Introducing … IAAPA – Small Parks and Attractions

The purpose of these "Membership Minutes" is to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting when you join or renew your IAAPA membership—and why it’s even more essential to stay connected to the industry as we all head into what will be a challenging economic year. This week's post focuses on what IAAPA provides to our Small Parks and Attractions members.

Put Your Committee to Work!
Earlier this week, I had the priviledge of meeting with the members of the Small Amusement Parks and Attractions Committee. We focused our agenda on developing the education track for Small Parks and Attractions attendees at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009. During our time together, I listened to the committee talk about the need for partnership and sharing among this particular community. At one point, I suggested that we offer each of the committee members' contact information to prospective and new members—creating an "ad-hoc" mentor program. I was thrilled when they ALL said "Yes! Sign me up!"

I encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource. If you own, operate, or work at a small park or attraction and need to reach out to someone in the industry, simply contact one (or all) of these incredibly talented committee members. They are happy to listen, offer their advice, and their expertise. You just have to ask!

Education & Training
Have you thought about how are you going to train your staff this year? Do you have all the education resources you need? IAAPA has a whole bookstore full of training tools offered at affordable prices for members. Take a look at the First Steps or the Skill Builder series for economical training ideas that can really come in handy as you start building your staff. In addition, as a member you can log in to the Member Center and get access to previous IAAPA Attractions Expo education session handouts and other information which may serve as your connection to out-of-the-box ideas. These could turn out to be lifelines as you come up with new ways to meet your monetary goals.

Government Relations
Our team is constantly monitoring issues that affect small parks and attractions. Your membership dues guarantee you have two dedicated full-time IAAPA staffers in Washington, D.C., working to protect your business interests. Your IAAPA GR team has worked tirelessly on the recent phthalate ban and provided our members with updates and education throughout the entire process. And we’re not just limited to federal issues; we have worked on a variety of state legislative initiatives as well. As a member, if you EVER need any support regarding a government relations issue, all you have to do is ask! Go ahead, it’s easy: gr@IAAPA.org.

And of course, I would like to give a shout-out to FUNWORLD, our award-winning monthly magazine. The February issue is PACKED with ideas for ways you can drive your business and tips for how to succeed in this tough economy. A subscription is included with your membership!

What else do you need from IAAPA? Let me know what you think and if there is anything else we can do to help support you. My e-mail address is haulakh@IAAPA.org and I look forward to hearing from you.