The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced Andrew Lee has been named Executive Director for the trade association`s new office in the Asia-Pacific region. As the leader of IAAPA Asia Pacific, Lee is responsible for expanding and enhancing the association`s programs and services in the region and will oversee government relations, communications, membership development, education, and Asian Attractions Expo, the premier conference and trade show for the industry in Asia . Lee will begin Sept. 16, and will be based in Hong Kong .

Lee is a veteran of the travel and hospitality industry. He most recently served as director, business ventures for a joint alliance between AsiaWorld-Expo, Global Sources, and Pico Global Services.
“ Asia has the fastest-growing attractions industry in the world so it is only natural for IAAPA to open an office in the region,” said IAAPA Chairman Chip Cleary. “IAAPA Asia Pacific extends the trade association`s global presence and becomes the association`s third regional office, joining those already established in Europe and Latin America .”

“We are excited to have Andrew join our team,” said IAAPA President and CEO Charles Bray. “His knowledge of the region and extensive experience in the travel, hospitality industry, and trade shows make him the ideal person to lead our Asia-Pacific operations. His presence on the ground will allow IAAPA to better serve its members and expand its presence in the region.”

Previously, Lee was executive director of the World Events Organization (WEO), a global network of event businesses and a division of the Pico Far East Group. He was responsible for expanding the network through joint ventures, acquisitions, and alliances of events companies as well as overseeing the corporate marketing and facilitating cooperation among WEO partners.

Lee has broad-based experience in start up businesses and sales and marketing. He began his career in MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) as a catering and conference sales executive with the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore in 1994. Since then he has worked for the Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre as convention manager, the Pan Pacific Hotel as assistant director of sales (conferences and exhibitions), and Reed Travel Exhibitions, as director of sales and marketing for the Asia-Pacific region. During his five-year tenure with Reed, Lee launched the inaugural Asia Business Travel Market in Shanghai in 2003 as event director, was the project director for the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart in 2001 and 2002, and attended major trade events such as World Travel Market in London, The Global Meetings and Incentives Exhibition in Geneva, Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, and Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo in Melbourne.

A member of Association of Corporate Travel Executives, Lee was elected to the PATA Singapore Executive Committee in 2002, and appointed to chair the Young Tourism Professionals (YTP) subcommittee.

Lee will report directly to Charles Bray, president and CEO of IAAPA, and will work closely with the IAAPA Asian Advisory Committee. His e-mail will be alee@IAAPA.org.

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded more than 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions worldwide and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include amusement/theme parks, waterparks, attractions, family entertainment centers, arcades, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos. IAAPA is a nonprofit organization. Funds generated for the association by its involvement in trade shows and other activities are returned to the association to fund services for its members and the industry. IAAPA currently maintains regional offices in Europe and Latin America, and the association's global headquarters is in the United States.