Colin Dawson Open to Question
IP: In addition to your role as Chief executive of BALPPA, you were also the last President of Europarks, which was dissolved in November last year. What were that organisation’s main achievements and how will its activities now be continued?
CD: Europarks’ main role was to monitor the issues being discussed in the European Parliament and Commission and where appropriate produce a strategy. A significant consequence of that activity was the development of the European Ride Safety Reporting System which was brought about through co-operation with IAAPA. When IAAPA opened its European Office, there was no longer the need for Europarks. To maintain two attractions organisations in Europe was likely to cause confusion within the various regulatory and political bodies.
IP: In general, how well do you feel the various industry trade associations around the world cater for their members? Could they be doing some things better?
CD: From my knowledge of other trade associations around the world, I believe regular liaison and discussion at Expos has encouraged faster development for many of the newer trade bodies. Obviously financial resources will be a factor on the rate of growth but much can be learnt from the more established associations such as BALPPA, VDFU, SNELAC and, of course, IAAPA.
IP: What do you consider to be the most important benefits industry trade associations can offer their members, both operators and suppliers?
CD: Member benefits can vary depending on the constitution of an association. In BALPPA we are very clear on our primary purpose, to protect our members’ interests by ensuring we have a positive lobbying policy and the ability to monitor the activities of Government and other regulatory bodies to determine our priorities. Additionally, we continually promote best practice safety standards, provide advice and support on operational issues, organise seminars, provide networking opportunities for operators and supplier members and communicate via our website and regular newsletter.
Colin receives the
IP: What are the main challenges/issues facing the industry today and are these common to the business worldwide or do different areas/countries have different concerns? CD: Our market is increasingly demanding, our visitors’ awareness of competitive activities and options has never been higher. Our members are tasked to anticipate and deliver visitor expectations. Elsewhere in the world, as markets develop this need accelerates so the emerging markets will face increasing demands but they will have access to benefit from the experience of the more mature markets. IP: Health and safety has always been at the top of the agenda for the parks industry. How far has this element come during your time in the business and what key issues are there still to overcome to further improve the industry’s safety record?
With BALPPA member Jill Norman at the EAS visit to the Munich Oktoberfest in 2008.
IAAPA Outstanding Service Awards 2009 at his last IAAPA
Attractions Expo.
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