Merlin Entertainments CEO Nick Varney has been named keynote speaker for the 2017 IAAPA attractions expo in Orlando, Florida.

Varney, who has more than two decades of experience within the attractions industry, was appointed Merlin chief executive when the company was formed in 1999, later being appointed company director in 2013.

Under his leadership, Merlin has become a global leader in location-based family entertainment, operating more than 100 attractions in 24 countries across four continents, welcoming 60 million people annually and employing some 27,0000 people.

"Nick leads a company with a diverse portfolio,” said IAAPA president and CEO Paul Noland. “We can all learn from his unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead for the global attractions industry."

Varney will deliver his keynote during the GM and Owners’ breakfast, which takes place on 15 November at 8:15am. In addition to Varney’s speech, the breakfast will also include the presentation of the IAAPA Young Professional Award and the IAAPA Service Awards.