Ryan Tiffin, an Orlando-based author, speaker, and guest-experience leader, will co-present a session titled Leading Before the Title: Building Trust, Influence, and Impact at IAAPA Expo 2026. The session, scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern in Room W303ABC at the Orange County Convention Center, will be co-presented with Joseph Shepard, Finance & Development Manager at Time Mission. Tiffin's journey from IAAPA mentee to Expo speaker underscores the value of professional development and mentorship in the attractions industry.
In January 2024, Tiffin joined IAAPA's mentorship program, a decision that would shape his career trajectory. His book, Chasing Magic: How Experience Changes Lives and Shapes Leaders, recounts how connecting with a mentor challenged his thinking and encouraged him to pursue opportunities in themed entertainment. That experience forms the foundation of his upcoming session, which aims to help professionals recognize and develop their influence within their current roles, regardless of their formal title.
The session will focus on practical behaviors that build credibility: taking ownership, communicating clearly, following through, and building trust with colleagues and managers. Tiffin's own career illustrates these principles. During his field communications work at Cinemark, he became someone business partners consulted before sending updates to theatre teams. He earned that credibility by understanding timing, clarity, and the operational demands behind each message. As he writes in Chasing Magic, "Leadership is not about being impressive. It is about being dependable."
For attractions professionals, these behaviors have a direct impact on both the employee experience and the service guests receive. When team members feel trusted and are empowered to lead without formal authority, they are more engaged and better equipped to create positive guest experiences. The session will also guide participants in developing a personal leadership action plan to bring back to their teams, ensuring that the lessons translate into tangible improvements.
Tiffin's career spans entertainment, tourism, operations, communications, and brand strategy, giving him a broad perspective on how everyday experiences shape people, teams, and leadership. His transition from mentee to speaker demonstrates the cyclical nature of mentorship: those who receive guidance often return to share their own insights. This not only enriches the industry's knowledge base but also inspires emerging professionals to take ownership of their development.
IAAPA Expo 2026 attendees can expect a session that is both practical and inspirational, grounded in real-world examples and aimed at fostering leadership at all levels. For more information about the session and Tiffin's book, visit ryantiffin.com.
