On Friday, January 12, Toverland Amusement Park in Sevenum hosted the Young Professionals event of the trade association IAAPA. During this day, young members of the industry could learn more about the industry and how Toverland operates in it during various knowledge sessions. Sponsor Vekoma Rides was also present to provide a short guest lecture.
IAAPA's Young Professional events are intended for young employees (up to 35 years old) in the leisure industry. During these events they learn the ins and outs of the industry and there is plenty of opportunity to network. The events are organized all over the world and at the beginning of 2024 they will be held in our own Toverland. About 60 participants from all over Europe came together in the Limburg amusement park.
The event was opened by general manager Jean Gelissen Jr. and communications specialist Tessa Maessen in a presentation about the development and growth that Toverland has experienced since its opening in 2001. Later in the day, presentations on human resources followed, covering issues such as recruitment, motivation and deployment of staff, the design process of new or renovated attractions, such as Expedition Zork and Avalon 2.0, as well as a guest presentation from Vekoma about working at an attraction manufacturer.
The afternoon was mainly devoted to the 'EDUtour', a tour of the various departments of the amusement park. From planning to card control and from technical service to the stores, an employee from each department was ready to talk about his or her work. We even took a look at Toverland's newest haunted house: Now You're Mine.
In 23 years, Toverland has grown from a small-scale indoor amusement park into a theme park with international appeal. The park welcomed 1.165.000 visitors in 2023 , an increase of 13% compared to 2022.
Four lessons from Toverland
- “A major expansion is followed by 3 years of growing visitor numbers and then stabilization.” A formula developed by amusement park specialist Pieter Cornelis. Toverland proved this theory with an overview of visitor numbers since 2001.
- To attract new staff, it works to be creative: Toverland conducted job interviews this year at, among others, the Djengu River water course and the Maison de la Magie Halloween haunted house. It helped to attract the attention of young people at a time of major personnel shortages in the Netherlands.
- Give young people the opportunity to grow. During the tour it was noticed that almost all supervisors and managers of the departments are under 35. Most have risen from a part-time job to the position they now hold. Prospects of such career opportunities keep young workers motivated.
- It is important to keep testing yourself. Toverland regularly asks its visitors to complete a survey. These are discussed and evaluated monthly with the team to see whether lessons can be learned.
With thanks to (author): Erik Huijing.
Erik Huijing is co-founder and editor of the Dark Ride Database and also works as a consultant for the themed entertainment industry. For more information and contact, see Ehuijing.nl.