Marty Sklar, Disney Legend and former head of Walt Disney Imagineering, hosted a lecture and Q&A session at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management on Friday, May 13, 2011 and shared his unique experiences with the public.
Sklar served as a Disney cast member for 55 years and stood as a dedicated torchbearer of Walt Disney’s philosophy since first joining the company a month before Disneyland opened in 1955.
The speaking engagement was hosted by the College’s Future Theme Park Leaders Association (FTPLA) student organization. Admission was $15 for students and $25 for general public and all net proceeds were equally divided between theRyman Arts Foundation and Give Kids the World.
The event began at 4:00 p.m. in the college’s Darden Auditorium and guests enjoyed a networking mixer in the Rosen College courtyard immediately following Sklar’s presentation.
Interested parties were also encouraged to bid on an eBay auction for a “Dinner and Story Time with Marty Sklar” private event held at the Oceanaire Seafood Room on International Drive at Pointe Orlando. This once-in-a-lifetime experience included dinner, beverage service and a seat at the table with Mr. Sklar with an opening bid of $150.
The Future Theme Park Leaders Association is exclusive to UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Through meetings, site visits, guest speakers and networking trips, FTPLA strives to connect student members with professionals in all aspects of the industry.