The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, known as IAAPA, is the largest trade association for the global attractions industry. The organization started in 1918 and supports amusement parks and attractions around the world. IAAPA represents more than 6,000 member companies across over 100 countries. It focuses on safety, education, professional standards, and helping operators run strong, responsible businesses.
Becoming certified as a member of the IAAPA is a signal that a company or individual has met the highest standards possible in the amusement parks and attractions industry.
Who Belongs to the IAAPA?
Members of IAAPA include facilities, suppliers and individuals in the industry. By promoting high standards in the amusement industry, the IAAPA has attracted members from theme parks, water parks, entertainment centers, museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums and manufacturers such as Galaxy Multi Rides.
The IAAPA defines its mission as serving members by “promoting safe operations, global development, professional growth, and commercial success of the amusement parks and attractions industry.”
IAAPA announced in 2016 that it would move its global headquarters from Alexandria, Virginia, to Orlando, Florida, stating that Orlando serves as a central hub for the attractions industry.
IAAPA also has an Asia Pacific office in Hong Kong; a Europe, Middle East and Africa office in Brussels, Belgium; and a Latin America office in Mexico City.
Why It’s Important to Be a Member of IAAPA
The core beliefs of the IAAPA offer a look into what getting certified by the organization means. They promote safety above all, calling safety “the foundation of our profession and a top priority.”
They also insist on promoting the amusement industry “factually and truthful” with the media and conducting business with professionalism and integrity.
Professionals earn IAAPA certification through experience and demonstrating knowledge and skills in the industry. Individuals can become Certified Attractions Managers, Certified Attractions Leaders, and Certified Attractions Executives. Each level requires more years of experience and supervisory time, culminating with 10 years of experience and seven years at a leadership level for the executive certification.
Professionals who have earned IAAPA certification demonstrate a commitment to be the best in the profession. They also are distinguished as “career professionals who have demonstrated a high level of experience, skill, and knowledge as well as a commitment to professional development,” according to IAAPA.
IAAPA is the premier trade group in the amusement industry, for those looking to work with the best in the industry, it’s a smart move to look for those who have the IAAPA certification seal.
