As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2026, the global attractions industry is moving beyond symbolic gestures toward a more robust, results-driven dialogue on equality. This year’s global theme, "Give to Gain," resonates deeply within the theme park and visitor attractions sector, an industry built on the pillars of mentorship, collaboration, and the collective effort of diverse teams.
From the engineering bays of ride manufacturers to the C-suites of major operators, women are not just filling roles; they are redefining leadership styles, advocating for safer workplace cultures, and driving the next wave of immersive innovation. Whether it is through the lens of first-time board representation or grassroots movements, the focus for 2026 is clear: visibility, self-advocacy, and building sustainable career pathways for the next generation of female talent.
In this article, Theme Park Network spotlights the key podcasts, virtual events, and industry milestones celebrating IWD. We identify the conversations that matter, covering everything from the gender pay gap and burnout to the evolving "female friendship economy" shaping modern park demographics.
Podcasts & Virtual Events
Skip the Queue: The Leaders Redefining the Visitor Attractions Industry
- Release Date: March 4th, 2026
- Host: Claire Furnival
- Guests: Emily Popovich (KMI International), Rachael Hamilton (Rise AV), Ruth Read (blooloop), and Liz Sanchez Rasking (Looking Glass Strategies).
- The Scoop: A powerhouse panel discussing the "Women of the Industry" movement. Topics range from the gender pay gap and unconscious bias to the practicalities of safety at major trade shows. It’s a candid look at what the next five years of leadership should look like.
- Link: skipthequeue.fm
IAAPA Live Chat: Empowered Voices: Celebrating Women Who Lead and Inspire
- Date: March 5th, 2026 | 2:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM GMT
- Focus: Global leadership and inspiration.
- Summary: IAAPA’s official IWD webinar brings together female executives from across the globe to share stories of resilience and innovation. This is a key session for B2B professionals looking to understand how diverse leadership drives better guest experiences and operational excellence.
- Link: iaapa.org
The 2nd Annual International Women’s Day Webinar: The Power of Connection
- Date: March 6th, 2026 | 1:00 PM EST / 6:00 PM GMT
- Host: Una de Boer (Chief Marketing Officer at WhiteWater)
- Guests: Luciana Periales (IAAPA Global Board Chair), Gina Elliott (IATP Chair), Chloe Hausfeld (TEA Strategic Partnerships), and Melissa Lockwood (WWA Board Member).
- The Scoop: A dynamic panel featuring leaders from the full ecosystem of themed entertainment—spanning theme parks, waterparks, and FECs. The discussion focuses on "The Power of Connection," exploring how women can strengthen their careers and communities through cross-sector networking and advocacy.
- Link: microsoft.com
Industry Spotlights & News
BALPPA: A Conversation with Cassie Poland
- Release Date: March 8th, 2026
- Feature: Cassie Poland, BALPPA’s first female Vice Chair.
- Summary: In an industry first for the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers & Attractions, Cassie Poland shares her journey into the Vice Chair role. Her goal is to dismantle the "comfort zone" and encourage more women to seek high-level board positions within the UK attractions sector.
- Link: youtube.com (from 7pm GMT)
Blooloop: "Building Equality" & The Female Friendship Economy
- Publication Dates: March 4th–5th, 2026
- Key Insight: Blooloop has released two major editorial pieces for IWD.
- "Building Equality": An opinion piece on why women in construction and design are the secret weapon for modern theme park development.
- The Female Friendship Economy: A deep dive into how Asian theme parks are pivotally shifting their marketing to target groups of female friends, the fastest-growing demographic in the region.
- Link: blooloop.com
Park-Specific Celebrations
Disneyland Resort: "Women Who Make the Magic" Guided Tour
- Launch Date: March 2026
- Location: Anaheim, California
- Details: To coincide with Women’s History Month and IWD, Disneyland has launched a brand-new guided tour. It spotlights the female Imagineers, artists, and operators who have shaped the park since 1955. Additionally, the iconic Mickey flowerbed at the park entrance has been transformed into a Minnie Mouse flowerbed, a visual tribute to the women of Disney.
- Link: disney.com
Disneyland Paris: International Women’s Day – The Women Behind the Magic
- Launch Date: March 8th, 2026
- Location: Marne-la-Vallée, France
- Details: As part of a month-long focus on female leadership leading up to the grand opening of World of Frozen on March 29, Disneyland Paris is celebrating International Women’s Day with both guest-facing and internal initiatives. Highlights include surprise meet-and-greets with a wide array of Disney’s leading women and a resort-wide spotlight on the female Imagineers and technicians currently finalizing the new Disney Adventure World transformation. To mark the day, the iconic Mickey flowerbed at the entrance of Disneyland Park will once again be meticulously replanted as a Minnie Mouse flowerbed.
- Link: news.disneylandparis.com
Key Themes for 2026
The industry-wide conversation for IWD 2026 has evolved beyond general awareness, focusing on three actionable pillars:
- The Power of Connection & Association: Moving from infrequent face-to-face mixers to consistent, digital-first community building. There is a strategic push for women to better leverage trade associations (IAAPA, TEA, WWA, IATP) as engines for career growth, utilizing task forces and mentorship programs that are already in place.
- "Give to Gain" Mentality: A shift toward a "multiplier effect" in leadership. The focus is on how sharing knowledge and visibility doesn't just help the individual, but strengthens the entire attractions ecosystem. It’s about moving from being a member of the industry to being an active participant in its governance.
- Structural Visibility: Transitioning from "firsts" in leadership to a sustainable pipeline. This involves addressing barriers like trade show safety and burnout, while ensuring women are at the table for the next frontier of the industry, specifically in AI-powered guest solutions and safety protocol design.
