As the Northeast winds down one of the wettest seasons in recent memory, our industry gathers together for the annual week-long pilgrimage to Florida. While we traverse the vast show floor and join in educational sessions or discussions, let’s again use this opportunity to network with and build relationships with your regional colleagues. Many of you have been to this particular conference for years or even decades. However, think of the very first time you witnessed the spectacle of IAAPA. Think of the first time you walked through the giant entry doors or experienced the lights, sounds, and smells of the exhibit floor. Look to your left and right, someone near you is experiencing this for their first time. Someone near to you is starting their career in this industry just like you were all those years ago. My ask for all our members during this convention is to introduce yourself to someone you have never met. Pass out a business card to make a new connection. No matter if you are looking to acquire a new vendor or a new client, reach out to someone who might be in a completely different category or a completely different field. Let’s get to know each other and strengthen the next generation of employees, networkers, specialists, and leaders. IAAPA is what you make of it. If this business has taught you anything, it is how to have fun. Hope you have a great show! Chris Nicoli NEAAPA - Board President Canobie Lake Park - Brand Manager
Photo courtesy: IAAPA
Summer Meeting Recap RS Alberts Celebrates, Expands New Attractions in 2023 Moo Lagoon at Story Land The Bobcat at Great Escape Bluestone invests in RWS Slade inducted in WWA Hall Matt Dawson joins JRA Big E Sets Attendance Records MV Rides Branding Dr. Sittig joins E&A IRT goes Down Under Wildcat at Compounce NEAAPA Academy Update NEAAPA’s Newest Members
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NEAAPA’s 110th Anniversary Summer Meeting and Golf Tournament, held over two days on July 24 & 25, drew over 80 attendees to Central Connecticut to network with colleagues and get a behind-the-scenes peek at two historic parks: Quassy Amusement and Waterpark at 115 seasons and Lake Compounce Theme Park at 177 seasons. “FORE!” Monday, July 24 started at the beautiful Lyman Orchard Golf Club in Middlefield, CT. 16 participants got out their clubs to raise funds for NEAAPA’s Pinnacle Scholarship Program, which is awarded to an employee whose post-secondary education is leading them to a career in the attractions industry. This year’s recipient at the Golf Tournament, held at Lyman Orchard will be receiving a $1,000 scholarship. Over $1,500 was Participants Golf Club in Middletown, Connecticut. Over $1,500 was raised during the tournament, which will help to expand raised for the Pinnacle Scholarship Fund. the program and fund future scholarships. “This event is designed to be fun.”, said Golf Committee Chairman, Pete Barto. A few NEAAPA members were introduced to the game of golf for the very first time at this tournament. “We welcome every skill level to play in this tournament, although we do require that players have fun.” Even Cyle the Crocodile from Lake Compounce and NEAAPA Secretary Ed Hodgdon, made a celebrity appearance and were able to get into the action as additional golfers helping groups on one of the holes. In addition to having NXT Capture on-site taking photos of the action, the tournament featured a raffle for a Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Watch (sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance), a Hole-in-One Contest on all par 3s for a $500 Callaway Gift Card (sponsored by PB Amusement), and a number of on-course contests (sponsored by Tatvam Analytics by NetServ), like the Wheel of Destiny, evened the playing field and added a little levity by having Golfers do wacky tasks like playing a hole on one leg or having to play the hole with only one club. Also sponsoring this year was the 2022 NEAAPA Golf Tournament Champions – The Killer Bs. Capturing the title again this year was the “Killer B’s”: Melissa Bamford of Baynum Solutions, Newport, KY; Pete Barto of PB Amusement, Mechanicsburg, PA; Bradford Doolittle of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, Fairway, KS; and Brian Knoebel of Knoebel’s Amusement Resort, Elysburg, PA. TIME AT THE PARKS
L to R: Melissa Bamford, Bradford Doolittle, Brian Knoebel, Pete Barto. Winners of the Golf Tournament
The afternoon brought attendees to Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury, CT where park co-owners George Frantzis II and Eric Anderson greeted attendees as they arrived at the park. While some guests hit the attractions like Rocket Rapids, Frantic, and new for 2023, the Super Himalaya, others went on a “behind-the-scenes” tour of their park, led by Frantzis and Anderson. Continued on Page 3
In the park’s Fieldside Pavilion, a reception featuring “Quassy Calamari”, Steamers, and Charcuterie was held where attendees got to mingle and network. Jim Sisti, a slight-of-hand magician and historian of his craft, entertained the group with close-up magic. As the evening went on, the park rolled out an appetizing dinner which included Lobster Rolls, a Carving Station, and Barbecued Spareribs. To cap off the day, guests got exclusive ride time on the park’s coaster, Wooden Warrior.
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On Tuesday, July 25, Lake Compounce opened its doors to Summer Meeting where guests got a chance to experience many of the park’s signature attractions, like Boulder Dash, Venus Vortex, and Phobia. Park management, including new General Manager Doug Hemphill, was on hand to greet attendees before the park opened for the day. Attendees made their way to the Lakeside Pavilions, either by walking, taking the 1911 Trolley, or the Compounce Railway for the Board of Directors meeting and lunch. During the meeting, NEAAPA President Chris Nicoli welcomed everyone and thanked the parks and sponsors. Updates were given on state legislation, future events, and NEAAPA Academy Online Training. Following a delicious buffet lunch of BBQ Chickens, Hamburgers, and Hot Dogs, guests made their way through the park on various tours including Maintenance, In-Park Revenue, and Events.
Attendees filing into Quassy’s Fieldside Pavilion for a reception and dinner on Monday night.
Attendees were treated to two bags full of goodies provided by sponsors and the hosting parks, including a vacuum mug from Rhode Island Novelty, a reversible spider from Premier Rides in honor of Phobia at Lake Compounce, a sloth from Quassy, and homemade fudge from Lake Compounce. Sponsors of the Summer Meeting included: Premier Rides, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL; Amusement Entertainment Risk Insurance Agency, Fitzwilliam, NH; Tatvam Analytics by NetServ, Alpharetta, GA; Rhode Island Novelty, Fall River, MA; Hodgdon Consulting, Scarborough, ME.
Above: NEAAPA Secretary Ed Hodgdon helping Cyle from Lake Compounce on his drive. Teams could choose either Cyle or Hodgdon to take a swing. Right: Attendees at the Fieldside Pavilion at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark during the Monday evening reception.
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In 1963, Ralph S. Alberts began producing crash pads for Piper Aircraft out of his basement in Montoursville, PA. In 1978, the Ralph S. Alberts Company Incorporated was introduced to the Amusement Industry through first customer, Hersheypark, with the task of delivering a better solution for the wearing upholstered safety padding on their log flume ride. This project was a pivotal advancement for the company as well as the Amusement Industry as ride safety padding everywhere transitioned from upholstered seat pads to RSA’s current integral skin foam system. Since, RSA has had the pleasure of working with the best the industry has to offer in delivering ride safety solutions for new and existing rides all across the world. To celebrate the last 60 years and deliver a special thank you to customers, employees, and the community, RSA hosted a PM Exchange to welcome over 200 people onsite to tour their 75K square feet of manufacturing space and enjoy an evening of food and beverages. The company then held an employee picnic at long standing and local customer, Knoebels Amusement Resort, to indulge in the thrills that RSA employees work with excellence to help the park deliver. RSA is proud of their accomplishments and the legacy built in the last 60 years, but is eager to look ahead to advancements, expansion and production capability additions that are just starting to be announced. Last week, the company announced the addition of a brand new production capability: EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). EVA is a light, durable, and mass production alternative for amusement ride safety padding. The process will allow for increased volumes, along with significantly reduced costs and lead times due to it being a high volume injection method of manufacturing safety padding. In the last year, RSA has experienced over 100% growth in production of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) components. The company prides themself on the high quality and fire rated standards that they have been able to deliver in the form of theming and ride body FRP components to customers in the Amusement Industry and beyond. As a result, RSA has BIG plans for FRP expansion capabilities and capacity, which will be formally announced in just a few short months.
Ralph S. Alberts Co., Inc. (RSA) purchased a new building that neighbors their existing campus located at 60 Choate Circle, Montoursville, PA. The new building will add 25,000 square feet of space, bringing the total campus to 10 acres and 100,000 square feet of operating space. The additional manufacturing space is dedicated to the expansion of their Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic department, which has seen over 100% growth in the last year. RSA will begin immediate renovation in the new space including installment of 3 large custom booths, including new technology and equipment. With those technology and equipment additions, RSA is introducing an expanded resume of Fiberglass production capabilities including: Infusion Processes, Resin Transfer Molding, Silicone Vacuum Bagging, and Carbon Fiber.
Pelican Bay at SplashDown Beach Water Park
Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel at Funtown Splashtown USA
Dino Off Road Adventure at Six Flags New England Hyperjump at Palace Playland
Conservation Carousel at Southwick’s Zoo
Super Himalaya at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
Story Land is splashing into 70 years of fairy tale fun with multiple water slides, interactive splash areas and sunglass-wearing cows. The Place Where Fantasy Lives is gearing up for its 70th season as the place of make-believe in an allnew, all-moo way. Visitors should prepare for farm-tastic fun in the all-new Moo Lagoon, set to open in 2024. The all-new farm-themed water play area will offer splashes for everyone from mom and dad to tots and tweens and everyone in between until the cows come home. Moo Lagoon will be complete with a multi-level sprayground featuring a dumping bucket, interactive water features and a zero-depth spray zone. For guests looking for even more water-filled thrills, the new thematic area will also include a triple slide tower offering three unique body water slides.
Six Flags Great Escape, the thrill capital of upstate New York, proudly announces a brand-new roller coaster for 2024, The Bobcat. This exciting addition marks the first new wooden coaster introduced to New York state since 1999 and is the first new coaster to be constructed at Six Flags Great Escape since 2003. Replacing the Alpine Bobsled which retires September 4, 2023, the family coaster features an adventurous mix of speed, airtime, twists and turns. “We knew we had to find a perfect fit to replace the Alpine Bobsled in the hearts of our guests,” said Resort President Rebecca Wood. “This beautiful, allnatural wooden family coaster will deliver a smooth, fast and heart-pounding experience. It is sure to be an instant classic.” The Bobcat will begin its prowl in the spring of 2024, just in time for the park’s 70th anniversary celebration. A perfect complement to the fabled Comet, The Bobcat will provide the unique feel of a quintessential wooden coaster, introducing thrill-seekers to quick turns, spunky drops and heart-pumping excitement aboard a custom, stateof-the-art, themed train.
Moo Lagoon is the next new themed addition that will transport guests to the farm with squirting flowers, barnyard animal structures, farm-themed fountains and a tractor that squirts and soaks guests. The all-new thematic area will be the newest addition to the 35-acre park, adding more attractions to the 20 unique rides that guests can find throughout the theme park including the RoarO-Saurus Coaster, Swan Boats, Alice’s Tea Cups and much more.
Bluestone Equity Partners (“Bluestone”), the global Sports, Media & Entertainment (“SME”) private equity firm, today announced a minority investment in RWS Global, the world’s largest provider of live shows, destinations and immersive experiences across the hospitality, leisure, theatrical, corporate, retail and sports sectors. Built on more than 120 years of combined expertise, RWS Global is the combination of four powerhouse companies — RWS, ted, JRA and ARC. Together, they design, create, cast, produce and operate more entertainment experiences and destinations than any other provider in the world. Each year, RWS Global casts more than 8,000 performers and technicians, delivering more than one million live moments to guests in over 50 countries, across six continents and the seven seas, every day. With headquarters in New York, London and Cincinnati, RWS Global employs a diverse team of world-class talent, driven to exceed client and guest expectations. From cruise ships, museums, theme parks and sports venues, to destinations, resorts, stage and screen, RWS Global delivers unmatched capabilities from ideation to execution. “Bluestone partners with uniquely capable and scalable businesses to accelerate growth on a global basis, creating lasting value for all stakeholders,” said Bobby Sharma, Bluestone’s Founder & Managing Partner. “RWS Global represents the platinum standard in live entertainment, having established a dominant position in a market sector primed for explosive growth. Its visionary Founder & CEO, Ryan Stana, has built an industry cornerstone, earning the admiration and trust of many of the world’s most well-known and respected brands, corporations, and organizations. RWS Global is a perfect addition to Bluestone’s strategic growth equity portfolio, and as its first institutional investor, we’re excited to be an integral part of its next chapter as an industry pillar.” RWS Global marks the second investment for Bluestone, which launched its inaugural $300 million growth equity fund, in a single closing, during the first quarter of 2023. Bluestone is differentiated in the SME capital marketplace by its blue-chip industry operating experience, expansive international network, stable institutional capital base, and collaborative synergistic approach with portfolio companies. In connection with this investment, Bluestone will hold two seats on RWS Global’s Board of Directors. “Turning the big and small moments into powerful and lasting memories is what we do,” said Stana, who founded the Emmy Award-winning company in 2003. “This is an inflection point on a remarkable journey that has taken us to over 500 productions a year, on land and sea, and virtually every corner on Earth. In a world driven by experiential culture, RWS Global continues to shatter expectations of what live experiences can and should be, reinvigorating in-person moments for both guests and brands alike. We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Bluestone to take us to the next level of growth, and an even higher level of operation, service and commitment to our clients.”
Submissions for the NEAAPA Northeast News and the NEAAPA Weekly News (text files and jpeg photos) can be e-mailed to: secretary@neaapa.com
Gary Slade, Owner and Publisher of Amusement Today, was inducted into the World Waterpark Association (WWA) Hall of Fame. The award was presented at the WWA Trade Show & Symposium on October 25, 2023 at the Ernest Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. Slade was awarded for his 27 years of ‘news’ service to the waterpark industry and for his annual support with WWA’s World’s Largest Swim Lesson promotion through his Amusement Today publication and supporting electronic news sites. “I want to the thank the entire WWA organization and it’s Board of Directors for this worldwide honor, Slade said. “It’s hard to believe that a sports photographer from a small West-Texas town could enjoy the success that Amusement Today has had. I’m most thankful for the worldwide group of friends I have made, thanks to membership in the World Waterpark Association. I never thought my love for parks, and roller coasters, would expand to witness and enjoy the birth, along with the rapid growth, of waterparks into the global industry it is today.” Also inducted into the Hall of Fame with Slade were John Child, Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool, England, U.K.; Gaylee W. Gillim, Attorney At Law and member of International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association and Rob Lawson, Innovator and Daldorado CEO.
Amusement Today, based in Arlington, Texas, was founded in 1997 and has grown into the largest independently-owned trade publication for the amusement industry, publishing 14 issues per year. Slade has served as owner and publisher since it’s inception. This past March, Slade was inducted into the NEAAPA Hall of Fame. At 110 years, NEAAPA is the amusement industry’s oldest association.
JRA, part of RWS Global and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, has announced the hiring of former FORREC executive Matt Dawson as its new Vice President of Business Development. Dawson’s appointment comes as the experience design studio enjoys one of the most ambitious years in its 35-year history under the leadership of new Executive Vice President, Mark Amos. In his previous role as Vice President of Business Development at global experience design company FORREC, Dawson served on the executive team responsible for setting corporate priorities, managing risk and monitoring the financial wellbeing and growth of the corporation. He also set the strategic direction for FORREC’s client relations and led a 12-person team to pursue new business development efforts across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Prior to his VP appointment, Dawson served as FORREC’s Senior Director of Visitor Attractions, managing client relations with such revered cultural institutions as Science North, Mandai Singapore Zoo and the Panama Canal Authority. A sought-after thought leader, Dawson has been a featured speaker at conferences worldwide and has contributed content to dozens of industry articles. “I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and creating authentic experiences, and JRA’s track record of doing both is what drew me to the studio,” said Dawson. “The brand reputation, growth potential and deep bench of talent at JRA are unique in this industry, and I look forward to sharing JRA’s story with clients and collaborators around the world. “Matt could not be arriving at a more perfect time,” said Amos. “With the leisure market hungry for new experiences, we at JRA set a strategic growth plan in motion to expand our reach into new verticals and regions while deepening our relationships in existing ones. With his architecture and business development background, Matt is uniquely positioned to execute this plan and position us for global success.”
A total of 1,427,234 fairgoers attended the 2023 Big E, in West Springfield, Mass. Although 3.37” of rain fell on Friday, Sept. 29, as well as other full and partial days of rain that affected the Fair, five daily attendance records were set during the 17day event: Tues, Sept. 19 – 57,802; Fri., Sept. 22 – 97,477; Wed., Sept. 27 – 95,689; and Thurs., Sept. 28 – 108,962; and Sunday, Oct. 1 – 170,471. A diverse concert line -up of more than 80 individual performances, delicious Fair foods, rides and unique shopping experiences provided something for everyone in the family. The E Stage, sponsored by Blue Chair Bay Rum, featured fresh sounds of local and emerging talent, offered every day of the Fair. Other daily offerings were: The Big Parade, sponsored by MGM Springfield; The Big E Circus: Beyond Belief; Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, sponsored by Leaf Filter Gutter Protection; Dolly’s Honky Tonk, sponsored by Boot Barn; Pirate Man Dan; Mobile Glass Studio; the Roaming Railroad; and rides and games on the North American Midway, including the 150’ Sky-High Super Wheel.
New food vendors included: Bacon Bomb; Empanadas at Dolly’s Honky Tonk, sponsored by Boot Barn; Ferrindino Maple; La3Plata; Luann’s Bakery; Top the Crust; and Waffleicious. Other new goodies with existing vendors during the 2023 Fair included: the Polish bomb; Mexican street corn pizza; Jolly Rancher extreme slush; the pickle cupcake; Thanksgiving Nachos; Dorito gyro; walking Greek gyro; cannoli donut and cake bomb; Hong Kong waffle; honey pepper pimento chicken sandwich; Oreo Cookie cinnamon bun; venison sausage with spaetzle; clam fritter doughnut; s’mores between a donut; deep fried meatballs on a stick; twister fries smothered in American cheese sauce and topped with real bacon bits and sour cream; white chocolate cranberry & bacon berry cookie dough; the pickle donut; and much more. The Big E’s newest Cream Puff flavor – Maple – was a big hit! Cream Puffs, with or without ganache topping, and Eclairs proved to be a fairgoer favorite once again.
Zamperla, the historic company in amusement ride and roller coaster manufacturing, introduces Magic Bikes XL and GoGo Bounze 8.4, two attractions designed to provide visitors of all ages with the opportunity to enjoy shared fun. Magic Bikes XL, a magnified version of the bestselling Magic Bikes, boasts four times the capacity of its predecessor: from the 12 passengers of the 6.2 version to the 48 of the biggest one. Now, parents, kids, and grandparents can delight in the adventure together, fostering cherished moments of shared exhilaration. The ride's design incorporates a pedaling mechanism, allowing riders to control the arm's motion— the more they pedal, the higher the arm soars. Furthermore, the flying experience opens up limitless theming possibilities, immersing guests in uniquely themed adventures. The GoGo Bounze 8.4 represents a remarkable upgrade of the classic Jump Around, re-engineered to accommodate larger capacities and assert its presence in the midway. This family thrill ride features a system of air cylinders that drive individual arm movements, resulting in captivating bouncing patterns. The ride's flexibility allows for customized wave patterns or alternating jumps, offering a new twist with every ride. Accommodating 2 adults and 2 children in each vehicle, the GoGo Bounze 8.4 becomes the centerpiece of any family area, drawing visitors from all corners of the park.
Martin & Vleminckx, a pioneer in the amusement industry for over 35 years proudly announces a fresh brand identity, exciting dynamic logo and a revitalized website. Introducing MV Rides, the company’s new, concise identity, along with a modernized logo. The logo features an M stylized like a roller coaster, capturing the essence of excitement and a V subtly forming a checkmark, symbolizing decades of positive results in the industry. Built on our rich legacy the redesigned website offers seamless navigation and comprehensive product information including their latest line of thrill ride attractions. You can visit the refreshed and modern website at mvrides.com to find out the latest news and most up to date information on all our products. Nathan Jones, President of Martin & Vleminckx expressed his enthusiasm, stating “We are thrilled to unveil our new corporate image to the industry. We firmly believe our new logo and branding embodies our innovative product range while our revamped website offers visitors a seamless, and efficient browsing experience. More importantly these enhancements represent our commitment to fostering lasting connections with a global audience.”
As Ellis & Associates marks 40 years of making a difference in aquatic safety, the company has named a new Medical Director, Dr. Roy Sittig. Dr. Sittig attended the University of Maryland Medical School and completed his residency at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts. He is board-certified in internal medicine and has been practicing for more than 20 years. Dr. Sittig will officially assume his duties as Medical Director for the Ellis family of companies in December, replacing Dr. Pete Goldman, who was instrumental in advocating for first responder use of supplemental oxygen, thus advancing the life-saving practice among first responders and E&A certified lifeguards. No stranger to the aquatics industry, Dr. Sittig has a background in water parks, including work as a licensed E&A lifeguard and Certified Pool Operator during his undergraduate college career at the University of Maryland. Dr. Sittig will continue his current medical practice in New England, furthering his research, leadership and expertise in the field, while serving as Medical Director for E&A and consulting on medical issues important to both operations and education in aquatic safety. “We welcome Dr. Sittig to Ellis and Associates and consider ourselves very fortunate to bring both his knowledge of the aquatics industry and his professional service to the team,” said E&A President and CEO Jeff Ellis. “At the same time, we extend our deepest gratitude and admiration to Dr. Pete Goldman, who did a wonderful job serving not only E&A but the entire aquatics industry.”
International Ride Training, the gold standard in amusement industry operational safety services, welcomes Australian parks Dreamworld and WhiteWater World as the newest members of the International Ride Operator Certification, or “iROC,” family of parks. They join nearly fifty other amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, and attractions located in the United States and Canada with iROC ride operators welcoming their guests every day. Designed by International Ride Training, the iROC Program is the world’s only third-party certification of ride operator safety, efficiency, and professionalism. Built on the “Ten Critical Components of Ride Operator Safety”, iROC enhances standardization, risk management, accountability, education, and communication, all to improve and maintain guest and operator safety. In 2022, nearly 15,000 ride operators were certified under the rigorous requirements of the iROC Program. “Dreamworld and WhiteWater World are incredibly proud to be the first Australian theme parks to implement the International Ride Operator Certification program,” said Michelle Erasmus, Operations Director at Dreamworld. "With a focus on pursuing global-best safety standards across all of our park's operations, IRT has provided us the consistency and confidence to continue delivering exceptional experiences for all of our guests.” “IRT could not be more excited to welcome Dreamworld and WhiteWater World to the iROC Family! As two of the premier attractions in Australia, their depth of experience, dedication to safety, and adherence to high professional standards are a perfect fit with and will enhance the iROC Program globally,” said Erik Beard, Managing Member and General Counsel for IRT. To learn more about the iROC program, go to https://ridetraining.com/iroc/.
Thrills will take center stage at Lake Compounce as the amusement park announces enhancements to the guest experience through upgrades on the Wildcat Roller Coaster. Lake Compounce promises to deliver with the park’s new General Manager, Doug Hemphill at its helm, leading the charge as it reopens for the 2024 season with the reintroduction of a beloved wooden classic. The Wildcat Roller Coaster is an iconic part of Lake Compounce’s history, delighting riders for more than 95 years. The ride is gearing up to welcome guests back to the track in 2024 after undergoing a restoration project. Throughout the multi-year effort, the 96-year-old coaster will maintain its integrity as a classic woodie thanks to new technology from Gravity Group, an industry leader in producing and maintaining the highest-rated wooden attractions in the world. Throughout this process, the coaster will be re-tracked with a vertically stacked track, ultimately creating a smoother ride while maintaining its classic appeal.
Level 99
Providence, Rhode Island
Seabreeze Amusement Park Rochester, New York
William Velie, Attorneys at Law PLLC Norman, Oklahoma
The NEAAPA Academy Advisory Committee is a diverse and dedicated group of association members who have come together to create new and innovative training materials for the association. The intent is to provide critical educational tools and skill building to our frontline and supervisory teams. Made up of member operators and manufacturer/ suppliers, the committee has focused on the needs of the association and how these resources can help reinforce best practices and industry and hospitality standards. Based on committee and member input, the initial training modules will be 10-15 minutes long and will be delivered electronically to maximize flexibility and usefulness. The first topic developed will be on Guest Service/Experience and will include separate lessons for frontline employees and those in supervisory roles.
Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor Queensbury, New York
Happy Wheels Skate Center Westbrook, Maine
UVscenery, LLC
Framingham, Massachusetts
Hanasab Insurance Services Los Angeles, California
The committee agreed that providing resources for both frontline employees and supervisors was critical, and that they would require different messages based on roles and responsibilities. Additional topics and lessons will be produced in the future, once the initial modules are completed and the committee can gather feedback from other association members. The training materials will be a free benefit to all NEAAPA members. Please feel free to reach out to anyone on the committee with thoughts, suggestions, or feedback. Please reach out to Committee Chair Matt Heller, at matt@performanceoptimist.com or Education Committee Chair Steve Gioe at sgioe@level99.com.
Submissions for the NEAAPA Northeast News and the NEAAPA Weekly News (text files and jpeg photos) can be e-mailed to: secretary@neaapa.com