The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has elected Mario O Mamon from the Philippines as its new third vice-chairman. Mamon is the first park owner from Asia to be appointed to the position.
The chairman and president of Enchanted Kingdom will assume the role at IAAPA Attractions Expo this November, He will move through the positions of third, second, and first vice-chairman before leading the association in 2014. In the meantime, Bob Rippy of Jungle Rapids will replace Chip Cleary of Palace Entertainment as IAAPA chairman this November, followed by new first vice-chairman Roland Mack (Europa-Park) and second vice-chairman Will Morey (Morey’s Piers).
Mamon has been involved in the attractions industry since 1992 when he organised, conceptualised, and managed the construction of the Enchanted Kingdom, which is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary.
“Mario has been an industry leader and a dedicated IAAPA volunteer for many years,” notes Mats Wedin, chairman of the IAAPA nominating committee and president and CEO of Liseberg in Sweden. “We were very impressed with Mario’s background and experience. He understands the issues and opportunities that are important to IAAPA and to the global attractions industry and he has first-hand experience in the industry’s fastest-growing region, Asia-Pacific. We know he will play a key role in moving the association forward in the years ahead.”
