[quote]Again Amsterdam has proven to be the right place for our show. With numerous projects going on in the northwest part of Europe and with a strong and dynamic industry in the Benelux-region, we had high expectations but these figures are really extraordinary.” — Karen Staley, IAAPA Vice President of European Operations[/quote]
Brussels, Belgium — Over three days (23-25 September), EAS realized the highest number of exhibitors, the largest amount of exhibit space, and a record attendance by visitors. It is the largest trade show for the attractions industry in Europe and this edition in Amsterdam has been the most successful in the event’s 11-year history.
EAS is organized by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and rotates every year over different European countries. IAAPA Vice President of European Operations, Karen Staley said: ”
Preliminary counts show that about 10,750 visitors came to the event this year. In comparison to EAS 2013 in Paris this is an increase of 26 percent. The visitors came from more than one hundred countries and about a third came from The Netherlands. This year organizers noted a substantial increase of managers from campgrounds, shopping centres, and family entertainment centres. A record 441 companies from 36 countries showcased their latest products, including roller coasters, attractions, ticket and access systems, 3-D movies, games, and much more. The growth in guest interactivity and the combinations of different technologies in one attraction are some important trends featured among the products exhibited at this year’s show.
Parallel to the trade show ran an educational conference with more than 20 hours of seminars for industry professionals about the developments in the industry, the latest trends, and hot topics. The education programmes were led by some of the most successful leaders in Europe. The participation in the education conference sessions was also excellent; more than 1.800 people attended the seminars on issues like mobile management, haunted attractions, social media, branded goods, employee development strategies, and innovative technology to name just a few of them. EAS also featured the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers, the IAAPA Safety Institute, a Young Professionals Forum, a forum for water park operators, a symposium for indoor playground/family entertainment centres, and behind-the-scenes tours of Efteling, Walibi Holland, and Dolfinarium.