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IAAPA welcomes new North America regional VP & executive director 

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Michael Shelton IAAPA

Michael Shelton took on the role on 4 April

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has promoted Michael Shelton, ICAE, to the role of vice president and executive director of the IAAPA North America region. Shelton has been with IAAPA since 2018 and took on his new role on 4 April 2022, moving from his previous position as director of education, safety, and membership for the North America region.

“With his passion, knowledge, and leadership he will continue the great development of the North America regional office and further expand the regional services and products,” says Jakob Wahl, chief operating officer, IAAPA.

“The membership will benefit from the depth of Michael’s experience in the industry, pulling from nearly 30 years of experience as an operator and with the association.”

A depth of experience

Before working for IAAPA, Shelton was with Hyland Hills Parks and Recreation District in Dever, Colorado, where he was managing director. Here, he was responsible for the planning and development of new attractions and expansion projects for the park district, helping to make Hyland Hills a prominent member of the amusement industry.

Shelton also previously worked as general manager of the Ice Centre at the Promenade in Westminster, CO, and as general manager of Water World in Denver, CO. In the early days of his career, he was the food and beverage director for Hyland Hills Parks & Recreation District.

He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in business and also completed the IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE) program. In his new role, Shelton will report to Wahl.

Last month, IAAPA also announced a new executive director and vice president for the IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Peter van der Schans will be based in IAAPA’s regional office in Brussels, Belgium and is tasked with growing the association’s membership levels.

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charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

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