Press Releases

Home Depot Co-Founder Will Speak at World’s Largest Amusement and Attractions Tradeshow

ALEXANDRIA, VA (USA) (Jun. 30, 2005) - Bernard Marcus has been selected as the keynote speaker for the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 Annual Conference and Trade Show’s “General Managers and Owners breakfast,” November 17, 2005.  IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005—the world’s largest gathering of amusement and attractions professionals—will be held November 14-19, 2005 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga.

As co-founder of The Home Depot, Inc., the world’s largest home improvement retailer, Marcus has worked in the manufacturing and home retail business for more than 30 years.  He also invests his time in civic projects to give back to the Atlanta and Georgia community that propelled his success.  One of Marcus’s current projects includes the development of the Georgia Aquarium which is slated to open in Fall 2005.  Marcus donated $200 million to the attraction which will rank as the largest aquarium in the U.S.
 
“ IAAPA is pleased to bring a professional of such high caliber and experience to speak to our industry leaders,” said J. Clark Robinson, IAAPA president and CEO.  “Bernard Marcus is a great selection for the general managers and owners breakfast, and I personally look forward to hearing his insight on operating a business mindful of its consumers and community.”

At IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005, Marcus will speak exclusively to general managers and owners of IAAPA member facilities including manufacturers, suppliers, theme parks and attractions. 

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 brings together more than 30,000 amusement industry professionals to view the hottest new amusement industry rides, products and services.  IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 also provides separate, dedicated days of world-class educational programs for professionals in several sectors.

“We are very proud of our IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 schedule and the offerings that reach out to professionals at all levels in our industry,” Robinson said.  “We’re confident this year’s attendees will find the information timely and helpful as they do every year.”

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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