Press Releases

Clark Robinson Reaffirmed as IAAPA President during IAAPA Orlando 2002

ORLANDO , FL., USA (Nov. 20, 2002) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions ( IAAPA) today named J. Clark Robinson to its Presidency on a permanent basis during IAAPA Orlando 2002, the association’s 84 th annual convention and trade show at the Orange County Convention Center. Robinson had been appointed as interim President in July of this year, following the resignation of Bret Lovejoy.

" Clark has done an outstanding job since July, and IAAPA is very fortunate to now have him as our long-term President," stated Alain Baldacci, the association’s current Chairman of the Board. "We look forward to benefiting from his leadership and experience for many years to come."

A search committee worked through the summer and early fall, reviewing a slate of candidates. Its recommendation was provided to IAAPA’s Executive / Finance Committee, which subsequently forwarded it on to the association’s full board for discussion and approval during IAAPA Orlando 2002. This recommendation was then given final approval by IAAPA’s full membership at this morning’s annual business meeting.

Robinson was eight years old when he embarked on his career in the amusement park industry at Lagoon in Farmington, Utah. Robinson learned the park business from the ground up, eventually serving as the park's Controller and finally General Manager from 1975 to 1998.

He is a former IAAPA President (1981-1982, prior to the title being changed to Chairman), who spent 27 years on the association’s Board of Directors (1975 to 2002) and served two terms as treasurer (1982-1983 and 1997-1998). Robinson also has served on the association’s Executive/Finance Committee for a total of 12 years.

Robinson and his wife, DeeAnn, their four children, and 15 grandchildren, all under the age of seven, reside in Utah. Robinson, who is an avid and accomplished tennis player, received both his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Management and his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah.

IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently-situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 5,000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 85 nations, including most amusement parks and attractions in the United States. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org