The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP) is the global attractions industry's premier professional development program for individuals with five or fewer years of attractions experience.
Designed for emerging professionals across all attraction types, including amusement parks, water parks, museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, family entertainment centers, natural attractions, and more, IAP provides a comprehensive introduction to the functions and disciplines that drive successful attraction operations.
Through practical, interactive learning and real-world application, participants will explore industry best practices, build foundational knowledge, and discover how key business functions come together to create exceptional guest experiences.
Program Includes
- Two days of in-person learning at the Orange County Convention Center
- Access to EDUTour: Fun Spot America, connecting classroom learning to real-world operations
- Lunch provided on both program days
- Complimentary admission to the IAAPA Lunch & Learn event
- Post-program access to curated online coursework in the IAAPA Learning Library
- Complimentary ICAP Study Guide to help participants prepare for the IAAPA Certified Attractions Professional (ICAP) certification
Course Overview
The program combines classroom instruction led by industry experts with interactive discussions, case studies, and group activities. Participants will gain a broad understanding of attraction operations while building valuable connections with fellow industry professionals.
The curriculum explores key disciplines across the attractions industry, including facility operations, food and beverage, finance, marketing, information technology, entertainment, human resources, retail, and games. Participants will gain practical knowledge they can apply in their current roles while developing a deeper understanding of how each discipline contributes to successful attraction operations.
The curriculum also aligns with many of the core operational concepts covered in the IAAPA Certified Attractions Professional (ICAP) certification, helping participants build a well-rounded foundation for continued professional growth and future certification.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the key functions and departments that support successful attraction operations.
- Explain how operational decisions impact the guest experience and business performance.
- Recognize industry best practices across major attraction disciplines.
- Identify opportunities and challenges associated with various attraction offerings and operational areas.
- Explain how key operational functions work together to support safe, efficient, and engaging guest experiences.
- Interpret basic operational and business metrics to support decision-making.
- Identify professional development and career growth opportunities within the attractions industry.
Difficulty Level: Introductory
*Please note: Individuals who previously completed the Institute for Attractions Managers course should not register.
Attendance on two classroom days and the self-paced content is required to receive credit.
Agenda
Day One: November 15th 2026
7:45 am – 8:00 am · Check-In
8:00 am – 8:30 am · Welcome by IAAPA Staff
8:30 am – 10:45 am · Facility Operations
10:45 am – 11:05 am · Morning Break
11:05 am – 12:00 pm · Information Technology
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm · Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:45 pm · Marketing, Sales, and Public Relations
2:45 pm – 3:05 pm · Afternoon Break
3:05 pm – 4:45 pm · Finance
4:45 pm – 5:15 pm · Wrap-Up Day 1 & Break
5:15 pm – 5:30 pm · Departures to Fun Spot America
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm · EDUTour: Fun Spot America
Day Two: November 16th 2026
7:45 am – 8:00 am · Check-In
8:00 am – 9:30 am · Games & Merchandise
9:30 am – 9:50 am · Morning Break
9:50 am – 11:40 am · Entertainment
11:40 am – 12:00 pm · Break & Travel Time
12:00 am – 2:00 pm · Lunch and Learn: IAAPA Theater Sponsored by Dynamic Creatures, S320
2:00 am – 2:15 am · Break & Travel Time
2:15 pm – 3:45 pm · Food & Beverage
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm · Afternoon Break
4:00 pm – 5:35 pm · Human Resources
5:35 pm – 5:45 pm · Group Photo & Wrap-Up by IAAPA Staff
