Representatives from most major attractions throughout the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East met with a record number of manufacturers and suppliers, purchased new rides, participated in educational events, and networked with other industry professionals during Asian Attractions Expo 2008. Preliminary estimates indicate that nearly 2, 600 people from more than 40 countries participated in the event, which took place at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel July 16-18 in Macau, China.
Largest Exhibit Floor in Event History
Owners, executives, and managers from amusement parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, and mega-resorts throughout the region met and negotiated with representatives from a record 167 exhibiting companies from 25 countries. Exhibitors showcased new ride models, innovative new attraction designs, entertainment productions, inflatables, animatronic figures, games equipment, creative services, and more. Trade show floor booths covered 3, 248 net square meters of exhibit space (30 percent larger than in 2007) in the convention center at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel.
Exhibitors Pleased with Buyer Quality
Dave Sandstrom from Bob's Space Racers said, "We signed a deal on day one, and that's the first time in my 14 years in the business I have ever managed to do so. That's proof that the Asian Attractions Expo attracts serious buyers."
"For us it has been a great show, ” said Kevin J. Rohwer of attraction manufacturer S&S Worldwide. “Most people who have visited our stand have been serious buyers. We anticipate signing deals for new installations by January 1, 2009, as a result."
Benjamin Xing from Beijing Jiuhua Amusement Rides Manufacturing said a large number of people expressed interest in the rides his company sells and said there were “serious buyers” in attendance at the show.
Michael Turner with Gateway Ticketing said, “The attendees were telling us they had projects and needed our product. Overall, it was a good show for us.”
Steven Wagner, from waterpark attraction company SCS Interactive, had a similar experience. “We are seeing more activity in China and Korea so we decided to come to the show. I got one order at the show and will be busy for the next 30 days following up with the people I met.”
Education Program Offered Variety of Learning Experiences
More than 225 people attended two Leadership Luncheons that featured presentations by Tom Mehrmann, CEO, Ocean Park Hong Kong, and Eric Bello, vice president of sales for Las Vegas Sands. Asian Attractions Expo 2008 attendees also participated in educational sessions on topics ranging from attractions safety and sponsorships to promotion strategies, using events and entertainment to drive business and taking cultural differences into account to successfully conduct business in Asia.
Networking Events Popular Among Participants
A great deal of networking also took place at this year’s Expo. Nearly 230 people attended the Opening Reception on Wednesday night. Expo participants also enjoyed the Young Professionals Reception and the presentation of the Asian Attractions Awards. This year’s award winners were: The Great Wall of China in the Peoples Republic of China – Overall Winner; Sentosa Resort in Singapore – Best Large Attraction; Sunway Lagoon in Malaysia – Best Medium Attraction; and Sentosa 4-D Magic in Singapore – Best Small Attraction.
Asian Attractions Expo 2008 sponsors included: EAAPA, Jack Rouse Associates, JN Entertainment and Leisure Consultancy, Kodak, and Kraftwerk Living Technologies.
40 Percent of Available Exhibit Space Already Reserved for 2009 Expo in Seoul, South Korea
During the event in Macau, exhibitors reserved more than 1, 200 square meters of the trade show floor for Asian Attractions Expo 2009, which will take place in Seoul, South Korea, at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center June 10-12, 2009.
“We are very excited about hosting the 2009 event in Seoul, ” said Charles W. Bray, IAAPA president and CEO. “The fact that 40 percent of the exhibit space in Seoul is already sold, a year in advance, reinforces the Expo’s position as the premier gathering for the attractions industry in Asia, ” he added.
Preliminary information about Asian Attractions Expo 2009 is available at www.IAAPA.org.
About Asian Attractions Expo
Asian Attractions Expo is owned and operated by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). IAAPA is the worldwide leader in connecting buyers and suppliers and providing networking and educational opportunities for the leisure and attractions industry.
About IAAPA
IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded almost 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. IAAPA represents more than 4, 300 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Funds generated for the association by its involvement in trade shows and other activities are returned to the association to fund services for its members and the industry. IAAPA maintains offices in Europe and the United States. In addition, the association’s Global Alliance partnership program includes international liaisons representing Latin America; Southeast Asia; Australia and New Zealand; India; and People’s Republic of China.
Contact Information:
IAAPA Press Office: +1 703/299-5127
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org
