David Rosenberg is vice president of guest experience at Monterey Bay Aquarium and has led IAAPA for the past year

Taking up the chairship during IAAPA’s centenary year, David Rosenberg is the first IAAPA member to lead the organisation from the zoos and aquariums sector. During his year as chair, Rosenberg set his sights on sustainability. He looks back and tells us what’s next for incoming chair, Amanda Thompson.

How have you found your year as IAAPA chair?
2019 has been very busy and exciting. IAAPA is about making connections with each other and I was very fortunate this year to have the opportunity to meet and connect with so many outstanding industry professionals all around the world. No matter where we were, I was constantly struck by the passion and depth of commitment everyone has for their facilities and organisations. I often felt I was with people who had found their “true calling”. It was inspiring.

You highlighted sustainability as a key thing for you to address during your year as IAAPA chair. What progress has been made on that front?
I’ve continued to be a part of the industry-based, global conversations about embracing sustainability. Clearly, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is more than a buzzword – it has made its way into more business plans than ever before. Industry-wide, more and more of us recognise that a commitment to sustainability is about more than just embracing green initiatives – it’s about meeting our guests’ growing expectations that we not only continue to be fun places to visit, but also an industry-wide force for good.

What else have you achieved during your time as chair?
This year hasn’t been about my accomplishments, it’s been about everyone coming together to continue to serve the global attractions industry. The incredible IAAPA Board of Directors, supported by our team, all worked together to accomplish so much. This year’s Expos grew in both scope and attendance; and IAAPA launched many new important member benefits, services and events, all with the goal to help members become more connected to the association and each other.

I’m proud to have served on the Sustainability Task Force this year. The work is just beginning, and I’m excited that the Board of Directors approved our request to make this group an ongoing committee so that this important topic will remain a key focus for IAAPA.

How has the attractions industry changed over the last year?
I think the key word for us is ‘growth’. The industry continues to grow and expand, especially into new markets and emerging markets like the Middle East and Asia. At the same time, public expectations of the attractions industry continue to evolve. We’ve been keeping a close eye on the changing perception of animals in professional care and how that may impact attractions with animals. And of course technology continues to evolve rapidly and our manufacturers and suppliers are keeping the pace by introducing new products that we could not even have imagined just a few years ago.

Have you seen any particular areas of growth?
I’m really intrigued and struck by how important immersive experiences have become, and how they can change the expectations of our visitors. A strong intellectual property (IP) connection is the central premise for many of these experiences, demonstrating that brand affinity for certain pop culture franchises remains stronger – and more important to attractions – than ever.

What trends are emerging in the attractions industry?
For years the industry has talked about creating immersive attractions and experiences and I think we see that now more than ever. New lands and themed areas transport guests to different times and places. The full story is told as guests journey through retail areas, or stop for food and beverage. Theming, imagination, innovation, technology and storytelling are all coming together in new ways.

What are the strengths and weaknesses you see in the industry?
The global attractions industry’s greatest strengths are the people and the teams who all come together to create fun for millions of guests. The creativity and passion that unites and drives our industry truly sets us apart. Being in the business of creating fun helps drive this passion and the forward momentum of our industry.

IAAPA serves the attractions industry, and one of the best ways industry professionals as individuals, as well as team leaders, can continue to learn and grow is by connecting further with this organisation. I am often surprised to learn IAAPA members do not take full advantage of the many benefits on offer. The association is about much more than trade shows – it’s a source of networking, education, government relations and so much more.

What needs to be addressed in the industry?
The shift in guest expectations, particularly from the millennial generation, is having many ripple effects on our industry. It’s important we understand that these expectations are changing and that we’re able to react and adjust in a timely manner. We must strive to be proactive by understanding guest behaviour, needs and expectations and understand how to design, create and enhance our facilities to meet these needs.

I am also proud to say the focus on safety and security remains at the forefront of everything we do. IAAPA continues to bring together the industry and share best practices so we can learn from each other and continue to provide safe experiences for our guests and our employees.