Prepared

“Be Prepared

During the 1999 operating season, the leisure industry experienced several situations that sparked intense media attention. During this period, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (“IAAPA”) was besieged with inquiries from the media. The media wanted to know all types of facts and figures relating to the leisure industry and its safety record. It was at this time that the IAAPA Board of Directors realized, as did many of the its members, that our industry needs to have a well-developed, well-prepared, “Industry Communications Plan” at members’ disposal for use in these and other difficult situations.

With this in mind, a Communications Task Force was assembled in order to bring together some of the most-informed people within the industry, people who deal with all types of media events on a regular basis. From organizing fun-filled grand openings and park-wide celebrations to coordinating the response during a crisis, the individuals who comprise the Communications Task Force know the proper and professional way to respond in all situations.

Additionally, the committee was selected to fully represent the leisure industry by segment and geographical area. Under the direction of IAAPA Chairman Rene Aziz, the new Industry Communications Plan will be developed and published to assist all segments of the membership. I have been appointed to chair the committee and Susan Mosedale, Vice President, Membership and Marketing Services is the IAAPA staff member assigned to coordinate the association’s effort. The following are the Communications Task Force Committee members.

Dennis Speigel	International Theme Park Services, Inc.
Bill Sims	Ogden Entertainment of Florida
Bob Williams	Calaway Park
Bonnie Rabjohn	Six Flags California
Janice Lifke-Witherow	Cedar Point Amusement Park
Al Weber	Paramount Parks
Gena Romano	Nellie Bly Park
Sherrie Brammall	Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort
Jeff Ellis	Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc.
Mike Pledl	Gambit Leisure
Jim Seay	Premier Rides, Inc.
Ruud De Clercq	Leisureplan, B.V.

This task force initially held a brief familiarization meeting at the 1999 IAAPA Convention and Trade Show in Atlanta, followed by a two-day in-depth meeting in Washington D.C. on January 10 – 11, 2000. During these meetings, the Committee developed a detailed list of goals and objectives to help both IAAPA and its members respond appropriately and work alongside the media in a more-efficient and upfront manner.

Strangely enough, through these meetings and discussion with members, it has become apparent that we, as an industry, are somewhat lacking in our knowledge of industry statistics. For example, we all know that the industry entertains millions of guests each year on rides and attractions but do we really know how many millions of rides are given each year. In an effort to reduce discrepancies, the Committee agreed that, as an industry, it was incumbent upon us to have certain statistical data at our fingertips, ready to be re-constituted at the appropriate time for the designated purpose.

Therefore, as one of the first fact-gathering efforts, the Committee will contact IAAPA member-operators to truly understand the statistics of our industry (i.e., number of experiences provided, number of visitors, number of safety-related incidents, etc.). In the past, IAAPA estimated these figures and now it is believed that these numbers are understated.

Why do we need this accurate statistical information? The purpose of this data collection will be to prove to the media, our guests, and the world that our industry safely entertains millions of people each year and works diligently on ensuring that this continues.

Therefore, in the upcoming weeks , the Association will be asking for information and support in supplying and updating statistical data banks. I appreciate your willingness to help and look forward to beginning the 2000 season with updated and accurate, data.

I would also like to ask the readers of InterPark to contact me at the following e-mail address itps@interthemepark.com with any suggestions or thoughts regarding how we can improve communication throughout the industry. This can be related to the Membership, the Association, the general public, the media, etc. Your comments and thoughts will certainly be appreciated.