The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions has found a possible Orlando site to build its new headquarters.
The trade association for the attractions industry, known as IAAPA, has a contract on a seven-acre parcel north of Taft-Vineland Road owned by Darden Restaurants. IAAPA and Disney have made a joint request for a land-use change from 250 hotel rooms to more than 150,000 square feet of office space. said Colleen Mangone, a spokeswoman for IAAPA.
The association announced last year that it is moving its global headquarters from Alexandria, Va. to Orlando. IAAPA has a regional office in Orlando and will relocate 40 employees when their new headquarters opens, Mangone said.
IAAPA has held its annual conference and trade show at the Orange County Convention Center since 2010.
Orange County approved an incentive package to entice IAAPA to relocate. It includes a seven-year, 50 percent property-tax abatement worth about $65,000. As part of the agreement, IAAPA has committed to holding its trade show at the convention center through 2030.
The weeklong event brings 30,000 people to the region and generates an estimated $51.3 million for the Orlando-area economy each year, according to IAAPA.