Skip to main content
In depth
amsterdam AS night time EAS 2018 a

EAS 2018 review: IAAPA’s Euro Attractions Show breaks records in Amsterdam

Even with visitors dispersed across six halls of exhibits, EAS 2018, the Euro Attractions Show in Amsterdam felt busy. And the numbers proved it. On its third visit to the Dutch capital, IAAPA EMEA’s flagship event pulled in a record 15,800 participants.

That’s roughly one person per square metre of floor space (15,000 sq m). Of those, 11,300 were identified by IAAPA as buyers. Fortunately they didn’t all come at once. The three day event took place at the RAI Amsterdam convention centre from Tuesday to Thursday, September 25 to 27. But there was lot’s more going on, both on and off site, before and after the show. All this and a birthday cake big enough to feed over 1,000!

EAS 2018 back in Amsterdam

“We were excited to bring Euro Attractions Show back to Amsterdam during IAAPA’s 100th anniversary,” said Jakob Wahl, vice-president for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). “Our members love this city and so do we.”

IAAPA-100-birthday-cake-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-AmsterdamOn EAS’ first visit to Amsterdam, in 2008, attendance was just over 8,000. Six years later it exceeded 10,000 for the first time in EAS history. This time, numbers were up 24 per cent compared to the 12,400 who visited EAS 2017 in Berlin. In smashing the 15,000 barrier this year (the previous highest total was 12,600 two years ago in Barcelona), Wahl said EAS reflected “the strength of the location, and of course the strength of the global attractions industry.”

The Dutch impact on the attractions industry

The show also highlightd the significant contribution made by attractions and suppliers in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. Almost a third of participants (5,100) came from Benelux region. Featured among the 570 exhibitors were 72 companies from the Netherlands.

Sun-on-the-show-floor-at-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam

In the various education sessions, there were representatives not just of facilities such as theme parks and museums, but also ambitious projects like Holland World and the Floriade 2022 horticultural expo. More on these later.

The Netherlands also has a strong record when it comes to educating the attractions managers of tomorrow. “We bring our students to visit the trade show and all the different education programmes,” said Goof Lukken MBA, senior lecturer in Attractions and Theme Parks Management at Breda University of Applied Sciences. “EAS is often their first connection to the industry. It’s always inspiring.”

Putting on a show

On Tuesday morning, Dutch State Secretary for Economy and Sustainability, Mona Keijzer addressed attendees during the event’s Opening Ceremony. As has become an IAAPA tradition, this included entertainment from various local theme parks and attractions.

The ceremony also featured a stage dance from eight autonomous drones, provided by the French company Dronisos. As the pièce de résistance, two drones then flew back onto stage. They had a red ribbon floating between them, ready for IAAPA executives to cut and declare the show open.

Opening-reception-fireworks-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam

There was further entertainment, in the form of fireworks and lasers, at the Opening Reception. This always popular event was particularly well attended this year. No fewer than 1,300 EAS attendees mixed and mingled at the Strand Zuid artificial beach within the grounds of the RAI. There was plenty of food and drink. The icing on the cake was the cake itself. Given that this business is all about entertaining people, it’s nice that this was reflected at such events.

Opening-reception-at-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
EAS 2018 Opening Reception at Strand Zuid

Bikes, boats and trophies

Of course there plenty of drinks receptions too. WhiteWater always picks unique venues for its parties. Its Wednesday night gathering at Hortus Botanicus was just as pleasant as the G&Ts. And for those who could join early enough (including Blooloop’s Charlie), the company hosted a memorable bike tour around Amsterdam. Guided by local company Ride With Me, the tour was an inspired choice by Whitewater’s marketing director Una de Boer.

Whitewater-bike-ride-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
WhiteWater’s pre-party bike ride, EAS 2018.

The Dutch capital has always embraced many forms of transport. For those attending the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) Mixer the same evening, there was the added option a ferry ride to Buiksloterweg. Here, a large percentage of the 250 or so guests got to enjoy the This Is Holland flying theatre courtesy of Brogent Technologies and Vekoma before taking the elevator to the 16th floor of the adjacent A’DAM Lookout building. As dusk fell, the views from the observation deck were superb and provided a nice backdrop to some good company.

TEA-Mixer-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
TEA EME board members Kevin Murphy, Richard Hill, Margreet Papamichael, Matt Barton, and Ifat Caspi

Awards

On the previous two evenings, the Brits were out in force at the BALPPA reception at Delerium Café and the Katapult party in Rembrandt Square. In honour of her service, retiring BALPPA membership supremo Jeanette Dawson was presented with a chrome-plated chain link from the Grand National at Blackpool Pleasure Beach by the park’s deputy managing director and current association chairman Nick Thompson.

TEA-Mixer-ADAM-lookout-view-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
Amsterdam at dusk, as seen from the A’DAM Lookout observation deck during the TEA Mixer

There were not one but two awards ceremonies held off site this year during EAS. Now in their 10th year, Kirmes & Park Revue magazine presented the European Star Awards on Monday evening at The Heineken Experience. Two nights later, its British rival Park World staged its inaugural Excellence Awards event at the W Hotel. And a slick presentation it was too we hear.

Education opportunities

Whilst there was plenty of networking to be done over drinks, a more formal exchange of information was provided via the extensive EAS conference programme. Over 2,500 people participated in in-depth learning experiences, seminars, discussion forums and local attraction tours. These began on Sunday with the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers and culminated with a post-show tour to Toverland and Efteling on Friday.

EAS-2018_Andreas-Andersen_Coen-Bertens_Hal-McEvoy
Efteling’s Coen Bertens (centre) seen during the Leadership Breakfast with IAAPA’s Andreas Andersen (left) and Hal McEvoy

Efteling’s director and board member, Coen Bertens provided the keynote at Wednesday morning’s Leadership Breakfast. He highlighted Efteling’s development over the past 66 years, from fairytale forest to international resort entertaining over 5 million annual guests. He also touched on Efteling’s recently approved 8-hectare expansion. Yet as the park in Kaatsheuvel has grown, its rides remain the supporting attraction to two things: storytelling and nature. Even today, only 11% of its land has been developed.

Best exhibits

The Leadership Breakfast was also used as a platform to present the first ever EAS Best Exhibit Awards. A panel of seven judges settled on winners in three categories. Particularly eye-catching was the Best Small Booth from spiral potato chip supplier Spirello BV. The display was so effective that the company ran out of free product the first day of the show. It even sold the wooden hut they were dispensed from!

Teambuilders-booth-at-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
Themebuilders found a buyer for this farm yard booth within the first three hours of the show. The themed set is now on its way to a customer in Scandinavia

Enthusiastic exhibitors

“This has been our best EAS ever,” smiled Söhret Pakis of Polin Waterparks. “Our booth is located in the entrance to Hall 1, so of course we are busy, but we also had a lot of pre-arranged meetings. All the big players are here. We were were excited to be a platinum sponsor this year and have doubled the size of our booth.”

Christian-Martin-Triotech-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
Triotech’s Christian Martin at EAS 2018

“The European market is growing,” said Vekoma‘s Peter van Bilsen on a flashy booth showcasing the Dutch coaster company‘s new corporate image. “We signed contracts at the show. I’m very positive about the Middle East too. Places like Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are making big investments because they realise it’s good if people spend more leisure time and money in their own country.”

Riding the industry wave

“The order books are nicely filled,” reported Intamin‘s Sascha Czibulka. “The million dollar question is how long can the wave last that we are currently riding? Some markets are slowing down, but we are seeing reinvestment in the mature markets. There’s movement in Eastern Europe; projects that were previously only talked about are now being realised.”

Amanda-Thompson-Andreas-Andersen-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
Having a blast: IAAPA second vice-chair Amanda Thompson OBE and current chairman Andreas Andersen on the booth of ETF Ride Systems

“The European market is really growing for WhiteWater,” said CEO Geoff Chutter. The leading waterpark supplier made a number of announcements during the show. Chief among them was confirmation that it has been chosen as key supplier to Liseberg’s upcoming waterpark project in Gothenburg, Sweden. “In general the show was busy for us and that reflects a strong market. Plus it was great to enjoy one of the most beautiful European cities.”

Although it still feels very much like a European gathering, IAAPA EMEA’s effort to reach out to its Middle Eastern members is beginning to pay dividends at EAS. “It’s been a fantastic experience,” said Alhanouf Alsoghayer, L&D specialist for the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia. “I’m so glad to be part of the change happening in my country, helping to create exciting entertainment opportunities. It’s wonderful to be part of EAS and I’m looking forward to the Orlando show.”

Polin waterparks team at EAS 2018.
Polin Waterparks at EAS 2018.

EAS 2018 EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS

Over Tourism and Amsterdam Vs The Netherlands

The topic of ‘Over Tourism’ is of particularly pertinence to Amsterdam. Whilst not wanting to drive tourists away completely, the city authorities are attempting to at least steer them from the well beaten path. Hosting a panel discussion in the IAAPA Theatre during EAS 2018 were consultant Carolien Nederlof from Imagine Leisure and Marcel Westerdiep, representing the museum Escher in Het Paleis.

Over-Tourism-panel-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
Joost van Berkel from This Is Holland speaks during the Over Tourism panel session at EAS 2018

Offered as a talking point by Nederlof was the proposition, “The Brand Amsterdam is the biggest competitor to the brand of Holland”. As the Dutch capital struggles under the weight of all those tourists, attractions in surrounding areas have begun attaching its name to theirs in an attempt to soak up some of the excess demand. Witness, for example, ‘Amsterdam Beach’ in Zaanvoort or ‘Amsterdam Castle’, which for hundreds of years has existed happily as Muiderslot. Even the Floriade 2022 horticultural expo in Almere is marketing its destination as Amsterdam – Almere.

Such rebranding, and the development of new mega projects such as Holland World, risk making Amsterdam even more attractive rather than stemming the flow of visitors, suggested Stephen Hodes of the LAgroup.

Amsterdam – a living city

Addressing concerns about the environmental impact tourists make on the city, Axel Rüger from The Van Gogh Museum observed that, “Amsterdam is never going to be as clean as Efteling because people live in it. People do not live in Efteling; only in their mind.”

Meanwhile we were informed that the largest visitor group to the capital is actually Dutch people themselves. Some of the same themes were picked up by the all Dutch panel in the first of two CEO Talk sessions later in the day, moderated by Reinoud van Assendelft de Conigh (Van Assendelft & Partners).

CEO-Talk-Dutch-panel-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
Reinoud van Assendelft presides over the Dutch CEO Talk session during EAS 2018

“Amsterdam is beautiful, but Holland is even more beautiful,” said Dirk Lubbers. The former Heineken Experience managing director is now CEO of Tourism Group International. “It’s hard to tell people what to do though,” he added.

Toverland managing director Caroline Kortooms agreed with Lubbers’ sentiment. “We are located in the south of Holland,” she said. “The real distance is 160km, but in people’s minds it’s another world.”
Lubbers later discussed customer service, making an interesting comparison to service levels between the Netherlands and the US. “We ask how you are doing, then wait for the answer. The Americans just walk away.”

Michael-Mack-CEO-Talk-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
Europa-Park’s Michael Mack speaks at the second CEO Talk session during EAS 2018

CEO Talk

During a second CEO Talk panel on Wednesday, there were some interesting observations from Europa-Park’s Michael Mack. “If you want to get rich quick, don’t build a theme park,” he said.

Reflecting on the skills required to run a park in the 21st Century compared to his grandfather’s day, Mack said, “you have to be a people person. My grandfather Europa-Park [Franz Mack] was more of this grumpy engineer, but a genius.”

“The core of what we provide guests is the same as years ago,” said Liseberg’s Andreas Andersen, the current IAAPA chairman. “It’s a social experience. Nothing beats feeling the wind in your face and spending time together with the ones you love.”

The addition of DXB Entertainments (Dubai Parks and Resorts) CEO Ahmad Hussain Bin Essa to the panel demonstrated the increasingly international reach of the industry. But where might the business go next? “In 20 years’ time we might have to think about opening the first theme park on the moon, because everybody now wants to go to space.” Bin Essa was joking of course. Or was he?

STOP THE PRESS!

There were many press conferences staged during the week at EAS 2018. These concerned new rides, attractions and product developments around Europe. Some told us things we knew already. Others elaborated on previously announced projects. A few detailed huge projects we can hope to see over the coming years. Here are a few highlights.

Popcorn-Revenge-ride-vehicle-ETF-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-AmsterdamAlterface CEO Benoit Cornet discussed a number of developments from the interactive attractions specialist. These included its Popcorn Revenge dark ride concept, the first of which will open in 2019 at Walibi Belgium. A trackless vehicle car from the ride – as pictured here – could be seen on the ETF Ride Systems booth. In creating the cartoon characters for the attraction, Cornet said Alterface’s challenge was to design something “stupid enough that you want to shoot at them but cute enough that you want to buy the merchandise.”

As well as its work on the Ani-mayhem interactive dark ride at Warner. Bros World Abu Dhabi, another key project for Alterface in 2018 was Bazyliszek at Legendia in Poland. Since opening in May, the ride has picked up no fewer than four industry awards. Sitting among the audience in the room was the park’s CEO, Paweł Cebula. When EAS moves to Paris next year, Alterface hopes to host a tour to the city’s rejuvenated Jardin d’Acclimatation. This will allow visitors to experience its new Kinetorium interactive theatre.

HollandWorld and Floriade 2022

At Euro Attractions Show back in 2014, the developers of HollandWorld made a presentation about their ambitious vision for Park21 in Haarlemmermeer, close to Schiphol Airport. “We had the wrong idea,” managing partner Hans van Driem told those assembled for a press conference four years on at EAS 2018.

Plans for a development comprising a fashion outlet village, hotels and various F&B/leisure components were “dead in the water” by 2016. Having gone back to the drawing board and studied failed projects such as Yumble in Roermond, where the retail and leisure offerings failed to work together as they were isolated from one another, the HollandWorld team has come up with fresh some ideas for what it describes as the “second gate of Amsterdam.”

Holland-World-EAS-2018-press-conference-Amsterdam
HollandWorld: a taste of what to expect

Easing the (tourist) pressure

The 35-hectare non-gated park will comprise five “Dutch Destination Icon Experiences”. These will be HollandFlowerWorld, HollandHistoryWorld, HollandWinterWorld, HollandWaterWorld and HollandShow&FunCity. There will also be 4,000 hotel rooms.

The idea is to give tourists to Amsterdam something to do on the second day of their visit, and take the pressure off existing facilities. Development such as these, and the proposed London Resort or Europacity outside Paris, have their sceptics. That was evident in the previous day’s panel session on ‘Over Tourism’.

Yet van Driem and team are in it for the long term. “For some reason there are a lot of projects in the Netherlands right now,” he said. “Projects like this take time to establish themselves.”

It all goes according to plan, the €975 million development should be fully up and running by 2023/24. More on HollandWorld, and also the Floriade 2022 horticultural expo planned for the city of Almere, will appear soon on Blooloop.

Hansa-Park and Europa-Park

We learned at EAS 2018 that Hansa-Park’s Highlander drop tower will kick off a new 10-year plan for the north German venue. The 120m-tall ride with tilting seats, supplied by Funtime, is described as the park’s “new exclamation mark”.

As soon as in five years’ time, said owner Andreas Leicht, much of Hansa-Park will have “a completely different look.” That will start next season with the introduction of a new themed area. This will be Beautiful Britain, in which Highlander will be the key attraction. The existing Nessie roller coaster will also be integrated into this part of the park. It will be given a fresh themed station – as pictured below. Alex Korting has created designs for the new area as part of his ongoing collaboration with the Leicht family.

Hansa-Park-press-conference-Nessie-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
The rethemed Nessie station at Hansa-Park

Mack Rides and Europa-Park staged an hour-long conference at EAS 2018 to detail the dramatic transformation made to one of the park’s most iconic rides. Eurosat was relaunched in September with an optional free-roaming Valerian VR experience by film director Luc Besson.

Those that choose not to take experience the VR can instead enjoy the CanCan Coaster option, without the headset. Realised in partnership with the Moulin Rouge, it’s all part of the rejuvenation of the park’s French themed area.

Rejuvenation at Europa-Park

It was also revealed that Europa-Park’s Pirates in Batavia dark ride is likely to reopen in mid-2020. Featuring some added media content, it will not be a carbon copy of the attraction that burnt down earlier this year. However, fans of the original will be reassured to know that animatronics will still play a major part.

Mack-Rides-Europa-Park-press-conference-EAS-2018-Euro-Attractions-Show-Amsterdam
Europa-Park and Mack Rides’ (l to r) Michael Mack, Thorsten Koeble and Chris Lange at EAS 2018

‘Team Mack’ also teased details of new venture. This is called Tacumeon Rides and will, together with Mack Animation, offer a “pimp my ride” refurbishment service. But you’ll have to wait until IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando this November for more details.

Back to France

After a record-breaking performance in Amsterdam, exhibit sales for Euro Attractions Show next year in Paris are already going strong. At the time of writing, close to 400 companies had booked space. The venue will be Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the same venue used for EAS in 2013. The dates are September 15 to 19. Allez!

Images courtesy IAAPA EMEA, Owen Ralph, HollandWorld, Hansa-Park, Ella Baskerville, WhiteWater and Themebuilders. Sponsors of EAS 2018 included Leisure Development Partners, Polin Waterparks; Simtec Systems, Brogent Technologies, Gateway Ticketing Systems, Simworx, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing, Interlink, iPlayCO, JRA, Mack Rides,  ProSlide, Vortex Aquatic Structures and WhiteWater.

Share this
Owen Ralph

Owen Ralph

Feature writer Owen Ralph has covered theme parks and attractions for over 20 years for publications including blooloop, Park World, World’s Fair, Interpark, Kirmes Revue and Park International. He has also served on boards/committees with IAAPA and the TEA. He grew up just 30 minutes from Blackpool (no coincidence?)

More from this author

Search for something

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update