Last month, the Orange County Convention Center buzzed with excitement during the IAAPA Expo, the global hub for creativity and innovation in the attractions industry. Among the sea of professionals and industry leaders were two familiar faces for Rosen College: Sebastian Ludwig (M.S., ’19) and Frank Hamedl (B.S., ’18). Both alumni have made remarkable strides in their careers and were recognized earlier this year as 2023 IAAPA Young Professional of the Year recipients.

The award celebrates leadership, innovation, and dedication—qualities Ludwig and Hamedl embody every day. For these two friends, the IAAPA Expo was more than an event. It was a chance to reconnect, reflect on their journeys, and celebrate a bond forged at Rosen College.

Laying the Groundwork at Rosen College

For Ludwig, Rosen College offered not only academic preparation but also critical exposure to the industry. “Rosen gave me a lot of networking opportunities to learn more about the hospitality industry and to be more comfortable interacting in professional settings,” he says. “The Future Theme Park Leaders Association gave me insights into operations I might not have seen otherwise. It gave me a broader perspective and prepared me to take a global approach to my role.”

Hamedl shared a similar sentiment about the skills he gained at Rosen College. “The college equipped me for my current career in multiple ways,” he says. “Networking, interviewing, professional branding—those weren’t just lessons. They became tools I’ve used every step of the way.”

Beyond the classroom, Rosen College gave both alumni unique opportunities to connect with the industry. Ludwig emphasized how real-world projects brought academic concepts to life. “We worked on a revenue analysis for a local bus company, presenting solutions to executives,” he says. “It was such a valuable experience, combining classroom learning with industry challenges.”

For Hamedl, the chance to learn directly from guest speakers in theme park and attraction management courses was transformative. “Hearing from industry leaders was incredibly inspiring,” he says. “It gave me a clearer picture of what was possible in this field.” And of course, there was the fun side of Rosen’s experiential learning. “Playing Roller Coaster Tycoon for homework? That was a dream assignment,” he says.

Finding Their Way Into IAAPA

Hamedl’s first IAAPA Expo in 2015 was a turning point. “My friend Kevin and I registered from our dorm room, not knowing what to expect,” he says. “But it was incredible. We met so many people, and it opened our eyes to what was possible in the attractions industry.” That year, Hamedl secured his first leadership role at Quassy Amusement Park, which he described as a key step in his career.

Ludwig’s journey with IAAPA unfolded over several years and culminated in the Young Professional of the Year award in 2023. “It’s not about the title,” he says. “It’s about making an impact and showing others what’s possible in this industry. I love to show the world that tourism and hospitality can be a profession with potential to grow. It still takes passion and hard work, but it’s fun!”

The 2024 IAAPA Expo marked another important milestone as both alumni returned to connect with current Rosen College students. They shared advice, answered questions, and encouraged students to take advantage of the many opportunities available. “It’s rewarding to help students see the possibilities,” Hamedl says. “I was where they are not too long ago. Now I get to pay it forward.”

Making an Impact

Ludwig’s current role at Europa-Park Hotels has allowed him to make a meaningful difference within his team. He spoke about the satisfaction of applying lessons learned at Rosen College, particularly in leadership. “I’ve been able to transform the reservations team by focusing on servant leadership,” he says. “Hearing from a team member that they wouldn’t still be here without my support—that’s the kind of impact I want to have.”

At Fun Spot America, Hamedl has been deeply involved in developing the company’s culture and fostering connections among its team members. His role in human resources allows him to make a positive impact every day, whether through supporting employees’ growth or contributing to memorable guest experiences. He described helping to launch ArieForce One, a major attraction, as one of his proudest achievements. “Seeing the joy it brings to guests and knowing I played a part in that—it’s incredibly rewarding,” he says.

Hamedl also takes pride in his work mentoring young professionals. He often returns to Rosen College as a guest speaker and encourages students to stay focused on their goals, even when the path is challenging. “There will be setbacks, but don’t let them stop you,” he says. “If you’re passionate about what you do, the rewards are worth the effort.”

Both alumni are deeply committed to mentoring future leaders in the attractions industry, seeing it as a way to give back and inspire others. Ludwig encourages students to seize opportunities like IAAPA’s Career Slam, mentorship programs, and student memberships, which provide invaluable connections and real-world insights. Hamedl, through his frequent guest lectures at Rosen College, enjoys sharing his own journey and providing guidance to those just starting out. “I remember sitting in their shoes, full of questions and dreams,” he says. “Now, I get to help them take their first steps into this amazing industry.”

A Full-Circle Moment

For Hamedl, 2023 was a year of milestones, including his wedding to Abby Anaya. The two first met during the 2022 IAAPA Expo in Orlando, where Anaya was volunteering as an ambassador and Hamedl was a last-minute attendee at an education session. Later that day, they connected at Career Slam, a speed networking event, and quickly struck up a conversation. A group outing to SeaWorld soon after sealed their bond, leading to months of messages, calls, and a memorable first date in Orlando filled with theme parks, concerts, and sunsets.

When it came time to propose, Hamedl kept the industry close to their story. During the 2023 Golden Ticket Awards at Dollywood, he presented Abby with the ultimate “golden ticket”—an engagement ring.
To honor their beginnings, the couple hosted their wedding reception at Rosen College. “It just made sense,” Hamedl says. “Rosen College is where I started my journey, professionally and personally. Celebrating there brought everything full circle.”

Ludwig, who stood by Hamedl’s side as a groomsman, was proud to celebrate his friend’s special day at the place where both of their careers began.

Looking Ahead

Ludwig and Hamedl are looking ahead with big plans. Ludwig is passionate about paving the way for young professionals in the attractions industry, determined to turn the lessons he’s learned into new opportunities for others. Hamedl is equally driven, eager to leave his mark while guiding the next wave of industry leaders to success.

From their days at Rosen College to receiving honors at IAAPA, Ludwig and Hamedl’s journeys illustrate how passion and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements. As the attractions industry grows, they stand as examples of how Rosen College alumni are shaping its future.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our “Life After Rosen” series, where Rosen College alumni turn their education and passion into careers that shape the future of the attractions industry and beyond.