Hal McEvoy will permanently take the reins at IAAPA, being named the organisation’s president and CEO by the organisation’s Board.
McEvoy – who was named interim president and CEO of IAAPA following Paul Noland’s resignation in February – says it’s a “dream come true” to lead the global association for the attractions industry.
“Working with the IAAPA team of talented individuals to support the success of our passionate and innovative members around the world is indeed a privilege,” he says. “I’m deeply honoured to be named president and CEO by IAAPA’s Board.”
McEvoy joined the association in April 2017, taking up the position of chief financial officer and leaving SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment after more than 42 years at the company.
An active member of IAAPA long before joining the organisation, McEvoy has attended many of its expos and participated in a number of association task forces and panels, with particularly heavy involvement in the organisation’s Audit Committee, which was created in 2005. McEvoy has been a member of the committee and also chaired it from 2013 through to 2016.
He has a number of major IAAPA events and projects to oversee from the get go, with the organisation’s annual US expo returning to the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida in November.
Also in Orlando, IAAPA is currently developing its new global headquarters, which are expected to open in 2019.
“We’re extremely proud to be a part of the Central Florida community,” he says. “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.”
IAAPA’s engagement with Orlando and the wider Florida economy is significant, with more than 500 members located in the state and the IAAPA Expo generating an estimated US$77m for the area each year.
In 2017, more than 38,000 people from 100 different countries attended the event.
“I plan to build on the foundations laid this year that will take IAAPA into the next 100 years,” says McEvoy.
“We will work to give our members the best expos, networking events, and educational programmes, as well as developing and delivering innovative new products and services. Our mission is to tell the story of this important and professional, yet fun-focused industry to the public, policymakers and press around the globe.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Rides: Themed dreams
We take a look at some of the major
openings at visitor attractions worldwide
Theme Parks: Fan power
Jordan Middleton explains how operators
can best work with their audiences
Tourism: The Tourist Trap
What role could attractions play to keep
tourism beneficial for residents and
visitors alike? Kath Hudson reports
Conference: Creativity Cocktail
This year’s SATE conference came to the global epicentre for themed entertainment – Orlando – as the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) searched for the secrets to “The Experience Recipe”.
Promotional feature: Whitewater
WhiteWater is branching out of the waterpark business as it
introduces two new attractions products and its brand new
Vantage guest engagement and management software
Show report: Enabling fun
Tom Anstey was on-hand to see what was
on offer at this year’s Euro Attractions Show
Promotional feature: Simtec - forward thinking
Simtec is a flying theatre and simulator ride supplier
for the attractions industry, as well as a manufacturer
of driving and flight simulation applications
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
Hal McEvoy will permanently take the reins at IAAPA, being named the organisation’s president and CEO by the organisation’s Board.
McEvoy – who was named interim president and CEO of IAAPA following Paul Noland’s resignation in February – says it’s a “dream come true” to lead the global association for the attractions industry.
“Working with the IAAPA team of talented individuals to support the success of our passionate and innovative members around the world is indeed a privilege,” he says. “I’m deeply honoured to be named president and CEO by IAAPA’s Board.”
McEvoy joined the association in April 2017, taking up the position of chief financial officer and leaving SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment after more than 42 years at the company.
An active member of IAAPA long before joining the organisation, McEvoy has attended many of its expos and participated in a number of association task forces and panels, with particularly heavy involvement in the organisation’s Audit Committee, which was created in 2005. McEvoy has been a member of the committee and also chaired it from 2013 through to 2016.
He has a number of major IAAPA events and projects to oversee from the get go, with the organisation’s annual US expo returning to the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida in November.
Also in Orlando, IAAPA is currently developing its new global headquarters, which are expected to open in 2019.
“We’re extremely proud to be a part of the Central Florida community,” he says. “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.”
IAAPA’s engagement with Orlando and the wider Florida economy is significant, with more than 500 members located in the state and the IAAPA Expo generating an estimated US$77m for the area each year.
In 2017, more than 38,000 people from 100 different countries attended the event.
“I plan to build on the foundations laid this year that will take IAAPA into the next 100 years,” says McEvoy.
“We will work to give our members the best expos, networking events, and educational programmes, as well as developing and delivering innovative new products and services. Our mission is to tell the story of this important and professional, yet fun-focused industry to the public, policymakers and press around the globe.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Rides: Themed dreams
We take a look at some of the major
openings at visitor attractions worldwide
Theme Parks: Fan power
Jordan Middleton explains how operators
can best work with their audiences
Tourism: The Tourist Trap
What role could attractions play to keep
tourism beneficial for residents and
visitors alike? Kath Hudson reports
Conference: Creativity Cocktail
This year’s SATE conference came to the global epicentre for themed entertainment – Orlando – as the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) searched for the secrets to “The Experience Recipe”.
Promotional feature: Whitewater
WhiteWater is branching out of the waterpark business as it
introduces two new attractions products and its brand new
Vantage guest engagement and management software
Show report: Enabling fun
Tom Anstey was on-hand to see what was
on offer at this year’s Euro Attractions Show
Promotional feature: Simtec - forward thinking
Simtec is a flying theatre and simulator ride supplier
for the attractions industry, as well as a manufacturer
of driving and flight simulation applications
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
