“The majority of people enter the attractions industry at a young age. How can we take that from a year to a career in their lives? My message for our industry and our association is that ‘We are the real job!'” — Ken Whiting
The Themed Experience and Attractions Academic symposium was held at the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Expo in Orlando Florida in November 2021. The TEAAS serves as a bridge between the academic world and the attractions industry. During the symposium, the audience was delighted when IAAPA Chairman Ken Whiting made a surprise visit to address them.
Whiting said, “As chair I have the privilege to shine a light on an area of significance that I am personally passionate about. IAAPA has five or six thousand plus members, but those members have perhaps millions of employees. We want to capture the significance that we have in the lives of those people, many of them young.”
“The majority of people enter the attractions industry at a young age. How can we take that from a year to a career, in their lives? They’re not just looking for a summer, short time, or part time job that gets them through high school before they find their ‘real job’. My message for our industry and our association is that ‘We are the real job!’ The careers are expanding within our industry and are so broad with no geographical barriers. People can live anywhere in the world and find employment in the parks and attractions industry.”
“There are all sorts of opportunities in themed entertainment, and technology virtual reality. Or in more traditional, legacy careers like finance, retail, food and beverage, operations and management. Maybe I want to be a mechanical engineer and not go to a factory? How about go I build roller coasters and be in the business of fun for a career?”
“We want our employers to promote the fact that you don’t have to be behind the funnel cake fryer for the rest of your life. You can move from one place to another to whatever you are passionate about and whatever you are interested in for whatever you study in school. You as educators and students are the ones that can make that happen.”
“I am very grateful for what you do”, said Whiting told the academic society.
See full remarks here:
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