39,000 attractions industry professionals attended the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 in Orlando.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced record-breaking figures for its conference and trade show in Florida.
The Expo took place last week at the Orange County Convention Centre. It attracted professionals from all areas of the $39.5 billion industry – amusement parks, water parks, FECs, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centres, resorts, and other attractions.
There was a 12 per cent increase in buyers attending: 25,300 industry professionals participated. 1,114 companies showcased new products and services on 576,235 net square feet of trade show floor space. Exhibitors held a record 37 press conferences, unveiling new rides and announcing new attractions, technologies, and innovations.
“The success of this year’s show is a true testament to the continued growth and strength of attractions around the world,” says Paul Noland, President and CEO of IAAPA. “Achieving this record-breaking attendance as we kick off IAAPA’s 100th anniversary celebration is a remarkable milestone in our association’s history. We thank all of our attendees, exhibitors, members, and sponsors for their support. We can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for our dynamic industry — the best is yet to come.”
The Expo also awarded The IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards (for worldwide industry innovators), the IAAPA Service Awards (for service to IAAPA and the industry) and the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards (for excellence in marketing, retail, live entertainment, human resources, food and beverage, top FECs, new products, and best exhibits).
Expo participants raised around $123,000 for the charity Give Kids the World via a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, and individual and corporate donations.
The five-day Expo is believed to have added around $51.3 million to the Orlando-area economy.
