Friday, March 29, 2024

IAAPA’s Euro Attractions Show 2018 breaks multiple records

 

Hosted by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Euro Attractions Show (EAS) 2018 was one for the record books. It took place 25-27 Sept. 2018, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre in the Netherlands and set new EAS records for the number of exhibiting companies (570), the size of the exhibit floor (15,000 square meters), and the total number of participants (15,800).

“We were excited to bring Euro Attractions Show 2018 back to Amsterdam during IAAPA’s 100thanniversary. Our members love this city and so do we. The show in 2014 in Amsterdam marked the first time ever we hit 10,000+ attendees,” said IAAPA Vice President of IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Jakob Wahl. “This year marks the first time we hit more than 15,000 attendees, reflecting the strength of the location, and of course the strength of the global attractions industry.”

Mona Keijzer, Dutch State Secretary for Economy and Sustainability, addressed attendees during the event’s Opening Ceremony, which also included entertainment from some of the world-class parks and attractions in the Netherlands.

More than 2,500 people participated in the extensive EAS Conference Programme that included in-depth learning experiences, local attractions tours, discussion forums, and seminars. Topics covered included: industry trends, safety, sustainability, technology, group sales, retailtainment, and marketing,

Euro Attractions Show 2018 by the Numbers

Preliminary estimates indicate 15,800 people attended EAS 2018, including 11,300 buyers. The number of total participants represents an increase of 24 percent compared to EAS 2017 in Berlin and a 45 percent increase compared to when EAS was last in Amsterdam in 2014.

5,100 people from the Benelux region participated in EAS 2018.

570 companies showcased new and innovative products on 15,000 square meters of space on the trade show floor.

72 Dutch companies exhibited on the EAS 2018 show floor.

1,300 people celebrated IAAPA’s 100th anniversary at the Opening Reception at Strand Zuid, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

264 people attended the Leadership Breakfast, featuring keynote speaker Coen Bertens,park director and member of the board of directors of the Efteling.

38 leaders participated in the two-and-a-half day IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers.

113 attended the in-depth IAAPA Safety Institute.

Euro Attractions Show 2018 Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSORS: Leisure Development Partners (LDP); Polin Waterparks; Simtec Systems/Setpoint Inc.; Brogent Technologies.

GOLD SPONSORS: Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.; KristallTurm; SIMWORX; Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.; The Coca-Cola Company; Wartsila Entertainment Systems.

SILVER SPONSORS: accesso; Freeman; Interlink LG Ltd.; iPlayCO; JRA (Jack Rouse Associates); Mack Rides GmbH & Co KG; Premier Rides, Inc.; ProSlide; QubicaAMF Bowling; RWS Entertainment Group; Sacoa Playcard System; Vortex Aquatic Structures Intl.; Water Technology Inc. (WTI) / Neuman Aqua; WhiteWater.

SUPPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS: BooQi Media Solutions; VAHLE.

Euro Attractions Show 2019

Euro Attractions Show 2019 will be held in Paris, France, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 15-19 Sept. 2019. Advance exhibit sales are strong as more than 390 companies have already reserved more than 12,800 net square meters of space. Exhibitor information for the 2019 event is available on the IAAPA EAS website, www.IAAPA.org/EAS. More detailed information on EAS 2019 will be available in early 2019.

Euro Attractions Show 2018 Quotes from Participants

Andreas Andersen, 2018 IAAPA Chairman of the Board and CEO/president of the Liseberg Group:
“We tend to work in our own little bubbles. EAS connects those bubbles. It brings the whole attractions family together.”

Amanda Thompson OBE, managing director, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and IAAPA Second Vice Chairman:
“EAS is an amazing event to make friends, discover new ideas, understand the issues affecting us, and learn from each other. The networking opportunities are invaluable. It’s exciting to welcome new faces and young professionals into the industry. EAS shows that we share and we care.”

Benoit Cornet, CEO and founder, Alterface:
“EAS is our home. We like to be here. There is so much potential for dark rides in Europe and this is a great opportunity to promote them to the market.”

Emily Burrows, communications manager, Holovis:
“EAS is a fantastic show. All of IAAPA’s events work very well for us.”

Goof Lukken MBA, senior lecturer, attractions and theme parks management, Breda University of Applied Sciences:
“We bring our students to visit the trade show and all the different education programs. We are educating the future managers of theme parks and attractions, and EAS is often their first connection to the industry. It’s always inspiring.”

Michela Favero, sales manager, EOS Rides:
“When the show opens in the mornings, we have been flooded with people. The clients who come here are serious.”

Alhanouf Alsoghayer, L&D specialist, General Entertainment Authority, Saudi Arabia:
“It’s been a fantastic experience. I’m so glad to be part of the change happening in my country, helping to create exciting entertainment opportunities. It’s wonderful to be part of EAS and I’m looking forward to the Orlando show.”

Zlatimira Bancheva, head of sales, Walltopia:
“This show has been really busy. As a European company, it’s important for us to be here. Our company is growing and we have many new products to showcase, such as Ropetopia Curves. At EAS, we can meet existing contacts, find new ones, and see what is going on in the industry in general.”

Ingrid Grimbergen, marketing manager, Bright Buildings:
“If you’re creating integrated leisure and retail destinations, you need to team up with leisure specialists in the fields of theming, architecture, construction, operations, data, demographics, hospitality, and interiors. You’ll find them here at EAS!”

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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