FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORLANDO, Fla., US (April 20, 2018) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) hosted its annual IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days April 16-17, 2018 in Washington, D.C. More than 35 U.S. attractions leaders met with representatives at 58 congressional offices to discuss the industry's legislative priorities and regulatory issues. The two-day event offers IAAPA U.S. members a unique opportunity to interact with influential members of the U.S. Congress and discuss pressing issues affecting the U.S. attractions industry.
“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,” said 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. 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.”
During this year's IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days, IAAPA members met with congressional offices representing 13 states to discuss key priority issues, including:
- Amusement Ride Safety
- J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel Program
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days groups met with congressional offices representatives from California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
The event began with keynote speaker Brody Mullins, political reporter for The Wall Street Journal, who provided political insight from a media perspective. Additional featured speakers included Stephanie Vance, founder of Advocacy Associates, who covered Capitol Hill best practices, Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA-52), who shared a political outlook, and Bill Hughes, policy director for the Office of Majority Whip, who provided a congressional legislative outlook. Ilir Zherka, executive director of the Alliance for International Exchange, also presented information about the J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel Program.
Learn more about IAAPA U.S. Government Relations and IAAPA member benefits relating to advocacy.
For more information about IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days, visit www.IAAPA.org.
About IAAPA
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) began as an advocacy office in 1918. Since that time, IAAPA has become the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the global attractions industry. As a non-profit organization, IAAPA represents more than 5,300 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions; water parks, resorts; family entertainment centers; zoos, aquariums; science centers, museums; and industry manufacturers and suppliers.
IAAPA helps members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry worldwide.
The association's global headquarters is in Orlando, Florida, US. The non-profit organization maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; Mexico City, Mexico, and Alexandria, Virginia, US. To learn more, visit www.IAAPA.org or connect through social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA100
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