IAAPA’s first-ever North America Trade Summit will take place in San Diego, California next month.

IAAPA

The forum is being held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla hotel from March 20 to 23 and attendees will enjoy educational guided tours to world class facilities, plus an educational conference led by global experts.

Speakers include George Walker, CEO and founder of The League of Extraordinary Dining; Cherrie Davis, army combat veteran, author, and founder and CEO of ShiftForward Consulting; and Troy Sacco, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Five Star Parks & Attractions.

Walker will speak on “Authentic Reality” explaining how the industry has evolved from a service economy into an experience economy.

He will look at current trends to help provide context and clues that look at this “next reality” and how technology enhances the guest experience rather than drives it.

Davis will talk on leaders’ ability to thrive and inspire in an increasingly connected and competitive environment while Sacco will tackle the importance of using specific tools with insights that can be used to hire better cultural fits, match up leader and teammates' personalities, and using his five simple and effective rules of behavioural management.

Other agenda highlights include exclusive attendee only access to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, Belmont Park and the USS Midway Museum.

“The first-ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit is sure to inspire all who attend,” said Michael Shelton, vice president and executive director of IAAPA North America. “It is a rare opportunity to learn from industry leaders, connect with attraction suppliers and visit top attractions in the San Diego area for a behind the scenes look at how other members are adapting to our ever-changing landscape.”