Thank you to our sponsors
This program would not be possible without the support of our industry. Our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors whose contributions empower us to achieve our mission of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
Headiline Sponsors
Mentor Partners
Application Deadline | Sep. 10, 2024
About
Big Break Foundation's Ignite Talent Program provides emerging professionals within the Location-Based Experience industry access to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo 2024. Emerging talent who are experiencing barriers and are aligned with our mission to promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility are encouraged to apply.
In addition to attending IAAPA, program awardees will gain access to Big Break's professional development opportunities leading up to, during, and after IAAPA. This includes but is not limited to:
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Career tracks for personalized support
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IAAPA prep calls
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Resume/portfolio reviews
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Trailblazer Chats (conversations with industry leaders)
Travel assistance and annual IAAPA memberships will also be awarded to a select number of award recipients. See below for details.
What is the IAAPA Expo?
The IAAPA Expo is the premier global event for the attractions industry, bringing together passionate professionals from around the world to shape the future of creating unforgettable guest experiences.
To learn more, visit iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo
What are Location-Based Experiences?
The industry at large has various names, including Themed Entertainment, Location-Based Entertainment, Attractions, and Travel & Leisure. Big Break Foundation identifies amusement and theme parks, museums, water parks, zoos, aquariums, science centers, family entertainment centers, live events, performing arts, immersive experiences, and industry vendors/suppliers as the Location-Based Experience Industry.
What Is an Emerging Professional?
Big Break defines Emerging Professionals as those entering the Location-Based Experience (LBE) industry. This includes:
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Students and recent graduates
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Industry newcomers
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Early career pivoting professionals
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Returning professionals (following a long career gap)
Travel Assistance
Applicants may opt-in to be considered for a travel stipend or reimbursement that can be applied towards transportation, accommodation, and meals.
To be considered, check 'Yes, I would like to be considered' when prompted in the application.
Please note travel assistance will be awarded to a limited number of applicants.
How Travel Assistance Works
Program awardees travelling to IAAPA from Central Florida are eligible for a $100 stipend, provided on the Expo start date.
Awardees travelling to IAAPA from outside Central Florida are eligible for a $500 reimbursement upon submission of receipts.
Award Opt-Ins
IAAPA Membership
Applicants may opt-in to receive an IAAPA membership, valid for the length of one year. Learn about member benefits here.
To be considered, check 'Yes' when prompted in the application.
IAAPA Membership Eligibility
Award recipients who do not have an active IAAPA membership or their membership is expiring before November 18, 2024 are eligible to receive a membership.
Program Eligibility
Any person—regardless of gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, faith or other identity or characteristic—is welcome to apply.
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Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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Applicants must be able to attend the IAAPA Expo in person at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
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Applicants must be available to attend Big Break events and programming November 18-20, 2024.
Selection Process
Big Break Foundation is committed to creating a transparent and fair selection process that aligns with our values of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
Anonymized applications are used whenever possible to ensure an unbiased assessment.
Outlined here are key considerations of our award selection process:
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Priority will be given to first-year attendees.
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As part of our mission to amplify and foster diverse talent, we consider an applicant's background/identities as part of our evaluation criteria.
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Applicant has given detailed and carefully thought-out responses to the application questions.
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Additional factors considered include: academic and or/work accomplishments, financial need, extracurricular activities, community involvement/volunteerism, and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
We are continuously reviewing and updating our processes to ensure fairness, equity and inclusiveness for all.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact nicolle@bigbreakfoundation.org.
Important Dates
Application Opens
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Deadline
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Award Notification Period
Week of September 23, 2024
Accessibility
We strive to make our opportunities and experiences accessible to all. For questions, requests for accommodation, or suggestions on how to make our application process more accessible, please contact nicolle@bigbreakfoundation.org.