Our History

Following the American Civil War, a new era of leisure emerged, and with it, the rise of the trolley park. Transportation companies, eager to boost ridership, began developing enticing pleasure resorts at the end of their lines. The invention of the electric street railway sparked a boom in these easily accessible parks, spreading amusement and entertainment across the United States. Seaside resorts, offering extended escapes, also gained popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. By the 1890s, the world's attention was captured by grand events like the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the emergence of Coney Island as a bustling amusement mecca, solidifying the amusement park's place in modern leisure.

In the spirit of collaboration and innovation, a group of amusement park owners gathered in 1907, laying the groundwork for what would become IAAPA. Driven by a shared vision to elevate the industry, they sought to exchange knowledge, discuss best practices, and advocate for their collective interests. This early meeting, featuring industry pioneers like Andrew McSwigan of Kennywood, marked the beginning of a century-long commitment to excellence and collaboration within the amusement park industry.

By the 1910s, the amusement industry was transforming. Transportation companies, once the driving force, were moving on, making way for a new generation of dedicated entrepreneurs. Amusement parks were no longer just a sideline; they were the main event! This shift brought exciting changes: thrilling rides replaced passive attractions, and parks began to take on the familiar form we know today. But with this evolution came new challenges, leading to the birth of IAAPA – a unified voice for park owners to navigate the future, set industry standards, and share operational best practices.

The 1920s roared in as the Golden Age of amusement parks. Prosperity surged, technology leaped forward, and parks blossomed into grand, family-owned entertainment centers. Roller coasters reigned supreme, reaching new heights with gravity-defying drops and twists that thrilled park-goers. But amidst this excitement, the automobile was reshaping the landscape. Parks with limited access and parking struggled, while modern parks designed for the automobile age flourished. And as the summer sun beat down, a new wave of amusement parks embraced the refreshing allure of swimming pools.

The fledgling association took a major step forward in 1920 with the formation of the National Association of Amusement Parks (NAAP). Andrew S. McSwigan of Kennywood was elected President, guiding the organization into a new era of growth and development. The annual meeting, attended by 40 dedicated individuals, offered a diverse range of educational sessions, demonstrating the association's commitment to providing valuable resources and fostering a spirit of collaboration among its members.

The jubilation of the Roaring Twenties gave way to the harsh realities of the Great Depression. As discretionary income dwindled, amusement parks faced immense challenges, and hundreds closed their gates worldwide. By 1939, the U.S. amusement park landscape had shrunk dramatically. But amidst this hardship, parks found ways to persevere. Innovation shifted from thrilling new rides to captivating promotions and live entertainment. The sounds of big band music filled the air as parks adapted to the times, offering affordable escapes and fostering a sense of community.

The National Association of Amusement Parks continued to evolve in the 1930s, reflecting the changing landscape of the industry. In 1932, recognizing the growing popularity of pools and beaches, the association expanded its scope and became the National Association of Amusement Parks, Pools, and Beaches (NAAPPB). This broader focus brought new members and new needs, leading to the introduction of innovative services like a liability insurance plan in 1936, considered the best offered by any association in the country. Even amidst the challenges of the Great Depression, the association remained committed to supporting its members and adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.

Just as the amusement industry began to recover from the Great Depression, the world plunged into World War II. Parks in Europe faced devastation, while those in North America experienced a mixed impact. The wartime economy brought a surge of visitors seeking escape, but travel restrictions forced many remote parks to close, some permanently. Yet, from the ashes of war emerged a renewed spirit. Pent-up demand fueled an unprecedented boom, with record investments and innovative new rides. Manufacturers expanded their offerings, ushering in a thrilling new era for amusement parks.

The year 1943 marked a significant milestone for the NAAPPB, showcasing its commitment to both advocacy and member support. As the nation grappled with World War II, the association successfully lobbied government agencies to recognize the value of amusement parks in boosting morale and to ease wartime restrictions. That same year, as part of its 25th anniversary celebration, the NAAPPB launched its first industry guide and manual, a precursor to the indispensable Marketplace publication that continues to connect and inform attractions professionals today.

The post-war era brought a wave of optimism and innovation to the attractions industry. As families grew and suburbs expanded, a new breed of entertainment emerged: Kiddielands, the forerunners of today's Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), popped up near bustling shopping centers. These vibrant hubs of fun grew exponentially, offering accessible entertainment for a new generation. Meanwhile, theme parks were evolving from humble roadside attractions into immersive destinations like Disneyland, which opened its gates in 1955 and forever changed the landscape of entertainment. Across the Atlantic, European parks were also experiencing a renaissance, embracing new levels of sophistication, and setting the stage for a global industry.

The 1950s saw the rise of a new type of attraction: Kiddielands, the forerunners of today's Family Entertainment Centers. As these family-focused destinations grew in popularity, their operators recognized the need for a unified voice and formed their own association. However, the National Association of Amusement Parks, Pools, and Beaches (NAAPPB) quickly recognized the importance of this emerging sector and welcomed Kiddielands as a constituent group, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and supporting the evolving needs of the attractions industry

The 1960s were a wild ride for the attractions industry. The debut of Six Flags Over Texas in '61 launched the era of the regional theme park, a concept that quickly spread across the US. But the innovation didn't stop there! Marine life parks made a splash, studio tours offered a glimpse behind the scenes, and even the first water parks started making waves. Meanwhile, European manufacturers were turning heads with their vibrant, cutting-edge rides – from towering Himalayas to twisting Bayern Kurves. This infusion of global creativity set the stage for a truly international industry.

In 1962, the association embraced its international aspirations, changing its name to the International Association of Amusement Parks (IAAP). This bold move reflected the growing global reach of the industry and the association's commitment to connecting and supporting amusement parks around the world.

The 1970s ushered in a whirlwind of change for the amusement industry. Gone were the days of family-owned, inner-city parks like Riverview, Palisades, and Fontaine Ferry. Rising costs, urban challenges, and aging infrastructure forced many of these beloved landmarks to close, making way for a new generation of parks and leaders. Giants like Walt Disney World, Kings Island, and Great Adventure emerged as stateside industry anchors, while theme parks sprouted up across the globe – from Europa-Park and Walibi in Europe to Ocean Park in Asia and Dreamworld in Australia. And let's not forget the roller coaster renaissance! The '70s ignited an arms race of innovation, with looping coasters twisting and turning their way into thrill-seekers' hearts.

The IAAP's commitment to international collaboration took a significant step forward in 1970 with a groundbreaking tour of Asia. More than 70 industry leaders embarked on this journey, visiting Expo '70 in Osaka and exploring parks in Tokyo, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Manila. This immersive experience fostered a deeper understanding of the global attractions landscape and paved the way for future international partnerships

The 1980s marked a period of maturation for the North American attractions industry. The theme park boom, while not entirely over, began to stabilize with the opening of Canada's Wonderland. Similarly, the roller coaster arms race cooled down after the debut of the massive American Eagle. But as one chapter closed, another opened with a splash! Water attractions surged in popularity, with river rapids and spillwater rides becoming instant classics. Technology also took center stage, as simulator attractions offered thrilling new experiences. Meanwhile, the industry's global reach expanded, with Tokyo Disneyland captivating audiences and paving the way for American-style theme parks in international markets.

In 1981, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) declared a new focus on enhancing services for its international members, who constituted 20% of the total membership at that time. This commitment to global inclusivity was further demonstrated by the association's first International Reception held at the IAAPA Expo, which attracted over 500 attendees from outside the United States.

The 1990s were a decade of dramatic change and globalization for the attractions industry. Disneyland Paris opened its gates, sparking a wave of new development across Europe. A thrilling new roller coaster arms race took the world by storm, introducing innovative designs like the inverted coaster and pushing the boundaries of thrill rides. Meanwhile, Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) carved out their niche, offering a perfect dose of fun for busy families. But perhaps the most transformative trend of the decade was the rise of corporate consolidation. Led by companies like Premier Parks, investment bankers fueled a wave of acquisitions, bringing many family-owned parks under corporate umbrellas and reshaping the industry landscape.

IAAPA marked its 75th anniversary in 1993 with several significant milestones. The association launched the Amusement Institute Program in partnership with Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, offering advanced training for senior management in the attractions industry. That same year, the IAAPA Expo broke attendance records with 25,000 registrants, including 1,000 employees from the Walt Disney Company, when it traveled to Los Angeles for the first time. This landmark event garnered unprecedented media attention, with coverage from major outlets like CNN and USA Today.

As the new millennium dawned, the attractions industry found itself at a crossroads. Financiers took center stage, driving further consolidation, while rising costs and shifting trends led to the closure of nearly two dozen seaside parks around the world. But amidst these challenges, new opportunities blossomed. Emerging markets like China and the Middle East embraced the magic of amusement parks, while technology began to play a more prominent role in creating immersive experiences. The roller coaster arms race may have slowed, but innovation continued, with attractions evolving to offer richer, more engaging adventures for guests.

IAAPA's global reach expanded significantly in the early 2000s. The association established its first international office in Brussels, Belgium, strengthening ties with over 800 European members. This period also saw the election of IAAPA's first Latin American chairman, further diversifying the organization's leadership.

In 2005, IAAPA demonstrated its commitment to safety with the release of the first annual Ride Safety Report. A major milestone occurred in 2007 when IAAPA acquired the European Association of Amusement Supplier Industry (EAASI) after a year of collaboration. This strategic move laid the foundation for the expansive IAAPA Expo that the industry knows and values today.

Innovation and accessibility were the driving forces behind the attractions industry's boom in the 2010s. Emerging markets embraced themed entertainment, while established players pushed the boundaries of creativity. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter set a new standard for immersive experiences, inspiring a wave of intricately themed lands that transported guests to fantastical realms. But the industry also recognized the needs of busy consumers, offering smaller-scale attractions for those seeking shorter bursts of fun. Technology played a crucial role in enhancing safety and creating more engaging experiences, while the industry itself became increasingly interconnected, with a seamless flow of ideas and expertise across borders.

IAAPA continued its global expansion in 2010 with the establishment of the IAAPA Asia-Pacific regional office in Hong Kong. This move further solidified the association's commitment to serving its growing international membership.

2010 also saw the creation of the IAAPA Foundation as a separate non-profit organization dedicated to funding educational opportunities within the attractions industry. Expanding on its commitment to safety, IAAPA launched the Safety Roadshow, bringing its Safety Institute program to nine different conferences and exhibitions across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the United States.

The 2020s began with unprecedented challenges. The global pandemic forced the attractions industry to navigate uncharted waters, demanding resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to safety. Yet, even amidst uncertainty, the industry demonstrated its enduring appeal. Emerging markets continued to embrace themed entertainment, while established players sought new ways to engage guests. The rise of immersive lands, fueled by the success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, transformed the theme park landscape. Technology played a crucial role in enhancing safety and creating more interactive experiences, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds. As the decade unfolds, we're seeing AI directly impact the guest experience, pushing the boundaries of interactivity and personalization. Our imagination is the only limit to what the future holds, but one thing is certain: IAAPA will be there every step of the way, supporting its members, driving modernization, and ensuring that the attractions industry continues to thrive.