

Merlin Entertainments Group CEO Nick Varney speaks at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008
(photo by Digital Imaging Direct)

So turns out IAAPA Attractions Expo helped get the Merlin/Cypress Gardens deal rolling, which in 2011 will see a Legoland built in Central Florida.

According to this story in The Ledger of Winter Haven, Florida (the local paper for Cypress Gardens), Merlin first made inquiries about the property in summer 2008, and officials on both sides of the deal agreed to meet in November of that year during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 in Orlando.

Merlin CEO Nick Varney was in town because he was a keynote speaker for the annual General Managers and Owners' Breakfast. So he took time out to visit the park during Expo week and, according to the Ledger, it was "love at first sight." A little more than a year later, the deal was done, and now an East Coast Legoland is on deck for next year.

It's pretty cool to know such a big project got started at our trade show. The Expo returns to Orlando in November, so it's also pretty cool to imagine what kinds of deals could be started this time around.

Planning a trip to the U.S.? The Scoop on ESTA

2010-01-28T18:17:00.004-05:00

If you are a citizen of a visa waiver program country, and planning to visit the U.S. anytime soon (maybe to attend IAAPA Attractions Expo?), you may want to take note:

Earlier this week, USA Today published an article about new requirements for travelers from visa waiver program countries coming into the United States. As of January 20, 2010, these travelers must now complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application before traveling or they risk not being able to board their departing flight. U.S. citizens returning from overseas or citizens of visa waiver program countries traveling on a valid U.S. visa do not need to complete this form.

ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel and are usually valid for up to two years (or until your passport expires, if that is within two years). The authorizations are valid for multiple entries into the United States, and the application is currently free, so there’s no real downside to completing a form as soon as you begin making your travel plans—or even now, if you’re planning to attend any spring committee meetings in the U.S. or IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando this November. Even if you are unsure of your travel plans, you can apply and just leave the travel information section blank.

The travel industry is urging the U.S. government and international airports to establish computer terminals where U.S.-bound travelers can complete their ESTA forms, but currently you must apply in advance – before you arrive at the airport. If you do not have an approved application, you can be prohibited from boarding your flight.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has created a web page where travelers can find information, answers to questions, and links to the online ESTA application.

Photo Update: Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2010-01-27T15:31:00.005-05:00

UPDATE 1.28.10: This morning, Universal Orlando partnered with USA Today to premiere an Augmented Reality sneak peek of the Wizarding World. You can read the USA Today story here, or get started on the sneak peek here (you'll need a web cam hooked up to your computer).

***

I'm a little late on the up-post of this pic Universal sent out due to transportation issues in D.C. yesterday. Anyway, thought you might enjoy this photo of Hogwarts castle Uni sent out this week, as work progresses on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure in Orlando.

Hogwarts is the centerpiece icon/attraction of the new Potter-themed land set to open this spring at IOA. It goes without saying Wizarding World is one of the most anticipated attractions of 2010; in fact, I'd say it's one of the most anticipated attractions I've covered in more than five years with IAAPA.

I am looking forward to writing about all things Wizardly for FUNWORLD this year, so consider this a little taste of butterbeer to whet our appetite.