IAAPA breaks ground on new Global Headquarters in Orlando

May 17, 2018 Joe Kleiman Attractions, Business, Museums, News, Theme Parks, Water Parks, World markets 0

May 17, 2018 — Today, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) officially broke ground on its brand new 22,000-square-foot global headquarters located on seven acres at 4155 Taft-Vineland Road in Orlando. Construction is slated to be complete by summer 2019 on the international headquarters which sits at the global epicenter of the theme park and attractions industry. With 73 employees worldwide, and 47 based in Orlando, the new headquarters is a $14 million investment for the association and for its members worldwide.

“We are a rapidly growing association supporting a dynamic and growing industry. It’s exciting during our 100-year anniversary to take our vision to the next level by breaking ground on our new global headquarters,” said Andreas Andersen, chairman of the IAAPA Board of Directors and CEO and president of Liseberg Group in Sweden. “Having the ability to increase our member engagement at all levels was a driving force behind our decision to relocate. Orlando is the perfect place for IAAPA. We have a wide array of members based here and many of our international members travel regularly to Central Florida. We look forward to continuing to support and connect with attractions industry professionals from around the globe.”

From left: Jessie Allen, Orlando/Orange County Convention Center; Mike Chatham, HHCP; Tim Guiliani, Orlando Economic Partnership; Commissioner Betsy VanderLey; Hal McEvoy, interim president and CEO IAAPA; Andreas Andersen, chairman of the Board, IAAPA; David Rosenberg, first vice chair, IAAPA; Doug Stagner, COO, IAAPA; Bryan Boykin, DPR Construction; Woody Coley, Value2. Photos courtesy IAAPA.

The new IAAPA headquarters will feature a unique wave pattern on the exterior, representing the constant and dynamic movement of the attractions industry. Inside, the building will have dramatic aesthetic elements including three different ceiling heights throughout, beginning with an impressive 21-foot-high entry. There will also be dedicated member space with meeting rooms, special event space and a lounge, as well as a library for the association’s archives and many thematic elements and displays reflecting the diversity of members around the world.

“We are extremely proud to now be a part of the Central Florida community,” said Hal McEvoy, interim president and CEO, IAAPA. “Bringing our global headquarters to the heart of the attractions industry is the perfect next step for us as we continue to better serve our members.”

With more than 500 members located in Florida, IAAPA is best known locally for its IAAPA Attractions Expo held each November at the Orange County Convention Center. The annual conference and trade show, currently booked to remain in Orlando through 2030, has an approximate economic impact of $77 million to Central Florida. In 2017, more than 38,000 people from 100 different countries attended the event.