JRA’s vice president, Shawn McCoy, and director, marketing and business development, Chloe James Hausfeld, will host sessions at the upcoming IAAPA Expo Asia in Shanghai, China. The conference, which takes place June 11-14, 2019, will offer educational programming, networking opportunities, an expansive trade show floor, and lavish special events to 8,500 professionals from over 60 countries.
In his session presentation, “The DNA of Memorable Attractions: Trends, Technologies, and Techniques,” McCoy will offer an insightful look at some of the industry’s most intriguing new attractions. Beginning with defining the differences between fads and trends, and incorporating a number of Asia Pacific case studies, McCoy will reveal the secrets and best practices for creating experiences that stand the test of time and rise above the rest.
“It’s such an exciting time to be in the attractions industry, with new and cutting-edge projects opening almost every day,” said McCoy. “I look forward to sharing some of my favorite new attractions, while providing insights as to what we can learn from their innovation.”
McCoy is globally recognised as a thought leader in the attractions industry. For the last eight years, he has presented his session “Emerging Trends in Immersive Design” to capacity crowds at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida. He has also been a moderator or featured speaker at the Themed Entertainment Association’s SATE and Summit conferences, the China Summit, the Museum Education for Children Symposium, and the Future of Immersive Leisure Conference. McCoy has been interviewed as a trends expert by global industry and mainstream publications, including Forbes, USA Today and CNN, and he has many internationally published articles to his credit.
“The DNA of Memorable Attractions” takes place Thursday, June 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai, 1108 Meihua Road, Shi Ji Gong Yuan, Shanghai. It will be simultaneously translated into Mandarin Chinese. Attendees must show an Expo + Education Conference badge to attend the session.
IAAPA’s Young Professionals programme provides those IAAPA members under 35 years of age the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, engage with their peers, and connect with industry leaders. JRA’s Chloe Hausfeld has been a member of IAAPA’s Young Professional Subcommittee since 2013, and in 2017, she was named IAAPA Young Professional of the Year.
At the 2019 IAAPA Expo Asia, Hausfeld and the Subcommittee will host a Young Professionals Forum from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ru Room 1 & 2 (2nd Floor) at the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai. Students and those just launching their industry careers will learn proven tips and tricks for successful networking and career advancement. They will also put their skills to work during an immersive speed networking event, where they can interact with other young professionals of varying backgrounds and levels of experience. Participants must have an Expo badge and be of young professional age (18 to 35) to attend.
Following the Forum will be a Young Professionals Event from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Shanghai Dungeon. This newly opened horror house recreates historical urban myths that are based in real life. In addition to exploring the dungeon, event attendees will enjoy a lively reception featuring appetisers and beverages. A badge and separate ticket (US$49 for IAAPA members and US$79 for non members) are required for entry, and again participants must be of young professional age to attend.
“The IAAPA Forums and Networking Events provide great opportunities for Expo attendees,” said Hausfeld. “These are especially beneficial for the Association’s young professional members, as they provide a platform for like-minded peers to congregate, learn, and enlighten one another. The industry, while welcoming, can be very intimidating. Having a cohort of allies makes for an easier, and more enjoyable, experience to explore.”
