IAAPA 2016 by the numbers

Nov 23, 2016 Joe Kleiman Attractions, Business, Events, Haunts, Museums, News, Technology & Media, Theme Parks, Themed Dining/Retail, Zoos & Aquariums 0

35,100 attractions industry professionals attended IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 in Orlando to experience the future of the industry across the largest trade show floor in the event’s 98-year history, breaking all records for attendance and exhibition size in the event’s 98-year history. The attractions industry business is booming around the world and the success of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 rounds out a record-breaking year for all three of IAAPA’s Expos, including the events in Asia and Europe. The weeklong trade show and conference in Orlando took place Nov. 14-18 in the Orange County Convention Center.

ABOVE PHOTO: TEA booth and beyond at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016. Photo courtesy IAAPA.

More than 22,600 buyers, including attractions industry owners, presidents, general managers, directors, and managers joined creative innovators throughout the week to announce new products, test the latest technologies, discuss trends and hot topics, taste new food and beverage options, and learn from leading experts. IAAPA Attractions Expo is the premier conference and trade show for the $39.5 billion global attractions industry and serves as the marketplace of innovation for the industry. The event is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

“What an amazing week and year. This record-setting show caps off a record year for IAAPA Expos around the world,” said Paul Noland, IAAPA president and CEO. “With the largest gathering in nearly 20 years, the success of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 is an indication of sustained growth in the industry.”

The five-day Expo pumped an estimated $51.3 million into the Orlando-area economy.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 by the Numbers

1,136 companies displayed innovative new products and services on 578,460 net square feet of trade show floor space.

22,600 qualified buyers from around the world, including executives from amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers (FECs), zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and attractions participated in the Expo.

11,850 people participated in 99 education experiences which included multiple-day institutes and symposia, behind-the-scenes EDUTours at area attractions, panel and roundtable discussions, and constituency lunches. The education figure includes:

670 attractions industry professionals who attended the GM and Owners’ Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Steve Van den Kerhkoff, CEO, Plopsa Group.

Approximately 460 industry leaders who enjoyed a lunch-and-learn presentation by Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president, Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Water Parks, and Mini-Golf and Jeffrey Abraham, art director, Walt Disney Imagineering.

2,000 people attended the Kickoff Event, the Expo’s official opening session, for an update on the state of the industry; to see the exciting new attractions introduced around the world in 2016; and to preview new developments for 2017.

1,270 participants met, socialized, and shared ideas at the Opening Reception.

Exhibitors held a record 36 press conferences to unveil new rides, attractions, technologies, and innovations during the Expo.

Expo participants raised approximately $125,000 for Give Kids The World (www.gktw.org), through a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, individual and corporate donations, and hole-in-one challenge.

IAAPA appreciates the generous support of 63 sponsors that helped to make IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 possible.

The following prestigious industry awards were presented at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016:

IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards (worldwide industry leaders)

IAAPA Service Awards (service to IAAPA and the industry)

IAAPA Brass Ring Awards (excellence in marketing, retail, live entertainment, human resources, food and beverage, top family entertainment centers, new products, and best exhibits)

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Nov. 13-17. More than249 companies have already reserved booth space for the trade show floor. Information about exhibiting in or attending the 2017event will be available at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo.