By Renee Clarke, Senior Account Manager, Host Relations, Greenheart Exchange.
In the “business of fun” 10 is a double Hi-Five! IAAPA Expo 2025 was my double Hi-Five!
Connecting with current and prospective Host Employers is always the primary goal of Greenheart attending IAAPA annual Expo. This annual “amusement park convention” encompasses aspects from the ENTIRE industry!
The real benefit of attending this annual event is participating in different sessions and conversations offered. In addition to an impressive trade show floor, these Education Sessions range topics from: what’s new/next in the overall industry, Safety, Regulatory items, Food, Operations, Finance & Information Technology, and (of course) Human Resources.
Networking to Support Greenheart Host Organizations
Eagerly, my colleague Rebecca and I worked to attend a diverse set so we can bring this information back to our team and, fundamentally, help support our host organizations. Over each of my 10 IAAPA Expos, the Greenheart team works to connect the discussion to how they affect the overall industry, but also how these topics trickle to affect our participants while on Program.
Outstanding Reach!
What is fascinating to me about IAAPA Expo is its reach; from small, family entertainment centers which pepper seasonal communities to campgrounds; ski resorts to manufacturers; and of course, the large Parks known all over the world. Having access to all of this in one week is nothing but worthy of a double high-five.
Special Activities and Experiences at IAAPA Expo 2025
IAAPA Expo 2025 did not disappoint in fun on the Show Floor, Networking, special events and so much to experience for the 43,000 people in attendance.
Over the last 10 years I have been incredibly fortunate to strike up friendships with potential hosts and industry leaders, but also vendors.
Vendors, as I have learned, play a critical support in keeping parks and attractions supplied with the latest and greatest. However, through their eyes, I’ve been able to understand the industry from a new/insider aspect; they are allies in advocating for the Work and Travel Program too!
Being able to reunite, serve as referrals and reconnect at this annual event is nothing short of awesome.
Our Shared Commitment to Advocacy for BridgeUSA J-1 Work and Travel Program
Greenheart Exchange and IAAPA intersect in our shared commitment to advocacy and support of the BridgeUSA Work and Travel Program! My personal focus this Expo on this topic; connecting with and amplifying those who are already elevating Work and Travel Program.
Taking advantage of the Q&A portion of sessions! For example, during the “Leading Through Uncertainty: Creating Stability Amid Change” discussion with Park Presidents, I jumped on a chance to call attention to our Program. Nearly 350 attendees benefited from Presidents of Holiday World and Busch Gardens Williamsburg outlined their successful Work and Travel Program experiences and investment in housing.
Sharing the opportunity to join Americans for Cultural Exchange!
I used the Northeast’s Entertainment Association Board of Directors Meeting & Lunch to encourage attendees to join/renew their Americans for Cultural Exchange membership. To my delight, members joined or renewed their pre-Pandemic sign-on.
A special moment for me during the week was to be gifted my “Attractions Advocate” pin…this and the 100th Anniversary pin are my most treasured pieces of flair!
Speaking of treasured flair, you may have seen me sporting my IAAPA socks, gifted to Members during this Expo. Of course, I chose Greenheart-green.
Lastly, what would IAAPA be without a million selfies of friends made along the way!
Thank you, Renee, for sharing such a wonderful participation experience of this year’s IAAPA!
Are you a U.S.-based business and would like to host international seasonal staff for a cultural exchange? Please visit HirewithGreenheart.org to learn more.