Tuesday, March 19, 2024

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 Concludes With Record 39,000 in Attendance

 

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced that a record 39,000 registered attractions industry professionals gathered in Orlando to learn, buy, and network at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017. The premier conference and trade show for the $39.5 billion global attractions industry took place Nov. 13-17 at the Orange County Convention Center.

25,300 buyers, which included attractions industry owners, presidents, general managers, directors, and other industry professionals, attended this year’s Expo. This is a 12 percent increase in buyer attendance over 2016. Creative innovators and exhibitors debuted new products, while buyers discovered the latest technologies, discussed trends and hot topics, tasted new foods, and learned from leading experts. The five-day Expo pumped an estimated $51.3 million into the Orlando-area economy.

“The success of this year’s show is a true testament to the continued growth and strength of attractions around the world,” said Paul Noland, IAAPA president and CEO. “Achieving this record-breaking attendance as we kick off IAAPA’s 100th anniversary celebration is a remarkable milestone in our association’s history. We thank all of our attendees, exhibitors, members, and sponsors for their support. We can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for our dynamic industry — the best is yet to come.”

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 by the Numbers

1,114 companies displayed innovative new products and services on 576,235 net square feet of trade show floor space.

25,300 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.

13,523 people participated in 138 education experiences which included multiple-day institutes and symposia, behind-the-scenes tours at area attractions, panel and roundtable discussions, and constituency lunches. The education figure includes:

800 attractions industry professionals who attended the GM and Owners’ Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Nick Varney, chief executive officer, Merlin Entertainments, and

261 industry leaders who enjoyed a lunch-and-learn presentation by Bob White, chief operating officer, Village Roadshow Theme Parks.

More than 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 2017 — and to launch the association’s 100th anniversary celebration.

1,252 participants met, socialized, and shared ideas at the Opening Reception.

3,000 people attended IAAPA Celebrates at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Exhibitors held a record 37 press conferences to unveil new rides, attractions, technologies, and innovations during the Expo.

Expo participants raised approximately $123,000 for Give Kids The World through a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, and individual and corporate donations.

IAAPA appreciates the generous support of more than 50 sponsors that helped to make IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 possible.

The following industry awards were presented at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017:

IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards (worldwide industry innovators)

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)

PHOTO courtesy IAAPA.

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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