This May, a significant event will unfold in Asia’s dynamic attractions landscape. IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is set to bring together leading figures and innovative ideas from the amusement sector so that those attending can benefit from an insightful exploration of what lies ahead, alongside world-class networking and the latest products and services.
IAAPA Expo Asia is organised by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. It is a vital hub for the global attractions community, fostering collaboration and innovation. This year’s event takes place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 27 to 30 May. It invites attendees to explore cutting-edge trends and technologies shaping leisure and entertainment.
IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 offers a comprehensive display of attractions, from theme parks to water parks, zoos to museums, and everything in between. Participants can engage with exhibitors from around the world, making connections and gaining insights into emerging markets and consumer preferences.
However, the event goes beyond being a trade show. It’s also a platform celebrating creativity and innovation, providing a place for professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and address the global attractions community’s challenges and opportunities. Through diverse seminars, workshops, and networking events, attendees will gain actionable insights and practical strategies. This will help them to navigate an ever-evolving marketplace with confidence and agility.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of attending IAAPA Expo Asia 2024.
Hear from expert speakers
The theme of IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is “Shape Your Evolution at IAAPA Expo Asia: Evolve your business into a leading market player”. Speaking about the benefits of attending this year’s event, Jack Chan, executive director and vice president of the IAAPA Asia-Pacific region (APAC), says:
“This year, we see continued growth and expansion for the Expo Asia show floor featuring many new exciting and innovative products from our exhibitors.
“The IAAPA team, in collaboration with our committees and volunteers, has prepared a terrific panel of speakers for Expo Asia. This includes Greg Yong, group CEO of Coast Entertainment in Australia, as our leadership breakfast speaker. Coast Entertainment is one of Australia’s most successful owners and operators of premium leisure assets, including the Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and SkyPoint theme parks. You’ll learn how Coast Entertainment has built its leisure experiences and established itself as an iconic provider of entertainment in the region.
“I cannot wait to share with you what we have in store.”
Highlights of IAAPA Expo Asia 2024
FEC best practices
One of the thought-provoking sessions on Tuesday 28 May is the Family Entertainment Centre Roundtable. This will allow professionals from the world of family entertainment centres (FECs) to gain valuable insights and address industry challenges in a roundtable setting.
In this EDUSession, a keynote speaker from The Entertainment and Education Group (TEEG) will present the fundamentals of child safety. Attendees can participate in an in-depth conversation on the regulations and policies that control the APAC markets, focusing on maintaining the highest safety standards for younger guests.
After the keynote, the session will also give FEC operators a forum to discuss industry concerns and exchange best practices. The moderated roundtable format will allow participants to share knowledge and benefit from one another’s experiences. They will be able to work together to further the industry’s continued growth.
Belle Falzon, CEO of TEEG /Timezone Group International, will be the keynote speaker. She will be joined by Hansa Kraikosol, managing director of Playmondo Group; Pitiphatr Buri, CEO of Bhiraj Buri Group; Rachel Cheng, senior manager of entertainment operations at Studio City Macau; and Jing Xu, CEO of Shanghai NEOBIO Holdings Limited.
Water park expertise
This is followed by another agenda highlight, Best Practices for Opening and Operating a New Water Park.
Attendees will hear from water park managers from Macau SAR, Malaysia, and Thailand about their experiences starting and running their parks in hard times. This is an opportunity to learn insightful tips, tried-and-true tactics, and creative solutions that guarantee outstanding water park operations even in the face of challenges. Regardless of experience level, water park professionals cannot afford to miss this session if they want to stay competitive in the rapidly changing water park market.
Panellists are Chiu Sia Melissa Chung, director of spa, leisure and attractions at Studio City Macau; Sanjay Nadarajah, general manager of leisure and hospitality at Gamuda Land; and Andrea Galeazzi, general manager of Ramayana Water Park.
Discover the power of IP at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024
In Unleashing the Power of Emotional Connections: Introduction to Global IP Partnerships, another EDUSession scheduled for Tuesday 28 May, an expert panel will discuss achieving entertainment, retail, and F&B success through strategic partnerships with international IP.
Attendees can learn about the world of brand partnerships and best practices for leveraging the impact of well-known brands that have cultivated strong emotional bonds with guests. With a wealth of knowledge in the attractions sector, the speakers will offer insightful advice on improving visitor engagement by creating memorable experiences that have a lasting effect.
Speakers include Evi Sari, VP of location-based entertainment at WildBrain CPLG; Linda Dong, president of China Leisure Development; Natalie Chan, director of location-based entertainment at Hasbro; and Yuling Wang, general manager at Blue Dragon Art.
Cutting-edge technology
The artificial intelligence trend will be explored in an EDUSession on Tuesday afternoon. This is entitled AI in Action: Unlocking Opportunities in Your Attraction.
The panel will explore the world of AI and present information about the benefits it can offer for an attraction. For instance, AI-powered technology can transform how operators interact with customers. It can personalise their messaging and also enable them to operate more efficiently. The session will feature case studies and helpful advice on utilising AI to stay ahead in the quickly changing attractions market.
Michael Switow, Funworld writer for IAAPA; Chris Yoshii, VP and global director of economics at AECOM; and Christina Tse, co-founder and advisor at Pantheon Lab, will be the panellists.
Tuesday concludes with the Opening Reception of IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 at BEAT Active Bangkok. This ticketed event is an opportunity to network with global industry colleagues while savouring speciality foods and drinks. Attendees will also enjoy exclusive access to the venue’s sports and entertainment offerings.
Trends in animal interaction
Wednesday 29 May starts with the ticketed Leadership Breakfast with a keynote from Greg Yong. This will be followed by an exciting EDUSession called Animal Interaction Trends and Guest Expectations.
This will include a discussion of the latest trends in animal interaction and guests’ evolving expectations. The attractions sector continues to prioritise conservation and animal welfare, so it is critical to comprehend how visitor preferences and experiences are changing. To satisfy the expectations of today’s visitors, the panel of specialists will discuss ideas and strategies for meaningful and responsible animal encounters.
Attendees will hear from Peta Wittig, owner and director of Peta Wittig Consulting; Chris Davis, managing director of ZoOceanarium Group; and Emily Howard, project manager at PGAV Destinations.
Immersive experiences
On Wednesday afternoon, in the Immersive Experiences & Storytelling EDUSession, speakers will look at the world of immersive entertainment. This will explore the latest trends and storytelling techniques shaping the future of this growing area.
The presenters will impart their knowledge on developing immersive stories and enhancing storytelling with cutting-edge technologies. Attendees will discover how to create immersive experiences that meld imagination and reality to captivate and transport their audience. They will also learn how to design engaging spaces that leave a lasting impression.
Speakers include Rachid Laurent Elameri, regional general manager for MENA and SEA at Fever Labs and Jerome De Baecque, APAC director at Moment Factory.
Discover innovations on the IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 trade show floor
The trade show floor will offer a stage for international exhibitors to showcase the newest technical advancements that are expanding the limits of entertainment. These innovative technologies are redefining standards in theme parks and many other sectors, such as retail centres, museums, and more. They range from experiences that immerse visitors in alternate realities to interactive tools that engage in new ways.
These are just a handful of the future technologies that visitors to IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 will have the opportunity to see first-hand.
Key trends that will be seen on the show floor include immersive and interactive experiences. These attractions bring in technologies such as AR and VR, AV effects, holograms, acoustic pinpoint speakers, and more.
Gamification, mixed reality and more
Innovative technologies empower amusement parks to enhance rides with 5D multimedia experiences, enabling consumers to explore new locations and interact with characters in new ways. In addition, museums are using virtual reality to immerse tourists in artworks. Meanwhile, holographic performances by famous artists are changing concertgoers’ experiences. This level of involvement is expected to expand, giving travellers worldwide more thrilling and unforgettable experiences.
Gamification is another trend that continues to grow. By adding a technology-driven layer, operators can engage customers more deeply and interactively. For example, wearable wristbands linked to applications can help amusement park customers physically interact with their surroundings. They can also generate more meaningful interactions. One example is the Power UP band at Universal’s Super Nintendo World. This allows guests to collect coins while travelling around the themed land.
Robots are increasingly used in attractions, from greeting tourists and serving food to creating stunning stage shows. Modern robots can engage with guests in ways that improve the customer experience. Some can even walk independently and learn to respond to their environment. AI is also likely to change the attractions business. It is already improving immersive venues, museum displays, and dining experiences. It also communicates concepts and ideas by creating prototypes, mood boards, and visuals in seconds.
In a world where the consumer is increasingly concerned with sustainability, tech for good is another major trend. Technology can benefit lives and communities. Wildlife parks and aquariums use conservation messaging and cutting-edge equipment to emphasise their value. VR projects are also increasing awareness and encouraging tourists to save near-extinct creatures.
Attractions technology on show at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024
To discover how these new technologies can enhance their attractions, attendees can visit a range of booths.
Alterface, a leader in interactive technology, will be at booth #119. This company creates innovative interactive dark rides and theatres that are innovative, reliable, have excellent ROI, and are enjoyable. Meanwhile, on booth #1514, visitors can find Balich Wonder Studio. This is a global entertainment group creating award-winning ceremonies, brand experiences, immersive shows, and destination experiences worldwide.
Brogent Technologies Inc., a leading manufacturer of media-based attractions, will be at booth #928, offering flying theatre systems, gaming-based attractions, digital museums, and media content. Elsewhere, the team from DOF Robotics, a producer of dynamic simulation platforms, will be at booth #900. Here, it will be showcasing products such as the bestselling Monster Jam, Hurricane 360 VR, Supernova, Riot 360, and Defender.
Fulldome.pro, a projection dome expert, will be at booth # 1001, revealing how it uses next-gen technologies to convert fulldome theatres into high-tech digital environments. At booth #1329, HOLOGATE, a global leader in turnkey compact multiplayer VR systems, will demonstrate its HOLOGATE brand line-up. This is designed to allow FECs, cinemas, malls, cruise ships, and more to transport their guests into another dimension.
Red Raion, the CGI studio for media-based attractions, will showcase its newest CGI movie for licensing, Alice in Wonderland—Space Match, at booth #150. This movie is available in 5D and VR formats, as well as Dome and Fly.
Don’t miss IAAPA Expo Asia 2024
The attractions sector will continue to change and evolve as technology advances. IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 will allow participants to stay ahead of the curve. It takes place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, with the conference running from 27 to 30 May. The 7,800 sqm trade show floor, packed with global manufacturers and suppliers, opens from 28 to 30 May.
For more information and to register, please click here.
