IAAPA enhances its leadership team with new appointments

September 15, 2023

Attractions / Retail / Tourism / Waterparks /

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has enhanced its leadership team with the addition of three distinguished professionals - Jack Chan, Jorge Cabrera and Christy Spahn - while also promoting Stacey Mills to head global expo operations.

These strategic hires are set to drive IAAPA's commitment to advancing the attractions industry worldwide.

Jack Chan - Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA APAC (above left)
IAAPA welcomes Jack Chan as the new executive director and vice president of the IAAPA Asia-Pacific region (APAC). Chan, with a distinguished background in the attractions industry, will spearhead IAAPA's mission in the APAC region. He comes to IAAPA from accesso where he was Sales Director of the Asia Pacific region. He brings a thorough understanding of the attractions industry, of IAAPA, a large network in the industry, and a strong background in sales. His in-depth knowledge of the APAC market will contribute significantly to IAAPA's efforts to support and promote the industry across the region.

Jorge Cabrera - Senior Vice President, People Development
Jorge Cabrera, an accomplished leader in talent development and organisational culture, assumes the role of Senior Vice President, People Development at IAAPA. He comes to IAAPA from Fun Spot and has extensive prior international experience at organisations such as SeaWorld, Aeroméxico, and PepsiCo. Cabrera will be instrumental in enhancing IAAPA's commitment to nurturing talent within the industry. His expertise will drive initiatives that support the professional growth and development of IAAPA members worldwide and also oversee the internal people and culture development at IAAPA.

Christy Spahn - Vice President of Expo Sales and Operations
Christy Spahn, an expert in exhibition and operations management, has been selected to be IAAPA's Vice President of Expo Sales and Operations. She previously worked with National Restaurant Association as their Senior Vice President of Sales and has over a decade of experience in the Association and Expo space. Spahn will have oversight of the sales and expo operations teams for all three trade shows. Her expertise in event management will elevate IAAPA's Expos to new heights.

Stacey Mills - Head of Global Expo Operations
Stacey Mills, a longtime IAAPA team member who most recently served as the senior director of conference and trade show operations, was promoted to head of global expo operations to oversee the development and alignment of all the three global Expos.

Jakob Wahl, president and Chief Executive of IAAPA enthused “the addition of Jack Chan, Jorge Cabrera, and Christy Spahn to the IAAPA team underscores our commitment to strengthening the global attractions industry. These industry veterans bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be pivotal in driving IAAPA's mission forward. We are proud to welcome three members to the team who have worked for true champions in their fields.”

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