Looty Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 Hi TPR, I'm looking for advice or information (that's not already posted on their website) regarding the IAAPA Ambassador program (internship). I'm looking to work in the amusement industry so I think this would be a tremendous opportunity to meet people. I also will be going abroad in 2010 and will be living about 1 hour from the Vekoma headquarters in the Netherlands so I would definitely like to meet them and perhaps discuss the possibility of interning with them as well. If anyone has been a IAAPA Ambassador...what are your thoughts on it??? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 I don't know much about this program, but if you do get info or get into it, please post your experiences! --Robb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themeparkman25 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 Looty, I am actually in the same situation you are in and I was talking to an organizer about the event and she told me to shoot her an email in the spring time (I think that means mid march) to sign up for the program. From what I understand, the ambassadors program is an opportunity for college students to help with the convention and make sure it runs smoothly. Another thing I was informed about is called "Career Slam". A similar college age gathering at the event in a round table environment. The table will include approx 20 students (from what I remember) as well as countless industry executives. So if you are looking at checking out Vekoma when you go abroad, you might be able to meet some big names at the career slam. I would advise you check that out, and if you pm me I will be happy to give you the email of the person I am talking to! Lastly, I do not know if you have heard about this, but Disney offers a 6 month long paid internship for all majors, interests, etc. It sounds like a great program and I know I am checking that program out in the future. The link to the Disney internship can be found here. Robb and anyone else interested, this is a little excerpt from funworld magazine for last years show and program. Call for Applications: Show Ambassadors. IAAPA IS LOOKING FOR STUDENTS STUDYING event management, journalism, marketing, hospitality/tourism, engineering, or a related field to be interns at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 in Orlando, Nov. 17-21. In exchange for a valuable learning opportunity, participants will provide energy, initiative, and a strong customer-focused attitude to improve guest service for all IAAPA Attractions Expo attendees. This exciting opportunity will feature a structured learning program, scheduled work hours (approximately 10 hours per day), and a ticket to one of the largest trade shows in the world. The IAAPA Show Ambassador program has been an important part of IAAPA Attractions Expo since 2000. More than 125 ambassadors have participated in the program, and their willingness to return each year is proof of its popularity and success. Feedback from participating colleges and member facilities also shows this is a worth while opportunity. The Ambassador Program gives students with hospitality and leisure backgrounds, as well as experienced park employees, the opportunity to see and be involved with the premier amusement and attractions association trade show and conference. If you or someone you know wants to be a part of the 2008 IAAPA Show Ambassador Program, IAAPA is accepting online applications through Sept. 5. For more information please contact ambassador@IAAPA.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan1127 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 I applied for - and was subsequently rejected from - the Ambassador program in 2005. It was great when I later became friends with the person in charge so I could bring it up as often as possible. I do have some friends that did it, though, and I hung out with the Ambassadors when I went to IAAPA that first year (on my own). It seemed to be a pretty intense (time-consuming, energy-draining) program, but I've only heard overall good things to say about the program from those that have done it. Keep in mind that they're not only interested in people in the amusement industry, but that they like people in hospitality management, as well. I suppose for that reason, it may be helpful to emphasize the qualities you have that would help in your role at IAAPA as an Ambassador, rather than just your qualifications in the amusement industry. (If all else fails, just register on your own. It's costly, I suppose, but cheapest if you register early.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themeparkman25 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 ^How difficult is it to get into the ambassadors program? Have you heard anything about the career slam either? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looty Posted February 27, 2009 Author Share Posted February 27, 2009 Here is a email I received today from Diane Vidoni who is the Director of Conference & Tradeshow Operations: I'm happy to provide additional information. The program is an intern program (unpaid) during our annual conference and tradeshow. Show Ambassadors assist all IAAPA staff with tradeshow logistics, education sessions, general customer service, events, etc. Ambassadors are responsible for travel to Las Vegas, and IAAPA provides housing, uniform shirts, breakfast and lunch daily. In addition, a small stipend is given to each ambassador for dinners and other incidentals. Additional information can also be found on our web-page: http://www.iaapa.org/expos/attractions/ShowAmbassador/ An application will be available in late-April. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information. Best regards, Diane F Vidoni Director, Conference & Tradeshow Operations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mboz773 Posted February 28, 2009 Share Posted February 28, 2009 I dont post here very often at all, but I do check this site often. So I figured this is my moment to chime in. I have been a part of the Ambassador program the past two years (2007 & 2008) and let me say it was the best week of my life; and this past year was even better! If you have any passion for the industry (which is not just theme parks but zoos, aquariums, water parks, and family entertainment centers) or if you want to break into it professionally... then apply for this program! As an ambassador you are basically helping to double the staff IAAPA has to help run the conference and trade show. There are about 30-35 other ambassadors there and you can expect to become best friends real fast! I have made connections through the program that will not only help me but others as well and they will last a long time! You can expect long hours (getting to the convention center at 7am and not leaving till around 7pm), lots of walking (the show floor can be up to 10 miles long aisle by aisle) and meeting lots of people. The program is designed to help the IAAPA staff run the show and assist as needed. It is also designed to do a lot of networking to many people in the industry. The IAAPA staff has been nothing but welcoming and inviting to ambassadors and they appreciate the help greatly. Life as an ambassador can be very tiring when all said and done, but man I look forward to that week and miss it every time! Almost half of the ambassadors have been there for 3+ years while the other half is new. Time away from the convention center may consist of just networking and becoming fast friends with fellow ambassadors. We also do a major volunteer/fun day to kick everything off. In 2008 we helped out Give Kids the World, a charity that is heavily connected to IAAPA. You also get the benefit to check out the show floor (which you can never fully cover) during your free time, as well as assisting with setting up for events, education sessions, tours, and many other happenings during the show. There is a lot I can say about the show and the program. I made a video and posted it to YouTube. I will put the link below. Also you can search "IAAPA Ambassadors" in YouTube and find many things about it. So if you couldnt tell, great program and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the industry! YouTube video: Also feel free to email me if you want more info or just post questions here. Hope this helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themeparkman25 Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 Sorry for resurrecting a dead thread, but I got into the program! Has anyone else heard anything? (^) Did you reapply? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBru Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 ^Congrats! Make sure to report back with us after the event. (This is something I would possibly be interested in, in the future...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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