AALARA Convention opens: welcomes IAAPA's first Asian leader

The Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association's (AALARA) annual conference has opened today on the Gold Coast, welcoming industry leaders from across Australia, Asia and the rest of the world.

Reflecting the changing shape of the attractions industry not only domestically but in the surrounding Asia region, the conference is being addressed by a range of new speakers.

The growing impact of Asia will addressed in a presentation from Marin Mamon, incoming Chair of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and owner of the Enchanted Kingdom amusement park in the Philippines.

Set to be IAAPA's first Chair from Asia, Mamon will give the conference insight to the latest international trends for the attractions and amusement industry and will give an overview of what is happening in his own business.

Elected as IAAPA third Vice Chairman in 2010, Mamon is moving through the positions of third, second, and first vice chairman before taking over as the Association's Chairman in 2014.

Mamon is Chairman and President of Enchanted Kingdom theme park in the Philippines and has been involved in the attractions industry since 1992 when he organised, conceptualised and managed the construction of the Enchanted Kingdom.

During his years in the industry, Mamon has been an active volunteer in IAAPA. He has been a speaker at several of the association's trade shows in Asia and was a member of the IAAPA Board of Directors from 1999 to 2002. He was also a member of the membership committee, the convention and trade show advisory committee, service awards committee, Asian Attractions Expo education committee, and he currently serves on the association's advisory committee for the Asia-Pacific region.

Mamon was part of a core group of individuals who created IAAPA-ASEAN (the attractions industry federation of national associations in Southeast Asia) in 2005 and in 2006 he spearheaded the formation of the national association for the attractions industry in the Philippines (PhilAPPA).

Philippine capital Manila has just witnessed the opening of the first of four massive integrated resorts that are set to transform the regional attractions and entertainment landscape.

Another conference highlight will see Ed Fuller, Divisional Director for Merlin Entertainments Asia Pacific deliver his first major industry address in Australia, explaining the two and a half year story of Merlin Entertainments in Australia, why Merlin is so focused on Australia and what they do feel are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the attractions industry moving forward.

The AALARA 2013 Trade Exhibition and Conference is being held from 7th to 9th May at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

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http://www.aalara.com.au