Sold-out trade show floor and record participation in events and education program among highlights of “Asia’s premier attractions industry conference and exhibition”
A record-breaking trade show floor, sold-out special events, packed education sessions, and a strong turnout from serious buyers marked the continued growth and success of Asian Attractions Expo. The four-day conference and exhibition, owned by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), took place at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in Singapore June 21-24.
Preliminary estimates indicate 4,900 people, including 3,500 buyers, participated in education programs and networking events, took behind-the-scenes tours of area attractions, and saw a variety of new products and services for the attractions industry on a sold-out trade show floor. Delegates from 46 nations around the globe participated in the event. Developers, owners, managers, and leaders from theme parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, and resorts met with a record-breaking 236 companies from 30 countries at the Resorts World Convention Centre. The exhibits covered 4,461 net square meters of space.
IAAPA President and CEO Chip Cleary said he is pleased with this year’s event: “The growth of IAAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo mirrors the growth of the attractions industry in Asia. We look forward to continuing the trend as we take the Expo to Hong Kong in 2012.”
Andrew Lee, Executive Director for IAAPA’s Asia Pacific office in Hong Kong, shares Cleary’s optimism: “We’ve had a good show here in Singapore. We were very honored by the tremendous participation from exhibitors and buyers from throughout the Asia-Pacific region. As we continue to expand IAAPA’s operations in Asia Pacific, we look forward to additional growth for Asian Attractions Expo.”
Exhibitors say serious business took place on the trade show floor
“IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo again provided authentic, high-value leads, through a mutually beneficial and well thought platform for both exhibitors and buyers,” said Luke Riley with Australia-based attractions design firm, Sanderson Group International.
Junnie and Charles Sublett, owners of Mediak from New Albany, Indiana, United States, were visibly pleased with the buzz surrounding their photo personalized DVD product. “Last week we had 22 dealers around the world, but in these two days at this show alone, we have signed about 12 new deals,” said Charles Sublett, who summed up the response as “exceptional.” Junnie added she was impressed by the fact that the buyers came from different places throughout Asia and elsewhere including Czech Republic, Turkey, and Russia.
Oliver Vincent of Alterface, an interactive company from Belgium, gave the thumbs up to this year’s event. “We have good leads from this show,” he said, adding that Asia is the right market to target the growing industry.
Exhibitors Cosmic Animation Entertainment from Penang, Malaysia, showcased new products at the industry event. “We had better response this year in terms of sales query,” enthused company representative Lee Soo Lan. “Interested parties have come from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, China, Japan, even Russia and Spain,” she added.
Record turnout for education programs
Attendance at Expo education programs reached a record 1,280. Industry leaders participated in seminars and roundtable discussions on a variety of topics including: employee engagement, reducing attractions’ carbon footprint, family entertainment centers, reinventing attractions, marketing strategies, integrated resort development, and risk management.
A total of 205 delegates participated in the IAAPA Safety Institute to learn about best practices, safety standards, and government regulations in Singapore. More than 400 people attended Leadership Breakfast keynote presentations by Mario Mamon, President and Chairman, Enchanted Kingdom, in the Philippines, and Mike Barclay, CEO, Sentosa Leisure Group.
Other Asian Attractions Expo 2011 highlights
- 400 people participated in the sold-out Opening Night Event at Universal Studios Singapore.
- 180 delegates experienced “Night Safari” at Singapore Zoo.
- 240 people participated in tours at Resorts World Sentosa, the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer, and the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands.
- Gold Sponsors for Asian Attractions Expo 2011 were Cityneon Holdings Limited and Live Park 4D. Jack Rouse Associates, KRAFTWERK Living Technologies International, Premier Rides, and WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. were Silver Sponsors.
Asian Attractions Expo 2012 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre June 5-8. More than 140 companies have already reserved 80 percent (3,700 net square meters) of the space available on the trade show floor. Information on the 2012 event will be available in the weeks ahead at www.IAAPA.org.
About IAAPA
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded more than 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,000 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. The association’s global headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. The association maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong.
