The International Association of Amusement Parks (IAAPA) has opened a new office in the heart of the North America's theme park industry, Orlando, Florida, appointing its new vice president of North American Operations to oversee running of the facility.

IAAPA, which also has regional offices in Hong Kong, Brussels and Mexico City, has chosen Richard Jackson to manage the new office. He brings his extensive knowledge of hospitality and theme park experience to the table, having previously worked at Universal Orlando Resort, Wyndham Vacation Resorts and Visit Florida.

IAAPA has also established a North American Regional Advisory Committee to work closely with US state and regional industry associations on regulatory requirements, and to boost IAAPA awareness and membership in Canada. The committee is chaired by IAAPA board member Richard Sanfilippo.

The expanded focus on North America was based on feedback from IAAPA members and approved by the association's board of directors in 2013 as a part the association's extensive re-evaluation of its governing structure.