The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is in talks to merge with another trade body, the International Association for the Leisure and Entertainment Industry (IALEI).

The IALEI board of directors met during Fun Expo in Las Vegas, US last week, and voted to extend talks with IAAPA about a possible merger. The IALEI board has now appointed a 'task force' of members to work out the details with IAAPA.

IALEI, a nonprofit trade association representing family and location-based entertainment centers, was founded 17 years ago.

IAAPA president, Charlie Bray, said the merger would be a natural fix.

"Both organizations offer a number of services to family entertainment centers," he said. "Family entertainment centres have been one of our largest constituent groups for several years.

"Some of the services we offer are similar and some are different. The merger will allow companies to have the best of both worlds with one membership.

"We look forward to more formal discussions about this unique opportunity."