May 5, 2021

NEAAPA COVID-19 Information & Resources

NEAAPA Legislation & Advocacy Information

Hi [First Name],

Now here is your weekly email of news you can use from around the industry...

Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey to remove most industry capacity restrictions May 19

On Monday May 3, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut, and Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey announced a significant easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

New York and New Jersey announced that effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy—will be removed in New York and New Jersey. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship.

Connecticut had previously announced that beginning on May 1, the elimination of outdoor restrictions including limits on table sizes, and the requirement that food be served with alcohol, and starting May 19, the elimination of all remaining business restrictions including those on capacity limits at large event venues in the state.

Read the full press release

NEAAPA’s Fun Pass Program becomes the Team Member Incentive Swap for 2021!

Due to capacity limitations and advance reservation requirements, the NEAAPA Employee Fun Pass program will once again be placed on pause for 2021. However, now that most facilities are back in operation, we are launching the Team Member Incentive Swap to still show your appreciation to those working in our industry by treating them to a change of scenery.

It's very easy to participate. You send NEAAPA 100 complimentary admissions to your facility, and in turn, NEAAPA will send you 100 complimentary admissions to other facilities.

Learn More and Sign Up!

NEAAPA Spring Leadership On Demand

presented by International Ride Training

2021 is shaping up to be among the most exciting seasons the Northeast amusement industry has ever seen. Our guests missed their opportunity to spend time with family and friends in our attractions last year and all signs point to significant demand for excitement, relaxation, and fun in 2021! You will play a significant role in ensuring that each of our guests this season is welcomed back to a safe, clean, and memorable environment - even if some of the protective measures implemented over the last year still linger.

NEAAPA and International Ride Training are proud to offer you the opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry as you prepare for your season. While the pandemic means that we cannot get together in person this year, it has afforded us the opportunity to provide you with a number of courses taught by some of the best in the business - far more instructors than could ever participate in person - to ensure that you are well prepared to handle the challenges that await you this season.

This year, the Spring Leadership On-Demand will be a COMPLIMENTARY member benefit.

The sign up information for you and your team will be sent out on Monday, May 10.

May is National Water Safety Month

National Water Safety Month takes place annually each May, and is proclaimed as a joint effort of the World Waterpark Association, the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. Now in their 10th year of partnering on NWSM, these organizations represent businesses and other individuals and agencies involved in bringing safe, enjoyable aquatic activities to the American public, from home pools and spas, to waterparks and resorts, to public swimming and water recreation facilities. This designation has been made in recognition of the popularity of swimming and other water-related recreational activities in the United States, and the resulting need for ongoing public education on safer water practices, including swim lessons, the buddy system, parental supervision, following the posted rules, and always being “water aware.”

To help WWA members take advantage of the positive opportunities presented by this community-service event, the World Waterpark Association offers two resources, both of which are available at no cost to current WWA member facilities. First, you can download the updated Be Water Aware Kit here. Second, you can request the Be Water Aware PR Guide, described below, by emailing Cathy Haggarty. This guide provides tips on generating publicity surrounding National Water Safety Month, ways in which park members can communicate with the media and creative public relations suggestions members can use to promote their efforts.

Be Water Aware PR Guide includes:

Tips on communicating with the media
Creative public relations ideas
Steps on how to write a press release
Sample press releases members can send to the local media
Radio PSA scripts you can send to local radio stations
Suggestions on developing informational fliers
Water-safety tips ready to distribute to local schools, community centers, churches and synagogues
Sample social media posts to use on Facebook and Twitter

Included in the Be Water Aware Kit are Be Water Aware and National Water Safety Month logos that you can use on social media posts or put on your park's website to direct followers to key water safety information on www.worldslargestswimminglesson.com and www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org.

GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
Each year, the World Waterpark Association, on behalf of its partners, coordinates Gubernatorial proclamations from all 50 states within the U.S. to proclaim May as National Water Safety Month. These proclamations come from the highest level of state government and they help support the idea that spreading the message around safer water practices, learning to swim and drowning prevention are key to each community found within the U.S.

You can find your state's proclamation here.

Get your ad in the 2021 NEAAPA Directory & Buyer's Guide; Banner Ads on the website now available

NEAAPA Directory & Buyer's Guide and Banner Ad Bundle

Reach the key decision-makers across the Northeast Attractions Industry. NEAAPA offers a variety of advertising and sponsorship opportunities that will fit any budget.

Learn More & Purchase

Do you have an idea for a Member Meeting Topic that you could lead? Contact Ed Hodgdon at secretary@neaapa.com.

NEAAPA Member To Member Deals

NEW BENEFIT FOR NEAAPA Members

NEAAPA is excited to roll out our new Member To Member Deals on NEAAPA.com. Here you will be able to post offers and deals that are exclusive to your fellow NEAAPA members.

Amusement Advantage Guest Experience Solutions - Mystery Shopping for NEAAPA Members

To get started, log into the Member Information Center. You can learn more about posting your Member To Member Deal with this PDF or you can watch this video.

Should you have any questions, please call the NEAAPA Office at 877-999-8740 x701 or email secretary@neaapa.com.