Caribbean conference is off
IAAPA has pulled the plug on its planned “educational” event in the Bahamas, blaming the economy and its impact on members’ ability to participate in the three-day get-together.
The inaugural IAAPA Connections was due to take place at the upscale Atlantis resort at Paradise Island in the Bahamas (pictured) from February 24 to 27. IAAPA was hoping to attract various attractions industry leaders to participate in programme of education and networking opportunities. But clearly not enough members of the association were willing to devote either the time or the money to participate in such an event in these luxurious surroundings.
The organisation also decided not to hold its board and several other member committee meetings that were scheduled to take place at Atlantis in conjunction with Connections.
“While prospects for the year are uncertain, we know that our members are evaluating their businesses and adjusting their operations to address the current economic environment,” says IAAPA chairman Darrell Metzger. “Like many of our members, IAAPA is evaluating programmes and operations. As a result, we decided it’s in the best interest of our members and the association at-large to not hold IAAPA Connections 2009.”
IAAPA will now explore options for an alternative education and networking event. In the meantime, the association has three trade shows planned for the coming year: Asian Attractions Expo in Seoul (June 10 to 12), Euro Attractions Show, Amsterdam (September 30 to October 2) and of course IAAPA Attractions Expo, this time in Las Vegas (November 16 to 20). All three will also include a number of learning opportunities.
