Plopsa Group CEO Steve Van den Kerkhof has been announced as the keynote speaker for IAAPA’s 2016 Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida, in November.

Van den Kerkhof – who is also chair of Belgian amusement park operator and children’s TV producer Studio 100 – has been leading Plopsa Group for more than 17 years, co-founding its theme park division in 1999.

Under his leadership, the Plopsa Group has grown in stature, now owning and operating six themed entertainment facilities in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany that together welcome more than 3 million visitors annually.

Van den Kerkhof will deliver his keynote address during the GM and Owners' Breakfast, which takes place on 16 November in the IAAPA Theater. During last year’s keynote speech, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby outlined his vision for the future of the company, including its rebuilding strategy, which has been implemented over the course of the last year.

"We are honoured to have someone with the experience and reputation of Mr Van den Kerkhof address senior attractions industry executives from around the world at the 2016 Expo," said IAAPA vice president of education, professional development, and training services, Rebecca Turner. "We look forward to his insight and the behind-the-scenes stories about the growth of Plopsa Group from a local park to a global entertainment company."