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IAAPA
IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) is a non-profit organisation representing operators around the world, based in Orlando, Florida, US.
The association was founded in 1918 and represents 6,000 organisations and individuals from over 100 different countries.
As a global representative for professionals in the industry, the Association is split into four splinter groups representing North America; Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA); Latin America and the Caribbean; and Asia-Pacific.
The association operates on a membership scheme, to which individuals and organisations can sign up or renew each year.
A certification program offers members two professional designations, these being the IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE) and IAAPA Certified Attractions Professional (ICAP) qualifications.
Members can benefit from reading Funworld, the association’s official magazine.
Each year, IAAPA recognises industry talent and dedication with an exclusive selection of accolades, including the Brass Ring Awards, Hall of Fame and Individual Achievement Awards. These can be awarded within a range of remits including operations, manufacturing and trade shows.
The organisation hosts a number of trade events, or Expos, each year, with the core event happening in the US.
The main IAAPA Expo happens in Orlando, Florida each year, which attracts professionals from around the world. The organisation has since set up two regional events, IAAPA Expo Europe (formerly Euro Attractions Show) and IAAPA Expo Asia.
The Expos and other events were temporarily suspended from normal operation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many moving into the virtual space, but have since restarted as in-person events.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions also regularly runs events which support Give Kids The World, a Kissimmee-based organisation that supports children with critical illnesses in the US.
