Thank you for agreeing to participate in the upcoming 2023 Symposium at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO.) Your participation and willingness to share your expertise with your peers is what allows the WWA and its Members to enjoy continued success and helps to ensure that the waterpark industry remains strong. Below are items we will need from you. If you cannot meet any specific deadlines, please contact Kelly@waterparks.org.

Lodging

Please book your hotel using the Official WWA HQ hotel link found here and/or visit the WWA Lodging page for more details. This link is the only way to obtain the legitimate WWA discounted rate. No one will contact you to book a room. We have been informed that outside parties have contacted individuals posted on our Speakers page, claiming they represent the official WWA housing company. This is a complete fabrication and WWA cannot be responsible for their actions or any unlawful or fraudulent actions on their part. WWA has been informed that recent scams include collection of money, obtaining of credit card information, signing of DocuSign agreements and other processes that appear to be legitimate, however the scammers have not actually booked a room in the WWA block. Getting involved with these companies may result in loss of funds and no room waiting at check-in. Please don’t be taken in by these offers that seem like a good deal. The only way to be sure that you receive WWA group pricing and to avoid booking fees is to book using the link above or via the methods shown on the WWA Lodging page. In addition, please note that the WWA does not sell its mailing lists or member lists.

Arrival & Speaker Check-In

All education events, meetings and the trade show take place at ew Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO.) When you arrive MCCNO, please check in with us at the WWA Speaker’s Lounge in meeting room 213 to obtain your badge and registration materials. This is also a good time to verify we have your handouts ready.  If you are an exhibitor, you will also need to pick up your badge in the Speaker’s Lounge to access the show floor for set up.

Deadlines

  • Bio & Photo – Go to the Speakers page of WWA Show website, click on your photo and review the information posted. If your photo, bio or any information is missing, please send items to Kelly@waterparks.org. Final edits due Sept 11th*.
  • Session description – Click on your session title on the Agenda page (coming soon) to review details by Sept 11th*
  • Special AV Request – due Sept 1st (see standard room set below)
  • Handouts – due Sept. 21st (more info below)
  • Permission to Record Acknowledgementreview now, sign onsite

*Information posted on Speakers and Agenda pages of the WWAShow website will be downloaded for the printed manual and show app the day after the posted deadlines. Please send any requested edits prior to deadline.


Audio Visual Set Up and Requests

Standard room set consists of a laptop, LCD projector, screen and appropriate number of microphones. If you need any additional equipment, including speakers to play sound from the laptop, please let contact Kelly Harris prior to Sept 1st. Additional equipment cannot be added onsite.

Rooms are typically set in classroom or theater configurations or a combination of both depending on space. One room may be set in rounds. For sessions with speaker panels, a head table in the front will be included, space allowing.

  • Your presentation file – PowerPoint slides etc.
    • A standard show PowerPoint template for breakout sessions can be downloaded here. When you click the link the zipped file will download. Use the “New Slide” to find additional slide layouts. Do NOT use this format for presentations that are part of an all day workshop on Tuesday, October 24. Those courses have custom templates and are available from your workshop coordinator.
    • Provide us with a copy of your presentation prior to the deadline above and we will make them available to attendees. (Attendees love handouts and that is reflection on their speaker evaluations!) Upload your completed PPT file and any handouts here.  There is no login required, but when you enter your email address, you will receive a confirmation email.
    • Bring your final presentation on a flash drive to run on our pre-set laptop during the session. For best results copy the presentation from your flash drive onto the laptop prior to the start of your session.
    • Provide us with a copy of your final presentation (if it has changed) at the show.
  • WiFi/internet is not available in session rooms.
    • Please do not plan on running your session utilizing a cellular connection/hot spot as connectivity in some areas of convention centers is very often unreliable and can cause disruptions during your presentation.
    • Including screen shots of webpages are helpful tools when unable to access websites during your presentation.
  • Playing video/audio files
    • Since there is no internet connection, remember to include the actual files on your flash drive – do not plan to link to external content/content posted on the internet. All files need to be local.
    • If you will need audio/speakers, please be sure to advise Kelly Harris prior to the Special AV Request deadline stated above.

If your presentation requires Audio Visual items in addition to the standard room set, please advise Kelly Harris prior to the Special AV Request Deadline stated above. Additional equipment cannot be added onsite.


Handouts

Attendees love handouts as reflected in their Session Evaluations. Send a digital copy of your presentation to Kelly Harris prior to the deadline above and we will provide a PDF file to attendees. If you cannot meet this deadline, please contact Kelly Harris in advance.

Following the show, handouts are posted in PDF format on the WWA website. Please give a copy of your final presentation file to us onsite.


Permission to Record

Sessions are recorded and recordings are made available to Members following the show for a nominal fee. Due to the number of sessions presented during competing time slots, recordings allow attendees access to session content that they may have missed. Please review the acknowledgment which you will be asked to sign when you arrive. If you have any concerns, please contact Kelly Harris in advance.