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IAAPA Explores: Sustainability will highlight environmental initiatives at some of France’s most exciting attractions. Here’s everything you need to know about the July event
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 24 Jun 2024
IAAPA Explores: Sustainability will host education sessions at several Paris attractions, including Disneyland Paris Credit: Disneyland Paris
IAAPA has revealed details of the upcoming IAAPA Explores: Sustainability leadership summit for the attractions industry, ahead of the July 2024 event.
Taking place in Paris, France, from 9 - 12 July, the summit will provide a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the sustainability projects at some of France’s most recognisable attractions.
It comes after new research, carried out by IAAPA in partnership with marketing and customer experience research agency; LaneTerrakever, found that four out of five visitors are more likely to be loyal to brands and attractions with values that align with their own.
The four-day event seeks to equip attendees with an extensive understanding of key sustainability trends, hosting education sessions on crucial practices including energy transition, waste reduction, water conservation, zero-carbon emissions, as well as exploring the intersection between environmental stewardship and entertainment.
The summit will also provide insight into how to incorporate sustainability policies into park and venue operations, as well as guidance on how to create meaningful sustainability goals to drive real-world change.
Sustainability in action
In addition to the extensive education programme, attendees will get to see sustainability innovation in action with sessions at several major attractions.
At Disneyland Paris, delegates will be able to see sustainability initiatives in action, with the park home to Europe’s largest solar canopy as well as several ambitious geothermal projects, water reduction efforts and circular economy programmes. Guests will hear all about the park’s efforts in a roundtable discussion moderated by IAAOA’s sustainability committee chair; Andreas Andersen, before an exclusive dinner with the Disneyland Paris leadership team.
Villages Nature Paris, an eco-resort in Marne la Valleé powered by geothermal energy, will host a behind-the-scenes tour and immersive lunch, where executives Olivier Garaïalde and Franck Gervais will teach attendees about how the resort’s geothermal energy system has prevented 7,400 tons of CO2 emissions annually since 2017. The eco-resort is at the forefront of sustainable tourism due to both its energy initiatives and dedication to recycling.
At Puy du Fou, a historic theme park in Les Espesses that has been Green Globe certified since 2012, delegates will hear from Emmanuel Soulard, Puy du Fou’s responsable RSE & Projets, about the park’s long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility and natural heritage preservation, as well as its five key sustainability pillars. The evening will conclude with the nighttime spectacle ‘Le Mime et l’Etoile’ and an overnight stay in Puy du Fou’s accommodation.
Finally, at Futuroscope, guests will hear from the park’s management team about their goal to become carbon neutral by 2025 and the energy efficiency, wildlife protection, environmentally-friendly transportation, waste reduction and water conservation initiatives implemented to achieve this goal. Delegates will also have exclusive access to several key attractions including Station Cosmos, Aquascope and Chasseure de Tornades and will spend the night in the park’s iconic Ecolodgee Hotel.
The four-day event will be rounded off with a host of networking opportunities, where attendees will have access to several key industry players who have made such sustainability efforts possible.
Commitment to sustainability
“Sustainability is absolutely the future of the attractions industry,” said IAAPA president Jakob Wahl.
“Our research shows that nearly half of all visitors are willing to pay more to visit an attraction that has a strong commitment to sustainability among target audiences.”
“A commitment to sustainability is an integral part of the selection process for younger generations when it comes to both purchases and travel,” Wahl added.
Ahead of the event, IAAPA has revealed that as of 2023, 56% of IAAPA members reported having sustainability initiatives in place, while a further 20% said they were working to implement environmentally conscious plans.
Registration for IAAPA Explores: Sustainability is open now. Tickets for members are priced at US$2,699 (€2,513, £2,129) and US$3,399 (€3,164, £2,682) for non-members.
IAAPA Explores
IAAPA Explores: Sustainability is one of several IAAPA Explores events taking place this year, with a dedicated food and beverage event in New York City, US, scheduled for August.
Called IAAPA Explores: Beyond the Game, the three-day event will take place ahead the US Open on August 27 to 29. Targeting senior-level executives in the F&B industry, the event will explore the latest F&B trends in sports and entertainment venues and how they can be harnessed to enhance the visitor experience across a wide range of attractions.
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