IAAPA has created a new position within the attractions body, appointing research expert Melissa Teates to initiate, conduct, and manage worldwide market research and data analysis.

Teates, who has been appointed director of industry research and analysis, has more than 20 years of experience within the fields of business research, analysis, writing, and project management. Most recently, she served for eight years as director of research for the American Society of Travel Agents and also held a research position at the Paperboard Packaging Council.

In her new role, Teates will oversee economic impact studies for the global attractions industry, financial and benchmarking reports for the association's constituencies, industry performance reports and forecasts, and IAAPA's market census.

"Our members have expressed the need for more attractions industry information, and we responded," said IAAPA president and CEO Paul Noland. "Melissa will play a vital role in providing research findings and data that will aid members in their decision making and allow the association to more effectively represent the industry to governments and press."