About the session
Every leadership journey starts with a single step, often before we feel ready to take it. Whether you are new to the attractions industry, stepping into increased responsibility, or learning how to influence without formal authority, the path to leadership is filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and make a difference.
This IAAPA Expo 2026 education session focuses on practical leadership behaviors emerging professionals can use before a formal title arrives. Ryan Tiffin and Joseph Shepard will explore how ownership, initiative, trust-building, communication, and intentional influence help people make a greater impact on their teams, organizations, and guest experiences.
Learning objectives
- Identify practical ways to demonstrate leadership without formal authority by taking ownership, showing initiative, and positively influencing the people around you.
- Apply trust-building and communication strategies that strengthen relationships, increase credibility, and help emerging leaders influence peers, managers, and frontline teams.
- Create a personal leadership action plan using specific behaviors you can immediately apply to make a greater impact on your team, organization, and guest experience.
Who this session is for
The session is designed for young professionals, emerging leaders, and attractions-industry employees who are growing into greater responsibility and want practical ways to lead with credibility before their job title catches up.
About IAAPA Expo 2026
IAAPA Expo brings attractions-industry professionals together in Orlando for education, networking, and the global show floor. Education runs November 16–19, with the show floor open November 17–20.