U.S. Attractions Leaders Meet with Key U.S. Lawmakers During IAAPA US Advocacy Days 2019

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, hosted its annual IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days April 8-9 in Washington, D.C. More than 38 U.S. attractions leaders met with representatives from 66 congressional offices to discuss the industry's legislative priorities and regulatory issues. The two-day event offers IAAPA U.S. members a unique opportunity to interact with influential members of the U.S. Congress and discuss pressing issues affecting the U.S. attractions industry.

"This year marks another successful IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days, bringing leaders together to share the attractions industry's voice on Capitol Hill," said Randy Davis, senior vice president of safety and advocacy at IAAPA. "As part of IAAPA's ongoing U.S. advocacy efforts, this event provides an important opportunity for members to discuss with policy makers the key issues impacting the industry. We are pleased with the informative conversations that took place during the meetings with lawmakers from around the U.S."

With 333 million annual visitors, a total employment impact of 733,605 jobs, and a total revenue impact of $51 billion, the U.S. attractions industry plays a vital role within local communities and the overall U.S. economy. IAAPA members met with congressional offices representing 17 states to discuss key priority issues affecting the attractions industry, including:

• Amusement Ride Safety -- IAAPA supports effective state ride safety regulation based on the standards developed by ASTM International F24 Committee on Amusement Rides and Devices.

• J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program -- IAAPA supports the continuation of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program without additional requirements which unnecessarily limit current use of the program.

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS or drones) -- IAAPA supports the UAS provisions passed by the 115th Congress requiring the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop a process to petition the FAA to restrict the operation of UAS over and in close proximity to fixed-site facilities such as amusement parks where UAS flight presents safety hazards.

IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days groups met with congressional office representatives from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Utah.

The event began with a discussion featuring Brendon Plack, chief of staff, Senate Majority Whip, and John Boughtin, political director, NewDem Action Fund, who provided a political outlook and answered questions from attendees. David May, management and program analyst, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), gave a presentation on unmanned aircraft systems. Attendees also heard from Congressman Billy Long (R-MO) and Congressman Jefferson Van Drew (D-NJ) who each shared their perspectives on the current U.S. political landscape.