The IAAPA expo is the largest amusement and attractions conference globally. Each year the Computer Graphics Technology program heads down to Orlando along with students from the bachelors, certificate and minor in themed entertainment and attractions. IAAPA offers a series of educational sessions and vendors on the expo floor. Students heard from top industry leaders in the attractions and entertainment industry on any number of subjects from storytelling to design to operations.
The Computer Graphics technology program at IUPUI created a specialized experience where students learned on the ground from faculty and professionals in an intimate setting. Students were able to spend time with Marc Dittmer (faculty and former executive from Universal Orlando and Sea World), had conversations with industry advisory board members Bill Kivi (Leader Animator with Disney Parks), Matt Eckert (President, Holiday World and Splashing Safari), Denise Chapman Weston (Inventor and Founder, Infinite Kingdoms), Rodney Heiligmann (President, Lifeformations), Nathan Naverson (founder, ThemedAttraction.com) and others as well as dinner a tour with Theron Skees (Designers Creative Studio and Veteran Imagineer over Disney Springs).
