IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has opened IAAPA Expo 2024 to visitors at the Orange County Convention Center.
Launched yesterday (19 November), IAAPA Expo is welcoming attractions industry professionals for a four-day gathering of networking, education and innovation.
With more than 1,100 exhibitors and over 140 learning opportunities, this year’s event introduces new pavilions such as the ‘Haunting Grounds’ for Halloween-themed attractions, and an ‘IAAPA Street Market’ for F&B trends with live demos and tastings.
“This year’s IAAPA Expo is truly our largest and most dynamic event yet – the sheer number of exhibitors, attendees, and educational sessions reflect the incredible breadth of our industry,” said Michael Shelton, IAAPA North America’s vice president and executive director.
“From groundbreaking technology to diverse networking opportunities, we’re thrilled to host attendees from all over the globe, uniting the industry in one extraordinary space, and sparking creativity for attractions professionals worldwide”
The IAAPA Expo opening ceremony featured magical live performances, comments from IAAPA’s leadership, and the passing of the gavel from current IAAPA chairman Wuthichai Luangamornlert to incoming IAAPA chairman Massimiliano Freddi.
“Sparking creativity for attractions professionals”
“The attractions industry is a powerhouse, drawing millions of visitors and generating significant economic impact globally,” said Jakob Wahl, president and CEO for IAAPA.
“Our industry isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a vital contributor to economies and communities worldwide, making events like the IAAPA Expo essential for shaping its future.”
IAAPA Expo is a significant event that fosters collaboration, ignites inspiration, and forms lasting partnerships in the attractions industry. This year’s event promises to be a week of memorable experiences filled with influence that can be felt on a global scale.
Last night, the IAAPA Hall of Fame 2024 inductees were celebrated at an event with a silent and live auction. This raised around $140,000 for the IAAPA Foundation.
