The Attractions Insider Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 3 | 3rd Quarter 2026

In this Issue:

Announcing Dates for the 2027 Annual Conference • Welcome New Members • Leadership Academy Inaugural Class of Graduates • Teen Takeover Preparedness • Member Spotlights • Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation Update

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER

As I begin my year as Chairman of the Florida Attractions Association, I first want to express my sincere gratitude to Samantha Palmer for her outstanding leadership over the past year. Sam's passion for our industry, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to the FAA have left us well positioned for the year ahead. On behalf of our membership, thank you, Sam, for a job exceptionally well done.

I'd also like to thank everyone who joined us for the 2026 Annual Conference in Tampa. From inspiring keynote presentations and engaging breakout sessions to Peer Pods, networking events, and behind-the-scenes tours, the conference reminded us that one of the FAA's greatest strengths is the willingness of our members to learn from one another. If you weren't able to attend—or would like to relive some of the highlights—I encourage you to visit our Conference Wrap-Up articles and photo gallery.

While the conference may be behind us, the work of the FAA is just getting started. I'm fortunate to serve alongside an outstanding Board of Directors who volunteer their time, talent, and expertise to strengthen Florida's attractions industry. Together, we're focused on providing meaningful value to our members throughout the year.

You'll continue to see opportunities to connect through our expanding Peer Pods, educational webinars, and Expedition FAA programs, each designed to foster collaboration, professional development, and the sharing of ideas among industry peers. These programs reflect what makes the FAA unique—members helping members succeed.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and engagement with the Association. Your participation, ideas, and willingness to share your experiences are what make this organization such a valuable resource for Florida's attractions community.

Finally, I'm excited to announce that the 2027 Florida Attractions Annual Conference will be held June 7–10 at The Luminary Hotel & Co. in Fort Myers. I hope you'll mark your calendars now and plan to join us as we continue to learn, connect, and celebrate the remarkable people who make Florida's attractions industry the best in the world.

I look forward to serving you in the year ahead.

Warm regards,

Welcome New Members!

Attractions

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
(Panama City Beach, FL)

St. Andrews Shell Island Adventures
(Panama City Beach, FL)

Associates

Biomimic Studios
(Tampa, FL)

Discovery Map – FL Space Coast Enterprises (Cape Canaveral, FL)

FareHarbor
(Denver, CO)

GravyWork
(Orlando, FL)

Presstige Printing
(Bonita Springs, FL)

Scoot Frozen Lemonade (Clinton, NC)

Tollanis Technology Solutions, Inc.
(Deerfield Beach, FL)

Visit Orlando
(Orlando, FL)

Chrissy Schwartzman

Chairman, Florida Attractions Association

CEO, Sawgrass Recreation Park

Industry News & Resources

FAA Leadership Academy: A Strong Beginning

One year ago, the Florida Attractions Association Board of Directors set out to create something that would invest in our industry's future. We're proud to say we've successfully graduated the inaugural class of the FAA Leadership Academy.

Review Your Preparedness Plans for Potential Teen Takeovers

Recent incidents across Florida and the country serve as an important reminder that attractions, entertainment venues, beaches, and shopping districts can become the target of organized "teen takeover" events coordinated through social media. A small number of our members have experienced such an incident and all our members should prepare now.

Learn More

Registration Open for Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism

GC26 will be held September 9 - 11, 2026 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, FL and will give attendees the opportunity to continue both professional and personal development by featuring dozens of specialized speakers both on the main stage as well as in many breakout sessions.

Details & Registration

IAAPA Promotes Zach Stokes to Director of Public Affairs for North America

During his four years with IAAPA, Zach has played an increasingly important role in advancing advocacy efforts on behalf of the attractions industry. He has helped lead state and federal policy initiatives, developed advocacy strategies, and worked closely with industry leaders to ensure the voice of attractions is heard by policymakers.

Discounted Rate for FAA Members to attend FFEA's 2026 Annual Conference & Expo

As a FAA partner, FFEA is extending this exclusive offer to FAA members: Register at the Non-Member rate and use promo code "FAA" to receive $150 off your registration.

Details & Registration

Member Spotlights

Attraction Spotlight

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
St. Augustine, FL

For more than 150 years, the St. Augustine Lighthouse has stood as a beacon for mariners navigating Florida's First Coast. Today, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum continues that legacy by preserving our state's rich maritime history while inspiring guests through immersive exhibits, educational programs, archaeological research, and unforgettable experiences—including climbing the iconic 219-step lighthouse for breathtaking views of the nation's oldest city.

Go to Article>

Associate Spotlight

Integrated Insight, Inc.
The Villages, FL

Data tells a story—and few organizations help Florida's attractions understand that story better than Integrated Insight. As a valued FAA Associate Member, Integrated Insight has become a trusted resource for attractions seeking meaningful research, strategic planning, consumer insights, and market intelligence that support informed decision-making.

Go to Article>

Your Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation Update

Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders

One of the greatest privileges of serving on the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation is witnessing the generosity of our industry come to life through the opportunities we provide to students and professionals.

At the 2026 Florida Attractions Association Annual Conference in Tampa, we were proud to award five scholarships and several Professional Development Grants to deserving individuals who are committed to careers in Florida's attractions and tourism industry. Each recipient represents the talent, passion, and leadership that will shape the future of our profession.

Since its founding in 2014, the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $140,000 in scholarships and grants. That remarkable achievement is only possible because of the generosity of our donors, the support of the Florida Attractions Association, our fundraising events, and the many individuals and organizations who believe in investing in people.

Our mission extends beyond financial assistance. We are helping develop future leaders, supporting career advancement, and strengthening an industry that creates unforgettable experiences for millions of guests each year.

To our scholarship and grant recipients, congratulations. We are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see where your journeys lead. To our donors and supporters, thank you for believing that an investment in education is an investment in the future of Florida's attractions industry.

Together, we are ensuring that the next generation of leaders has the opportunity to learn, grow, and continue the tradition of excellence that defines Florida tourism.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Berthiaume

Chair
Florida Attraction Scholarship Foundation

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum﻿﻿St. Augustine, FL

Integrated Insight, Inc.﻿The Villages, FL

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
St. Augustine, FL

Integrated Insight, Inc.
The Villages, FL