International Association for the Leisure and Entertainment Industry members will vote in May on a proposed merger with IAAPA, which will see IALEI absorbed into the FEC committee of IAAPA.
Current IALEI chairwoman Dorothy Lewis has, however, denied reports that the trade association’s executive committee voted separately on the merger question or that this vote resulted in an evenly split tally with then-chairman Sanfilippo casting the tie-breaking ballot.
All voting was done by secret ballot and by the entire board, not just the executive committee. IALEI’s board is united in support of the merger, with Lewis telling domestic press: "At this point our full board of directors is strongly recommending that a merger with IAAPA is in the best interest of the FEC industry."
IAAPA president and chief executive Charlie Bray is said to think the merger idea "is a unique opportunity and a natural combination allowing IALEI to focus on providing member benefits rather than a fight for survival.
"IALEI is no different to other businesses that are being challenged by a tough economy," she said. "Our revenue stream has been affected through the decline in attendance at our trade show, a decrease in insurance programme fees due to a soft market and a decline in membership revenue."
A merger would also mean a significant number of positions in the IAAPA FEC committee would be held by IALEI members.
