From Feb. 2 through Feb. 4 IAAPA will host IAAPA EMEA Trade Summit at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. Featuring internationally recognized speakers, behind-the-scenes tours, and industry manufacturers and suppliers, IAAPA EMEA Trade Summit brings together experts who will share their experience, expertise, research, and insights for attractions professionals. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to come together to learn, network, connect, and share.
“We could not be more excited about IAAPA EMEA Trade Summit,” said Executive Director and Vice President, IAAPA EMEA, Jakob Wahl. “This year, our members have faced so many unexpected challenges. It is fitting we are hosting this event at one of our region’s most beloved parks, Europa-Park. The team has been supportive, partnering with us every step of the way, ensuring we will have a safe, educational, and productive event that will help foster relationships and build new connections to fuel the industry’s recovery.”
Summit attendees will expand their thinking through several unique program formats. Interview-style sessions, keynote presentations, an interactive workshop, and IAAPA EDUSessions will provide a variety of opportunities to learn, share and grow. Critical topics facing the industry will be covered including: business strategy and disruption; creating growth out of a downturn; corporate social responsibility; new trends in retail; leadership; hiring generation Z; reinventing, upgrading and renovating parks, and the guest experience.
A truly international and well-rounded list of speakers* highlight IAAPA EMEA Trade Summit including:
Dr.-Ing. h.c. Roland Mack, Founder, Europa-Park;
Dr. Rebecca Homkes, High-Growth Strategy Specialist;
Håkon Lund, Owner in 4th Generation, Lund Gruppen;
Sebastian Drechsler, Director Marketing, Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg Gmbh;
Klaus Striebich, Founder of RaRE Advise;
Robert Dahl, Founder, Karls Tourism Gmhb;
Filippo Saccà, Chief Operating Officer, Zoom Torino;
Roger Currie, Director of Business Development – Euro Asia, WTI – Water Technology Inc.;
Wim Strijbosch, Researcher, Academy for Leisure & Events, Breda University of Applied Sciences;
Dr. Dr. h.c. Klaus Hurrelmann, Professor of Public Health and Education, Hertie School – The University of Governance in Berlin;
Doug Lansky, Tourism Advisor and Travel Journalist; and
Sam Conniff, Life Consultant and Advocate of the Unusual, and author of the book, “Be More Pirate.”
Throughout IAAPA EMEA Trade Summit, attendees can also meet with more than 80 manufacturers and suppliers who will share information about their products and services for the future of the global attractions industry. In addition, attendees can take part in exclusive behind-the-scenes tours that include Rulantica, the new Water World at Europa-Park, Europa-Park’s reimagined attraction, “Pirates of Batavia”, the park’s hotels and virtual reality attractions.
“The health and safety of our Summit attendees and exhibitors remains our top priority,” shared Wahl. “Our team is working closely with Europa-Park to ensure we produce a safe and successful event. We are closely monitoring travel restrictions and following the latest guidance for group gatherings and meetings from Baden-Württemberg, the local German federal state. We will also follow the IAAPA Reopening Guidance as we prepare for the event and just as our members do, we will adjust our plans if needed.”
“We appreciate the unique circumstances our members are dealing with throughout the region and we encourage them to look ahead and plan to be a part of this event,” Wahl continued, “IAAPA EMEA is committed to bringing the industry together again we hope members will register by Sunday, 3 January so we can finalize plans for this exciting new event.”
Registration for IAAPA EMEA Trade Summit is open now and includes two nights accommodations at a four-star Europa-Park hotel and meals during the event Rates are 835€ (excl. VAT) for IAAPA members who operate attractions and 1,255 € (excl. VAT) for non-member operators. Additional details, the conference agenda, details about IAAPA’s safety measures, cancellation policy, and registration are available at IAAPA.org/iaapa-emea-trade-summit
*Speaker list confirmed as of press time and is subject to change.
