# IAAPA & MENALAC Join, Launch IAAPA MENA

**Source:** Replay Magazine  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2026-03-02  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.replaymag.com/iaapa-menalac-join-launch-iaapa-mena/

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## Analysis

IAAPA and MENALAC have formed a partnership to create IAAPA MENA, a dedicated regional organization for the Middle East and North Africa leisure and attractions industry. The partnership will officially launch during IAAPA Expo Middle East on July 1, providing stronger representation and resources for regional members while maintaining global network connectivity.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] IAAPA and MENALAC are joining to create IAAPA MENA — _Official announcement from IAAPA/MENALAC partnership_
- [HIGH] IAAPA MENA will officially launch during IAAPA Expo Middle East on July 1 — _Stated in announcement_
- [HIGH] IAAPA MENA will provide stronger dedicated representation and resources for regional members — _Jakob Wahl, IAAPA president and CEO quote_

### Notable Quotes

> "By establishing IAAPA MENA, we're ensuring that members in this dynamic region receive even stronger dedicated representation and resources while remaining fully connected to our worldwide network"
> — **Jakob Wahl**
> _Official statement on strategic intent and member benefit of the partnership_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| IAAPA | organization | International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, global leisure and attractions industry trade organization |
| MENALAC | organization | Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council, regional industry advocacy organization |
| IAAPA MENA | organization | New regional subsidiary/partnership entity serving Middle East and North Africa |
| Jakob Wahl | person | IAAPA president and CEO |
| IAAPA Expo Middle East | event | Trade show event scheduled for July 1 where IAAPA MENA partnership will officially launch |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Industry partnership and consolidation, Regional market expansion
- **Secondary:** Member representation and support

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.85) — Announcement framed positively around collaboration, growth, and member empowerment. No tensions or criticisms noted.

### Signals

- **[industry_signal]** IAAPA and MENALAC partnership represents consolidation of regional industry representation, bringing two separate organizations under integrated structure (confidence: high) — IAAPA and MENALAC join forces to create IAAPA MENA
- **[market_signal]** IAAPA expansion into dedicated Middle East and North Africa regional presence signals growth opportunity and market development in that geography (confidence: high) — Partnership described as part of expansion into Middle East region with dedicated representation and resources
- **[event_signal]** IAAPA Expo Middle East scheduled for July 1 serves as launch venue for IAAPA MENA partnership (confidence: high) — Partnership will officially launch and be celebrated during IAAPA Expo Middle East on July 1

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## Transcript

As part of an expansion into the Middle East region, IAAPA and the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) will join forces to create IAAPA MENA. The partnership will officially launch and be celebrated during IAAPA Expo Middle East on July 1. “By establishing IAAPA MENA, we’re ensuring that members in this dynamic region receive even stronger dedicated representation and resources while remaining fully connected to our worldwide network,” said Jakob Wahl, IAAPA president and CEO. “MENALAC has been a passionate and effective advocate for the region’s attractions industry, and together we are combining the strengths of two respected organizations to empower innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth.”

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v3)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 7d04c895-cf3a-47d8-b32b-4d550908c49c*