It feels like IAAPA is returning home. The first IAAPA Expo I went to was in Orlando, and it just seemed like the right fit. Based on reactions people have had to the two-year stint in Atlanta, I would wager that most people agree with me.
It should be just like “old times”, and hopefully exhibitors and attendees will wax nostalgic and return in great numbers. The only change for the worse, in my opinion, is IAAPA’s decision to abandon the Thursday night social event in favor of the elitist Gala Dinner, which limits the number of guests and prices out many attendees. Luckily, there isn’t a lack of options for recreation while in Orlando.
I imagine this longing for a homecoming is similarly felt by those who look for a resurgence in World’s Fairs here in the States. I’ve never been to a World’s Fair, though the desire is there. The closest I’ve ever come was driving through Knoxville and recognizing The Sunsphere, and only because of an old Simpsons episode.
This issue of InPark launches an incredible six-part series on the relevance of World’s Fairs to today’s culture. Each segment, or chapter, is part of a book written on the subject by some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts, and edited by our own Judith Rubin.
I am confident that as the days get shorter and the nights get colder you’ll appreciate cuddling up and reading about World’s Fairs, along with all the other projects highlighted in this issue. I’m sure you’ll also enjoy that trip down to sunny Florida too.
Enjoy IAAPA!

-MARTIN PALICKI