The Whole World Is Gathering For Fun At IAAPA 2000

Alexandria, VA -- Where can you find the future's hottest amusement rides, eat cotton candy and hot dogs, see cutting edge entertainment technology, play the coolest new video games, meet people from more than 100 countries? The answer is IAAPA 2000, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' 82nd Annual Convention and Trade Show, taking over the Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia Dome in Atlanta November 15-18, 2000.

Riding, sliding, whooping and smiling - that is what IAAPA 2000 is all about. It's the event that showcases the latest thrills, entertainment, and product innovation within the amusement and attractions industry. More than 1,300 companies - including every major amusement park and family attraction supplier and manufacturer - will pack the exhibit floors with the next generation of adrenaline boosting rides and family attractions. More than 30,000 attendees from around the globe will meet under one roof to experience the newest developments in a full range of products. Owners and operators of amusement parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, and all types of leisure and entertainment attractions will see a showcase of the current trends.

Additionally, IAAPA attendees will learn how to "put more great in their gate" through more than 50 exciting workshops and information exchanges. Topics include: "Creative Staffing," "New Concepts in Child's Play," "Who Wants to Save a Million Dollars?" and "Point, Click, Profit." In addition, IAAPA will be introducing the all-new Management Development Program to the convention. The program includes the return of the popular Training the Trainer Course and Certified Pool Operator Course, and introduces the Attractions Management Program, Media Relations Program, Supervisory Management Program, Building Leadership Excellence Seminar and the Playground Safety: NPSI Certificate Course. Selected workshops will be simultaneously translated into Spanish, and sign language interpretation will be provided for those attendees in need of such assistance.

The fun and learning will also extend beyond the walls of the convention center during IAAPA 2000. Attendees can witness first-hand the inside of the food and beverage operations of Six Flags Over Georgia, and get a behind-the-scenes guided tour through White Water Waterpark. Both of these excursions require pre-registration and an additional ticket fee. Informal and informative brainstorming will continue during the convention's various information exchanges.

Sessions include opportunities for trainers, waterpark, human resources personnel, family entertainment centers, and zoo and aquarium operators, as well as sessions for finance, entertainment, marketing, public relations, and games personnel. IAAPA attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the staff from Give Kids The World, the non-profit organization that benefits children with life-threatening illnesses, and learn how they can partner with IAAPA to help the special children who visit the Give Kids The World Village. All convention workshops and the Management Development Program are open to IAAPA members and the media only. Entry to the workshops is free for the media and those members who have paid the convention and tradeshow registration fee.

IAAPA 2000 is also the place where the industry takes time to celebrate the year's excellence and success, through the Hall of Fame Awards, Service Awards, Brass Ring Awards, Souvenir Awards, Spirit of Excellence Awards, and the Big "E'" Awards for outstanding live entertainment. Other unique activities include the "What's New Theatre," the Annual Business Meeting and Service Awards Presentation and the General Managers and Owners Luncheon, featuring special guest speaker, internationally renowned entertainer and theme park owner Dolly Parton.

The convention is about more than just the business of fun. IAAPA 2000 attendees can enjoy a thrill-filled, private evening at Six Flags Over Georgia on Thursday evening, or tour one of Georgia's most famous antebellum towns, Madison, Ga., as part of the annual SpouseProgram. There is no end to the excitement that IAAPA 2000 has to offer.