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IAAPA cancels IAAPA Expo 2020 due to global pandemic

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IAAPA Expo 2019

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced the cancellation of this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida.

IAAPA has announced that IAAPA Expo 2020 in Orlando will not go ahead this year, due to COVID-19. However, the association will now host a virtual conference during the same week. This will take place from 16 – 18 November, and will allow members to benefit from many of the educational sessions that were scheduled to take place in person at this year’s event.

“IAAPA Expo serves as the global marketplace for the attractions industry. We recognize this year there are many challenges facing our members from around the world,” says Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA.

IAAPA Expo 2020 cancelled

“Together with input from members, exhibitors, the IAAPA Board of Directors and our team, we have decided to cancel this year’s Expo due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19,” says McEvoy. “The continuing barriers to international and domestic travel coupled with the evolving guidance on mass gatherings, and members’ need to focus on their businesses helped lead to this decision.

“While we are disappointed we are unable to meet in-person this year, we are already looking ahead to IAAPA Expo 2021 in Orlando. We also appreciate the patience, support and commitment from our dedicated IAAPA Expo exhibitors.

“The IAAPA team has already pivoted to address finding new ways industry manufacturers and suppliers can connect with their customers to promote their products, discover new trends, and make plans for the future.”

Looking ahead

IAAPA does, however, intend to host IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 in Macao, China, from 7 – 10 June, IAAPA Expo Europe 2021 in Barcelona, Spain, from 28 – 30 September, and IAAPA Expo 2021 in Orlando, Florida, from 16 – 19 November.

Those exhibitors already contracted for IAAPA Expo 2020 should contact the IAAPA Global Sales Team to discuss their options moving forward.

Attendees of the IAAPA Expo Virtual Education Conference can attend 25 virtual sessions and two virtual keynote presentations. These sessions were part of this year’s conference program and will feature leading industry professionals. More details and registration information will be available on the IAAPA website.

Last month, IAAPA also revealed details of several keynote speakers and educational sessions ahead of the first-ever IAAPA Virtual Conference: EMEA and APAC.

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charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

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