Beijing, China — Preliminary estimates indicate a record-breaking 9,000 industry professionals participated in Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2014, the premier international conference and exhibition for the attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region. The explosive growth of the industry in Asia—specifically in Mainland China—was evident throughout the three-day Expo as a record number of industry leaders participated in the event and a record number of companies showcased the newest products and services on the largest trade show floor in the event’s history. Asian Attractions Expo, which is produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), took place at the China National Convention Center 18-20 June.
The estimated total number of registered participants (9,000) represents an increase of more than 67 percent compared to the 2013 Expo in Singapore. That number includes more than 6,500 buyers, an increase of 80 percent compared to 2013. The buyers are owners, executives, managers, and leaders from theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and real estate development companies from more than 70 nations and regions around the globe.
The sold-out exhibition floor featured new products and innovative services from 325 companies representing 33 countries and regions. The exhibits covered approximately 9,100 net square meters of space, which was an increase of more than 30 percent over the 2013 Expo.
Total attendance at the Expo education programs, seminars, institutes, tours, and networking events exceeded 2,500.
“Business is booming in Asia,” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland. “The Expo was packed with executives and decision makers developing brand new parks and attractions in record numbers, along with leaders of well-established parks looking for the next big idea to drive their businesses to new heights.”
Commenting on the education program, IAAPA Vice President of Asia-Pacific Andrew Lee said, “The education conference is always an important reason many people participate in Asian Attractions Expo. As the industry grows in the region, so does demand for attractions industry-focused professional development. IAAPA helps fulfill that need through the AAE education conference and by producing other learning opportunities around Asia throughout the year.”
Asian Attractions Expo 2014: By the Numbers
- –325 companies from 33 countries and regions displayed new and innovative products on 9,100 net square meters of space, the largest exhibition floor in the Expo’s history.
- –6,500 qualified buyers met with industry suppliers, attended education sessions, and participated in networking events to discover new ideas and learn about the important trends in the industry.
- –Attendance at the education conference seminars was approximately 1,200. The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers sold out at 85, and more than 180 people participated in the IAAPA Safety Institute.
- –More than 300 people attended the Leadership Breakfast featuring a keynote address from Bill Ernest, president and managing director of Asia for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
- –Two-hundred-eighty-five (285) people participated in tours of Forbidden City, Happy Valley Beijing, and the Great Wall of China.
- –Approximately 400 people attended the Opening Ceremony where officials addressed the growth of both the industry and the Expo.
- –More than 400 people made new business connections and exchanged information on industry trends and hot topics during the Opening Reception at the China National Convention Center.
The Platinum sponsors for Asian Attractions Expo 2014 were the Guangzhou Chimelong Group and the Wanda Group. The Gold sponsors included JRA, Mack Rides, The Producers Group, and WhiteWater West. Antonio Zamperla SPA, Forrec, Golden Horse Amusement Equipment, and KraftWerk were Silver sponsors.
Asian Attractions Expo 2015 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre 16-19 June 2015. Exhibitor information on the 2015 event is now available on the IAAPA website and attendee information will be available in the fall.
Photo of Cruden booth at IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo 2014 by Martin Palicki for InPark Magazine