IAAPA Foundation

Inspiring the Next Generation of Attractions Industry Leaders

The IAAPA Foundation exists to inspire and support life-changing careers in the global attractions industry.

Get Involved...Make a Donation Today

The IAAPA Foundation relies exclusively on private donations from companies and individuals to support the future leaders of the global attractions industry. Your financial support is crucial to this important industry effort. Below are the various ways you can contribute to the IAAPA Foundation:

**Limited Time Opportunity**
Double Your Donation’s Impact!

For a limited time, make an IAAPA Foundation Scholarship donation (either through the Al Weber Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund or through the Sponsor a Scholarship program) and IAAPA will automatically match your contribution to double the impact of your donation!
 

The Al Weber Jr. Memorial Fund

Al Weber, Jr. PhD was the founder, president, and CEO of Apex Parks Group, former CEO of Paramount Parks and Six Flags Theme Parks, a member of the IAAPA Board of Directors, and a passionate supporter of education. The Al Weber, Jr. Memorial Fund was established in his honor and all donations are used solely for educational purposes including scholarships

Donate to the Al Weber Jr. Memorial Fund
 

Sponsor a Scholarship

Companies and individuals may sponsor one or more scholarships for students at colleges and universities that have partnered with the IAAPA Foundation to provide a pipeline into the attractions industry.
 
Scholarships will be named for the donors and donors will receive contact information for their scholarship recipient to allow for the option of direct contact with the student.

Sponsor A Scholarship
 

The IAAPA Foundation Inspiration and Education Fund

Donating to this fund allows the IAAPA Foundation Board of Directors to provide additional scholarships and develop additional partnership opportunities and alliances to grow awareness and support of the global attractions industry.
 

Donate to the IAAPA Foundation Inspiration and Education Fund
 

Industry Connections

The IAAPA Foundation’s strong industry network opens doors for students through valuable connections and increased exposure to senior leadership.

The Foundation strives to increase awareness of the unique and diverse career paths students can take when they pursue degrees in the attractions industry.

The IAAPA Foundation is incorporated in the United States as a 501 (c) (3) charitable, tax-exempt organization. (Federal identification number 26-4186862.) Your gift may be tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor. 

IAAPA Foundation Board Members

Andreas Andersen, ICAE Board Member (2025) CEO and President Liseberg Sweden

Cecilia Chavez T.L. Board Member (2026) Director La Granja Villa Y Mundo Magico Peru

Jane Cooper Vice Chair - IAAPA Foundation Board (2026) Business Advisor United States

Massimiliano Freddi Board Member (2026) CEO Wonderwood Italy

Frank Hamedl Board Member (2026) HR Manager Fun Spot America Theme Parks United States

Tom Mehrmann, ICAE Board Member (2026) President and Chief Operating Officer Universal Destinations & Experiences Pacific Rim  United States/Asia

Jeroen Nijpels, ICAE Board Member (2025) Managing Director JNELC Luxembourg

Jim Seay, ICAE Chair - IAAPA Foundation Board (2026) President Premier Rides, Inc. United States

Tony Sze, ICAE Board Member (2026) Senior Consultant Chimelong Group China

Michael Turner, ICAE Board Member (2025) VP, International Business Development The Producers Group United States

Jakob Wahl Board Member President and CEO IAAPA United States

Bonnie Sherman Weber, ICAE Board Member (2025) Business Consultant United States

Ken Whiting, ICAE Board Member (2025) President Whiting's Food Concessions, Inc. United States

Xiomara Wiley  Board Member (2026) Chief Diversity Officer Universal Destinations & Experiences United States

Tom Wages, ICAE Special Advisor

David W. Mandt, ICAE Executive Director – IAAPA Foundation EVP and Chief Governance Officer IAAPA