My Career Website
Here are a couple of trade organizations that cover the amusement industry as well as some schools that offer programs and publications that relate to my chosen field.
Trade
Organizations
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
This is one of the best resources I’ve found for this industry. In November of 2001, my wife and I attended the IAAPA annual conference and trade show in Orlando. It was very informative if a little bit intimidating. It was good for me to interact with professionals who actually work in this business because they were able to pull my head out of the clouds and help me find out what I really needed to do to get into this industry. A good reality check !
Themed Entertainment Association
I don’t know as much about these guys. Most of their members are from Europe and Asia, but its still a good resource.
School
Programs
There are several educational opportunities for people who want to get into the themed amusement industry. The majors that most closely fit what I want to do are either business administration or hospitality management. The University of Florida offers degrees in both of these majors.
The
University of Central Florida offers these programs as well.
Books and
Resources
The Experience Economy: Work Is
Theatre and Every Business A Stage
By B. Joseph Pine and James H.
Gilmore
Harvard Business School Press
Entertainment Management – A quarterly trade
magazine serving the location based entertainment industry.
Funworld – The official magazine of the International
Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
Landscape Architect – A monthly publication that discusses
innovations in outdoor environment design.
Amusement Business – A weekly news and current events
publication that covers the themed entertainment industry. Also a great place
to look for jobs.
A/V and Multimedia Producer – A monthly magazine that has articles about the design and construction of high-end multimedia presentations like those used in museums and theme parks
Here is a picture of my wife Angela and I waiting in line at the Alien Encounter Ride at Walt Disney World. This is the wonderful lady who loves me enough to put up with this madness !