Monday, March 18, 2024

IAAPA Europe Expands Scope to Include Middle East and Europe

Alexandria, Virginia, US — The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) further expands the scope of operations of its Europe regional office to incorporate the Middle East and Africa to better serve IAAPA’s members in the regions. Now known as IAAPA EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) the staff monitors issues and advocates on behalf of the attractions industry, provides communications and media relations support, and offers the latest knowledge and education on ride safety, industry data, and best practices amongst members. In addition, IAAPA EMEA is responsible for the oversight of IAAPA’s Euro Attractions Show (EAS), the region’s premier conference and trade show for the attractions industry.

Karen Staley, senior vice president of IAAPA EMEA Operations manages the regional office located in Brussels, Belgium. She is responsible for the implementation of IAAPA’s strategic plan in EMEA, to ensure the association’s benefits reach the 1,200 members in the region, and to develop and maintain key partnerships and alliances in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

IAAPA’s European regional office first opened in 2001 with two employees and then was restructured in 2007. The office now has eight full-time employees and its geographical location makes it the most appropriate regional office to incorporate the Middle East and Africa regions into its scope of operations. “Located within a three-hour time difference from the Middle East, our regional office is best equipped to service the Middle East and Africa regions. We have a strong European presence in those regions, which contributes to the synergy between the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and our office is prepared to expand operations as IAAPA’s new EMEA regional office” said Karen Staley.

“The formation of the IAAPA EMEA office in Brussels further strengthens IAAPA’s international presence and reiterates the association’s commitment to serve its members in the Middle East and Africa region,” said Karen Staley. “With explosive growth in the Middle East and the quickly emerging market in the continent of Africa, we look forward to playing a role in this exciting growth period for the attractions industry.”

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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