iaapa expo FECs

Saturday, September 27, 2008 FECs: Looking Forward to IAAPA in Orlando this November FEC's can expect a lively and informative session about Social Media at this year's conference. This November will be my third time at IAAPA and I am really looking forward to meeting new people, connecting with clients I work with across the country but never see, and hearing the lectures at the education sessions.

Now, I am so done with school you would not believe it. I will probably never enter a classroom again as anything but a teacher, thank you very much. I spent way too much time on the other side of that fence, and the grass is stamped down and dry. Despite my aversion to classroom experiences, I always attend at least six or seven of the education sessions at IAAPA, and in general they are great. At least two or three turn out to be “gems” that make the whole conference worthwhile. Of course I cherry pick the ones that look best and most interesting to me, but isn’t that the point? This year I get my first chance to organize a session with the intimidating title of Viral Marketing through Social Networks. That is a lot to cover in 90 minutes, but I think I have found just the guys to do it. The speaker we are shooting for is Peter Shankman of Geek Factory in New York. Hey, in our line of work, the word “geek” is a badge of honor. The equally geeky moderator will be Jeff Putz of CoasterBuzz, who will make sure Mr. Shankman doesn’t go over our heads and gives advice practical to the amusement industry. Not many of us can create the buzz of a Wizarding World of Harry Potter online announcement, or the pass along value of the “Will It Blend” campaign on YouTube, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of this new media where consumers interact with our brand. The sharing and community building that happens in social networks can be leveraged by anyone who dares to participate. Linked In, MySpace, Twitter, Penguin (above right), YouTube are all websites like towns you can visit and find your niche. People thrive on finding common interests and often that common interest revolves around how they spend their leisure time. Information is shared in a very friendly and conversational way between friends and isn’t good “word of mouth” the best advertising you can get? See also: Amusement parks : Devil in the White City FECs: Step Up to the Plate Waterparks: A Wet and Wonderful Phoenix from the Ashes
Posted By Katie Bruno -- At 5:40 PM \| Comments (2) \| Trackbacks (0)
Categories Attractions Business, FECs, Trade Shows Tags IAAPA, iaapa expo, IT, myspace, penguin, social networking, twitter, youtube
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Comments :

Thanks, Katie! I'm looking forward to speaking! I promise not to make it too technical at all. In fact, the beauty of social media is that it really isn't technical! See you down there. :)

Comment By Peter Shankman At 9/28/2008 1:51 PM

Gah! I don't arrive till the next day (helping with yet another Social Media session)! Peter is a PR rock star so this session shouldn't be missed. His HelpAReporter.com is sheer genius. And Jeff is a great friend who shoots straight and isn't shy about sharing his knowledge and experience with CoasterBuzz.com and more. Be sure to ask him about Cupcake the Clown. :0)

Paula

Comment By Paula Werne, Holiday World PR At 10/7/2008 5:28 PM