IAAPA chair Andreas Andersen has expressed his hope that the organisation's new international headquarters in Orlando, Florida, will act as its home for at least the next 100 years, following the project's groundbreaking last week.
Covering 22,000sq ft (2,000sq m), the site on Vineland Road is slated to be completed by the third quarter of next year, with development costing US$14m (€11.8m, £10.4m). IAAPA announced its move from Washington, DC, to Orlando in 2016, setting up temporary headquarters last year ahead of the organisation's permanent move in 2019.
"I think it makes a lot of sense, especially to all the international members of IAAPA because Orlando is really the heart of the attractions industry," said Andersen, speaking following the groundbreaking ceremony.
"This is the place we all go to for inspiration and events to see everything in the industry which is new and exciting. Orlando is also the home to the IAAPA Attractions Expo, which takes place every November."
The new headquarters will feature a wave pattern on its exterior, which IAAPA says represents the constant and dynamic movement of the attractions industry. The interiors will have "dramatic aesthetic elements", including three different ceiling heights throughout. The building will feature 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 IAAPA's members.
"This is not just an office, it's a home," said Andersen. "I think a lot of our members will visit the headquarters – not only our committees but also because we will have our new member events space and library. I do hope that this will become IAAPA's home for the next centennial."
IAAPA's impact on Orlando and wider Florida's economy is significant. With more than 500 members located in the state and the IAAPA Expo generating an estimated US$77m (€65.1m, £57.2m) for the state each year. In 2017, more than 38,000 people from 100 different countries attended the event.
