The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions is celebrating a successful event full of innovation after IAAPA Expo 2019 in Orlando.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is proud to have completed another successful IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida. During last week’s event, 42,600 attendees and 1,146 exhibitors came together at the Orange County Convention Centre to highlight and explore the latest innovations in the industry.
“With the largest attendance in IAAPA Expo history, this year’s event is a testament to the continued growth and strength of the attractions industry worldwide,” says Hal McEvoy, President and CEO, IAAPA. “It’s been an incredible week bringing together this vibrant and diverse community that continues to evolve in ways we’ve yet to imagine.”
A record-breaking year
With 42,600 attendees, this was a record-breaking show, as professionals from throughout the sector took part in networking events and educational sessions. In addition to this, the 585,000 net-square-foot trade show floor was open for business and was visited by 27,800 qualified buyers, exploring 125 different product categories.
Attendees came from all over the world and represented a wide range of amusement parks, waterparks, FECs, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centres, resorts and more.
It is estimated that the five-day event contributed around $77.2 million to the Orlando-area economy. The latest IAAPA Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook Report (2019-2023) predicts that theme and amusement parks globally will cater to over 1.16 billion people in 2019, generating $52 billion in revenue.
Almost 40 companies held press conferences from the trade show floor to announce new products or projects.
Highlights
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line presented a keynote speech at the GM and Owners’ Breakfast, alongside insights from Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. Other events included the Lunch and Learn: The Emergence of Authentic Reality session with George Walker, Creative Director, Universal Creative Studio, as well as Coca-Cola Presents: How to Become Self Made and Have a Rich Life in Every Way with Nely Galán, entrepreneur and author.
During the expo, attendees raised around $155,000 for Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village as they took part in fun events such as a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, as well as making corporate donations. IAAPA has raised over $1 million for the charity to date.
Industry success stories and new innovations were also celebrated at the IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards, the IAAPA Service Awards and the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards.
IAAPA Expo 2020 will be held at the Orange County Convention Centre from 17 – 20 November 2020.
