Orlando, FL, USA (Nov. 22, 2013) — Approximately 29,000 amusement park and attractions industry professionals from 110 nations packed the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 Nov. 18-22. The trade show floor buzzed with the business of fun as more than 18,200 buyers shopped their way around the largest floor in 10 years. This show brings to a close a record-breaking year as more than 43,000 people, including 28,000 buyers, participated in IAAPA’s Expos around the world: Asian Attractions Expo, Euro Attractions Show, and IAAPA Attractions Expo.
IAAPA Attractions Expo is the largest conference and trade show for the $24 billion global attractions industry and serves as the one-stop-shop for the industry. The who’s who gathered at the Expo to debut new products, test the latest technology, discuss the current trends and hot topics, learn from peers and experts, and taste new food and beverage treats. Industry owners, presidents, general managers, directors, and managers understand one of the best way to entice consumers is the addition of new product, and IAAPA Attractions Expo connects them with leading innovators and creative masterminds to begin developing future guest experiences.
“There was a palpable energy throughout IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013,” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland. “Business is clearly booming. The week was filled with big project announcements, exciting ride reveals, contracts being signed, and education sessions overflowing with attractions professionals.”
The event is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The five-day Expo had an estimated $48 million economic impact on the Orlando area.
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 by the Numbers
- 1,098 companies displayed innovative new products and services on 528,578 net square feet of trade show floor space. It was the largest trade show floor in 10 years and the largest outdoor area ever. The indoor exhibit space was completely sold out.
- 18,200 total qualified buyers including executives from amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers (FECs), zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and roadside attractions from around the world participated.
- 11,300 people (an increase of five percent over last year) participated in 80 education programs which included multiple-day Institutes, behind-the-scenes tours, panel and roundtable discussions, and half-day symposiums.
- 1,800 people attended the Kickoff Event, the week’s official opening session, for an update on the state of the industry; to see the exciting new attractions introduced around the world in 2013; and to preview new developments for 2014.
- 1,500 participants met, socialized, and shared ideas at the Opening Reception.
- Approximately 1,200 industry leaders enjoyed a lunch and learn presentation by Walt Disney World Resort President George Kalogridis and keynote breakfast address by Matt Ouimet, President and CEO, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.
- 1,600 people enjoyed Antartica: Empire of the Penguin, “Manta,” “Kraken,” and “Shamu Rocks” during IAAPA Celebrates at SeaWorld Orlando.
- Exhibitors held more than 16 press conferences to reveal new rides, attractions, technology, and innovations during Expo.
- Expo participants raised a record-breaking $115,000 for Give Kids The World, the Kissimmee, Fla., resort for children with life-threatening illnesses with a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, and a chance-to-win.
- IAAPA appreciates the generous support of 67 sponsoring companies who helped make IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 possible.
Prestigious Industry Awards Presented at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013
The following awards were presented at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013:
- IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards (worldwide industry leaders)
- IAAPA Service Awards (service to IAAPA and the industry)
- IAAPA Brass Ring Awards (marketing, retail, live entertainment, human resources, food and beverage, top family entertainment centers, new products, best exhibits)