Press Releases

IAAPA Expands European Operations

Search for Executive Director Under Way

Alexandria, Va. - The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions announced plans to expand and enhance the scope of IAAPA’s European operations to include government relations and the Euro Attractions Show (EAS) while continuing to provide membership sales, service, and education.  This expanded effort will be led by an executive director and supported by the director of operations for EAS, a director of government relations, and additional administrative staff.

“It is critical that our association and the services we provide to our members in Europe change and evolve as the industry changes and evolves,” said Mats Wedin, IAAPA chairman and Liseberg Group president and CEO.  “We feel this consolidation of all of our key programs and activities in Europe under an executive director is essential to providing the products and services our European members expect.”

The executive director of IAAPA’s European operations will report to IAAPA’s president and CEO Charlie Bray and will work closely with both IAAPA’s European Advisory Committee and the EAS Education Committee.

The association has already begun the search for the new executive director.  Interested candidates should be a European citizen and have more than 10 years of experience in sales or marketing, business management, or association management.  Experience within the attractions industry is preferred.  The candidate should also be an expert financial manager, have experience or an understanding of trade show operations, and have an understanding of the European Union government structure.  The executive director will travel extensively in Europe and should be proficient in English and other languages.  A full copy of the job description and application is available at www.IAAPA.org. 

Interested candidates should submit their CVs and applications no later than August 10 to: Executive Director Europe Search, c/o Susan Mosedale IAAPA, 1448 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia USA 22314 or via fax to +1 703-836-1192 or via e-mail to smosedale@iaapa.org. 

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide.  Founded almost 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions worldwide and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry.  IAAPA represents more than 4,100 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include amusement/theme parks, waterparks, attractions, family entertainment centers, arcades, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos.  IAAPA is a non-profit organization.  Funds generated for the association by its involvement in trade shows and other activities are returned to the association to fund services for its members and the industry.  IAAPA maintains offices in Europe and the United States.  In addition, the association’s Global Alliance partnership program includes international liaisons representing Latin America, Southeast Asia, Australia/New Zealand, India, and People’s Republic of China.

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