Ryan Tiffin, an Orlando-based author and guest-experience leader, will co-present a session at IAAPA Expo 2026 titled Leading Before the Title: Building Trust, Influence, and Impact with Joseph Shepard, Finance & Development Manager at Time Mission. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern in Room W303ABC at the Orange County Convention Center.
Tiffin's journey from IAAPA mentee to Expo speaker underscores the importance of mentorship and professional development in the attractions industry. In January 2024, Tiffin joined IAAPA's mentorship program, where he connected with a mentor who challenged his thinking and encouraged him to pursue opportunities in themed entertainment. That experience inspired his book, Chasing Magic: How Experience Changes Lives and Shapes Leaders, which recounts his development and the lessons he learned along the way.
The session will focus on how professionals can recognize and develop their influence within their current roles, regardless of their formal title. Tiffin draws on his own experience in field communications at Cinemark, where he became a trusted advisor to business partners by understanding timing, clarity, and the operational demands behind each message. "Leadership is not about being impressive. It is about being dependable," Tiffin writes in Chasing Magic. This emphasis on everyday behavior—taking ownership, communicating clearly, following through, and building trust—forms the core of the session.
For attractions professionals, these behaviors are critical because they influence both the employee experience and the service guests receive. By exploring ways to lead without formal authority, participants will develop a personal leadership action plan to bring back to their teams. The session's practical approach aims to equip emerging leaders with tools to make an immediate impact.
Tiffin's transition from mentee to speaker highlights the value of IAAPA's mentorship program in nurturing talent and fostering leadership within the industry. His story demonstrates how mentorship can catalyze personal and professional growth, leading to opportunities to share knowledge with a broader audience. As the attractions industry continues to evolve, such initiatives are essential for developing leaders who can drive innovation and excellence.
For session information and more about Chasing Magic, visit ryantiffin.com.
