[quote]As home to seven of the top theme parks in the world plus many other attractions, Orlando is the perfect destination to host the largest international trade show for amusements and attractions.” — George Aguel, president and CEO of Visit Orlando[/quote]
Alexandria, VA, USA (May 27, 2014) – Officials from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Visit Orlando, and the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) today announced a six-year extension of their agreement to host IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando through 2025.
Approximately 28,800 people from more than 100 nations participated in IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013. The weeklong event is the largest conference and trade show for the worldwide attractions industry and it generates approximately $51.3 million for the Orlando-area economy. IAAPA officials also announced that registration for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2014, which takes place in the Orange County Convention CenterNov. 17-21, is now open.
The new contract represents an extension of IAAPA’s previous agreement to host the Expo in Orlando from 2010 through 2019.
“IAAPA Attractions Expo continues to grow year after year and that’s a testament to the power of Orlando as the ideal location for our global conference and trade show,” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland. “The Orange County Convention Center is a best-in-class venue that’s well-suited for our event and our members love coming to Orlando to see what’s new in the industry and in the area’s world-renowned attractions.”
IAAPA officials cited a number of additional reasons for hosting the Expo in Orlando through 2025:
- Proven Track Record – IAAPA Attractions Expo has continued to grow since it returned to Orlando in 2010.
- Preferred Location – According to research the association has conducted with both buyers and exhibitors, Orlando is their preferred location for IAAPA Attractions Expo.
- Ideal Convention Center – The North/South Hall of the Orange County Convention Center has worked well for IAAPA Attractions Expo. The building effectively accommodates the large, tall, and heavy exhibits on a single, ground-level trade show floor. Although the indoor exhibit space sold out in 2013, the floor layout was adjusted to make room for more booths in 2014 and can be fine-tuned further for subsequent years. The OCCC has plenty of meeting rooms to accommodate the more than 100 education sessions, social gatherings, presentations, and other events that take place throughout Expo week.
- Affordable Worldwide Access – Travel in and out of Orlando is affordable, and the Orlando International Airport is easily accessible from throughout the world. There are accessible ports nearby, making it easier for exhibitors from around the globe to ship their products to the city. Plus, the city offers a wide variety of convenient and affordable hotel options for Expo attendees.
- Theme Park and Attractions Capital – Orlando is the unofficial capital of the theme park industry, and Expo participants enjoy visiting the region to see what’s new in the parks and attractions in the area.
- Unique Partnership with Give Kids The World – While in Orlando, IAAPA Attractions Expo participants help raise funds for Give Kids The World (GKTW), a 70-acre, nonprofit resort in Kissimmee that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW has welcomed more than 122,000 families from all 50 United States and more than 74 countries. In 2013, IAAPA Attractions Expo participants raised $113,000 for GKTW. www.gktw.org
“We are so pleased that IAAPA has selected the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando as their home through 2025,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “As the number-one tourist destination in the world, it makes great sense for Orlando to host the world’s top amusement park and attractions gathering.”
“Thanks to our world-class meeting facilities, recognized hospitality, and special relationship with IAPPA, we continue to enjoy growth in exhibitors and attendees,” said George Aguel, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
“The Orange County Convention Center is honored to be chosen as a long-term partner for the prestigious IAAPA Attractions Expo,” said Kathie Canning, executive director of the Orange County Convention Center. “We have enjoyed an outstanding relationship with IAAPA and are excited to continue to provide their leadership, exhibitors, and attendees with all of the amenities that our convention center and community have to offer.”
The terms of the agreements between IAAPA and Orlando were not disclosed.