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Attractions industry leaders and key policymakers convene for IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days 2018

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capitol hill washington iaapa u.s. advocacy days event

The attractions industry has shared issues and priorities with Congressional policymakers during this year’s IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days.

Over 35 industry leaders from across the U.S. met influential members of the U.S. Congress at 58 offices during the two-day event.

IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days offers a unique chance to shine a spotlight on the most pressing issues affecting the country’s attractions industry.

“IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days serves as a significant element of IAAPA’s efforts to be the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill, helping to influence and drive positive political change for the attractions industry in the U.S.,” explained Randy Davis, Senior Vice President of Safety and Advocacy at IAAPA.

“Peers and colleagues joined together to discuss critical issues facing the industry and highlight the importance of attractions to the overall U.S. economy and local communities in which our members operate.”

Advocacy an integral part of IAAPA’s continued efforts

Subjects under discussion included: Amusement Ride Safety, J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel Program, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Groups met with representatives from California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

The event kicked off with a keynote speech by Brody Mullins, political reporter for The Wall Street Journal. Mullins offered political insight from a media perspective. Other featured speakers included Stephanie Vance, founder of Advocacy Associates, who covered Capitol Hill best practices. Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA-52) shared a political outlook, while Bill Hughes, Policy Director for the Office of Majority Whip, offered a congressional legislative perspective. Ilir Zherka, Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange, presented information about the J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel Program.

“Advocacy is an integral part of IAAPA’s continued efforts, and we are very pleased with the positive conversations that took place during our meetings with Congressional leaders this week,” added Davis.

Image courtesy Architect of the Capitol

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Charles Read

Charles is managing director at blooloop. He attends numerous trade shows around the world and frequently speaks about trends and social media for the attractions industry at conferences. Outside of blooloop, his passions are diving, trees and cricket.

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