Last week’s IAAPA Expo Europe event in Vienna, Austria, was a record-breaker, according to IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry.
The event took place at the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center and welcomed 12,289 verified attendees. This included 8,475 qualified buyers who were attending on behalf of 5,614 buying organisations, as well as 633 exhibiting firms. With an exhibition space measuring 17,670 square metres, the 2023 event set a new record for the largest show floor at IAAPA Expo Europe.
The event brought together attendees from across the globe. It gave them the opportunity to discover the latest innovations, network with their peers and discuss key industry topics.
“IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 has exceeded our expectations in every way,” said Jakob Wahl, president and chief executive officer of IAAPA. “The incredible turnout of more than 12,000 attendees and the presence of 633 exhibitors underscore the strong optimism and dynamism of our industry. We are thrilled to see our community come together in person once again to exchange ideas and showcase the future of the attractions industry.”
Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president for IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa, added:
“Vienna has been a fantastic host city, providing the perfect backdrop for this milestone event. The support of our members, partners, and exhibitors has been instrumental in the success of IAAPA Expo Europe 2023, and we are grateful for their dedication to our industry.”
Welcome to IAAPA Expo Europe 2023
The event kicked off with the official opening ceremony. This took place against a spectacular projection-mapped ballroom as Van der Schans and Jim Pattison Jr., president of Ripley Entertainment and current chair of the Board of Directors for IAAPA led a waltz up to the stage.
Wahl also appeared, via video, on the top of Prater Vienna’s iconic Wiener Riesenrad, a 64.75-metre tall Ferris wheel, to thank the host city. He then joined the team on stage, where they celebrated two key milestones: the 100th anniversary of the Swedish amusement park Liseberg and the UK’s Blackpool Pleasure Beach having been an IAAPA member for 100 years, with Amanda Thompson, CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Andreas Andersen, CEO of Liseberg, taking to the stage.
Andersen said the secret to Liseberg’s longevity is the same recipe for success that drives the attractions industry, advising attendees to: “Never stop moving, continue to adapt, change and invest.
Attendees then enjoyed the annual”What’s New” video, celebrating recent projects across the region.
WATCH NOW!
— IAAPA EMEA (@IAAPAEMEA) September 27, 2023
The annual "What's New" video celebrating the partnerships and collaboration between IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa members debuted during yesterday's Opening Ceremony at IAAPA Expo Europe. Discover the latest from across the region: https://t.co/JAOokJyRUl pic.twitter.com/GYlidDijHU
Susanne Kraus-Winkler, the Austrian state secretary of tourism also spoke at the opening ceremony. She commented: “The years ahead of us are looking bright. Let’s create memorable experiences together.”
Educational sessions at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023
The education conference is the centrepiece of all of IAAPA’s expos. This year, it featured 169 speakers, with women accounting for 30% of the panellists chosen to take part. The line-up included an all-female panel for the CEO Talk session. This included Natacha Rafalski, présidente of Disneyland Paris, Amanda Thompson of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and Susanne Mørch Koch, CEO of Tivoli Gardens.
EDUSessions: Tuesday 26 September
Spotlight on trends
Kicking things off, blooloop’s MD, Charles Read, took part in a session with Wahl and Andersen, as well as Michael Collins, senior partner at Leisure Development Partners, and Bart Dohmen, partner at TDAC BV. Together, the panellists looked at the state of the industry and top trends over the last year.
The frank and thought provoking discussion began with an assessment of the 2023 season. Andersen’s feeling was that this year “gravity has returned” after a very buoyant post pandemic boost. Inflationary pressures on customer spending has to “be respected” said Collins but that the industry has historically been “very resilient”.
Talking about fast passes, Andersen said that: “This is not a future business model.” He also referenced a comment from Nick Varney that one of the biggest threats to the industry will be queues. “Children born today will grow up expecting not to have to queue for anything.”
Collins agreed, saying that: “There’s a solution out there but we haven’t hit it yet.” Wahl added that: “Technology should add to the experience not take away”
IAAPA held its Sustainability Day event on Monday 25 September. Andersen said, “As an industry we’re behind the curve … but the point is that this makes business sense. The biggest push will come from regulation. If you’re not on top of your data you will have a problem in a short time. If you want to get financing in the future you will need a really good plan.”
.@liseberg's @veilstrup at #iaapaexpos:
— blooloop (@Blooloop) September 26, 2023
"The biggest push (on #sustainability) will come from regulation. If you're not on top of your data you will have to be very soon. If you want to get financing in the future you will need a really good plan." pic.twitter.com/Us3mrBWtMM
Collins agreed saying that: “There isn’t a private equity group that isn’t demanding this. We’re simply not looking at any projects that aren’t looking at sustainability.”
Immersive experiences are a key trend at the moment. Read pointed out that though the term is new, making experiences immersive is definitely not, citing Cabaret de L’Enfer. Dohmen added that we can learn a lot from this new generation of immersive attractions that are “shifting our mindset. The ideas are great and so unique”
On accessibility, Collins said that he has recently worked on two ultra accessible resort proposals with anchor attractions. There is huge potential here, said Andersen, with 25 percent of families in Europe having accessibility needs. Wahl agreed that like sustainability, addressing accessibility “is not just the right thing to do but also makes business sense.”
Building guest loyalty through tech
Elsewhere, Sharon Parker of Gateway Ticketing Systems moderated an IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 session called The Visitor Magnet: How to Build Brand Loyalty and Capture Repeat Guests. This featured insights from Niels Jensen from Fårup Sommerland, Robert Dahl of Karls Erlebnis-Dörfer and Silvio Liedtke from MENALAC.
Jensen said that Fårup Sommerland was initially reluctant to adopt digital strategies, viewing it as something at odds with the park’s mission to provide a fun family day out with shared moments. However, they quickly realised the value of digital tools to improve the guest experience. Parker agreed that allowing visitors to maximise their time in the park does help them to become loyal guests.
All three panellists agreed on the value of events to drive traffic. Dahl pointed out that seasonal events both bring in new audiences and offer picture opportunities that drive social sharing. Liedtke spoke about Fun City’s method of getting more people through the doors on quiet days, with its Funday Monday campaign, featuring cheaper prices as an incentive.
On this topic, Jensen added that Fårup Sommerland plans to bring in dynamic pricing in the coming years, having seen its success in other parks. However, it is not yet commonly used in Denmark.
The scalability of attractions
Over on the IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 Innovation Stage, the Simworx team presented ‘One Ride Fits All: The Scalability of Attractions’ with Nicole Sangster and Matt Clarkson.
They spoke about how scalability refers to the cost, size, rider requirements and more. Products often need to be customised and scaled in some way. Theming and layout is the most common way to do this. Since every attraction has different needs, scalability often allows for a cheaper option, often using proven technology that works. This means you can end up with an attraction that has a high-quality experience for a smaller footprint and budget.
Many manufacturers even provide a smaller and larger version of an attraction to reach a wide variety of operators. Dark rides are a good example where technology can be used to make scalability easier. For example, you can reuse show scenes and switch the media or projection mapping to create a new environment without needing extra rooms or physical sets. You can therefore have a longer ride at a smaller footprint.
It’s also important to scale the value to guests. Interactivity is a good way of making it re-rideable, they added.
Trends in the Middle East
Then, in More than just Giga Projects and Cruise Ships: The Real Focus on the Middle East, we heard from WhiteWater’s Mike Rigby, alongsie Neil Dwyer of Six Flags Qiddiya, Hind Galadari from Expo City Dubai and Mahmoud Nassar of Kidzania Kuwait. Together, they talked about some of the myths and misconceptions around this fast-growing market.
Dwyer said that the people of Saudi Arabia are changing the landscape for themselves as a leisure destination, adding:
“There is nowhere else in the world right now with so many quality projects happening, from theme parks to arts and heritage.”
They added that, while projects in the Middle East have traditionally looked to more established markets for their expertise, the region is also now becoming more comfortable in sharing its own stories. “We’re seeing a real shift from global IPs to stories that centre our own folklore and our own heritage,” said Galadari. “We’re looking within, and balancing our history and culture with entertainment.”
The panellists also spoke about the tremendous amount of young emerging talent in the region. They stressed the importance of building local talent, funding the right people and the right mentors, and investing properly in this new generation of workers.
Finally, on emerging technology, Dwyer added: “Technology is driving experiences forward, and we need to be mindful of how we integrate them moving forward.”
EDUSessions: Wednesday 27 September
Masterplanning for the future
A key session on Wednesday at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 was TEA Presents: Masterplanning the Ever-changing Future. This included insights from TEA specialists Edd Musgrove of THEMEDD Europe, Clifford Warner of Mycotoo and Jakob Fagerström from Parts & Resorts Scandinavia.
We're starting day 2 at #IAAPAExpos with TEA Presents: Masterplanning the Ever-changing Future, with speakers from Compagnie des Alpes, Mycotoo and more! pic.twitter.com/mzZUGi189r
— blooloop (@Blooloop) September 27, 2023
Warner began by saying: “The future has always been ever-changing. But technology doesn’t change the way you plan a park. Start with the vision, and think about what kind of story you want to tell.” Thinking about the guest experience and flow from the start is also important. He also added that it is important to think about sustainabilityl from day one, and bring the right experts in that area in from the beginning.
Meanwhile, on the expansion of Grona Lund, one of the most compact parks in the world, Fagerström talked about the importance of multidimensional masterplanning, and the need to design flexible spaces for future renewal. A masterplan is and has to remain a guideline, added Simon. It will evolve.
Innovation in flying theatres
Over on the Innovation Stage, Stefan Rothaug, direcotr of sales and marketing at Brogent Technologies, presented an exploration of the world of flying theatres. This covered the key elements that make a flying theatre, including the dome screen, motion seats, and dangling feet of the guests. The use of a dome screen makes it an immersive experience without the need for VR. Meanwhile, the motion seats, with 6DOF, combined with the flying feeling of suspended seats, makes it more intense.
Rothaug also shared that this popular medium is very flexible. This sector is predicted to grow by 5%, powered by the latest developments in projection technology that make the experience more immersive than ever.
Brogent recently celebrated a Best Dark Ride award at the European Star Awards, for its work on Europa-Park’s Voletarium is an ambitious flying theatre. The ride was installed in 2017, and has attracted up to 10,000 visitors per day. Voletarium has a capacity of 140 guests and utilises Brogent’s innovative i-Ride flying theatre system.
Finally, Rothaug teased the firm’s new production, It’s Africa, coming in 2024, created in partnership with Mack Animation.
The benefits of working with IP
Next up on the IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 Innovation Stage, DOF Robotics‘ Emrah Ilkan covered the trend of using IP to capture audiences.
He explained how people form emotional bonds with their favourite IPs. This means that partnering with attractions has benefits for both the IP holder and the operator. For the partner, IP-based attractions can draw in new audiences and increase sales. Meanwhile, for the IP-holder, it provides an opportunity to deepen that emotional bond and reach fans in new ways, allowing them to feel a part of the story.
DOF Robotics has several examples of successful IP partnerships, including its Monster Jam Grave Digger VR Simulator.
Keeping guests engaged
In Keeping Us Engaged, Anne Stribeck of Chocoversum, Frank Cornelissen from Lund Gruppen and Tobias Mundinger of Europa-Park looked at the impact of technology, the power of guest and cast-driven storytelling, the environment and the impact staff can have on the overall experience. The discussion was moderated by Edd Musgrove from THEMEDD Europe and Karen Staley of Sally Dark Rides.
For Stribeck, the human connection is key. She explained how Chocoversum’s talented team of tour guides is one of the secrets behind its success. Their challenge is to bring together 32 different people for an engaging tour. All while managing distractions and connecting with them through storytelling.
Cornelissen spoke about Lund Gruppen‘s animal park, Skånes Djurpark, talking about how it has leaned into some of its natural advantages: “We are surrounded by this natural beatuty, which is very hard to create yourself!” The attraction offers premium packages such as overnight glamping experiences. This allows it to use these surroundings to immerse guests in its conservation and animal welfare mission.
Meanwhile, Mundinger touched on the digital connection, saying that:
“The way people interact with attractions has changed, but this can be an opportunity. If people are on their phones, meet them where they are.” He also explored the potential for gamification and digital add-ons that can enhance the experience for those who want to dive deeper into the story.
The future of retail
Back on the Innovation Stage, Nicole Srock.Stanley of dan pearlman Group wrapped up Wednesday afternoon by talking about the importance of developing creative concepts for future retail that integrate digital and metaverse retail.
She began by presenting a retail trend map, showing mega trends such as digitalisation, globalisation and individualisation. She highlighted that everything is interconnected through a host of smaller sub-trends. Topics explored during the session included the impact of digitalisation and the rise of multi-channel phygital experiences.
Srock.Stanley also spoke about how AI is the next game-changer, with a caveat that we don’t yet know where this will take us – it’s important to take the time to fully explore its potential. Similarly, with the metaverse, she said that this is likely to be a slow burn. Its ok to take time and experiment with the potential of these technologies at this early stage. She did predict the rise of a future ‘retail-verse’ where everything is fused and multichannel.
She then presented an example of a good multichannel approach, looking at dan pearlman’s mall project Loop5 in Germany. This is described not as a house of brands, but as a branded house. The fun venue is full of social encounters and interaction, with free attractions like ziplines and climbing towers. The team created proprietary IP for this. The ‘Loopies’ characters come to life throughout the destination, offering interactive and Instagrammable moments.
“Retail is part of the leisure industry,” added Srock.Stanley.
EDUSessions: Thursday 28 September
Technology and personalisation
On Thursday at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023, in a session called Tech Lab: Digital, Data-Driven Personalisation, we heard insights from John Pendergrast of RocketRez, Sarah Bagg of ReWork Consulting, Tim Samson from Catalate Commerce, Werner Dullmaier of Convious and Peter O’Dare from Attractions.io.
Talking about why personalisation is important, Dullmaier said that generally people leave a website within 10 seconds. Not to mention the fact that there are 10 new websites made every minute. So, there is huge competition, and attractions need to tailor their content to what their visitors want/need.
We're hearing from a panel of experts now in Tech Lab: Digital, Data-Driven Personalisation, including speakers from ReWork Consulting, RocketRez, Catalate Commerce, Convious and https://t.co/des4JR0u7j #IAAPAExpos pic.twitter.com/HLBJ3dIvQD
— blooloop (@Blooloop) September 28, 2023
O’Dare added that when people feel more involved and like they are participating, this leads to added benefits such a increased conversation and increased spend. Samson said that, when developing data-driven personalisation strategies, operators need to start by thinking about what their ultimate outcome. For instance, is the goal to improve the guest experience? Is it to boost guest spending?
On starting a new project, Pendergrast asked, “Do you have support all the way up to the leadership team? It’s not a quick project; collecting data is a lifestyle. Is your company ready? Personalisation will be part of your DNA as an organisation. So, you need to make sure that everyone is on board and that you have a long-term vision.”
He also added: “Customers don’t want personalisation; they want outcomes. They want convenience. We want to get to a place where people don’t relaise that it’s happening, but it is removing friction and making a better experience.” To this point, O’Dare said: “It’s a value exchange; guests want to give as little data as possible, but get value in return.”
Mega trends
Later in the afternoon, Ville Aarresuo and Miikka Seppälä from Särkänniemi Theme Park will join Kelly Repass of IAAPA, and Ben Thompson and Marie Rayner from Storyland Studios for Mega Trends and Societal Changes: How does the Attractions Industry need to evolve and adapt in an everchanging world?
This session focused on three trends: societal changes, climate change and digital transformation. The panellists looked at how these trends impact the industry and what requirements they might impose on future business strategies.
Thompson, chief strategy officer at Storyland Studios, spoke about the changing demographics around the world. On average, people are having fewer children and many countries have an ageing population. This could be considered a drag affect on attendance, especially as many attractions rely on the family market.
Aarresuo, director of development at Särkänniemi Theme Park said that our industry often tries to go faster, but we need to find a balance. Investments will last for 30 years. So we have to look into the future and provide comfortable but exciting rides for this ageing population.
He explained that “only 25% of our customers use the thrill rides” in his park. When looking at investments, you have to consider the changing demographics. Short term, you should also think about your pricing and ticketing models. If the majority of your visitors aren’t using the thrill rides, will they feel like they have good value for money with one ticket price for all rides?
When discussing climate change, Rayner, sustainability champion at Storyland Studios said that it is vital to embed sustainable thinking from the beginning of a project. You need to “have the courage to experiment with sustainability” and find the right way for your project. In our industry, safety is always considered at the start of a project. Sustainability also needs to be seen as this important.
Seppälä, CEO of Särkänniemi also said that sustainability doesn’t always cost more. He believes that “sustainability will give you a competitive edge”.
When talking about digital transformation, Thompson said that “technology is always in service of the story.” One trend he explored was how in-home experiences, especially with video games, are increasing in quality and people are consuming hundreds of hours of content. This is the competition for attractions. They have to explore how they can create places of connection in the real world that are also engaging and using technology to create personalised experiences.
On the show floor at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023
Press conferences
Several exhibitors announced exciting new projects or innovations during the trade show. On Tuesday, Attraktion!, a leading manufacturer of media-based attractions, held the first press confernce of the week. During this, the team announced the latest title for the Playneo game system, Pigvasion. This is the first free-roaming gaming experience for groups to be based on the Angry Birds films.
Pigvasion is a collaboration with Angry Birds developer Rovio Entertainment Corporation, mediated by Angry Birds’ global licencing agency IMG. The game offers immersive, fast-paced gameplay that surpasses the traditional mobile gaming experience, scaled up for entertainment venues.
Jora Vision, a leading design and production company, and Vekoma Rides, the Dutch roller coaster specialist, joined with Emerald Park to reveal details of the new Tír na nÓg land, which will open in 2024. The firms shared their plans for the coasters, storytelling and characters that will inhabit the new area, themed as The Land of Eternal Youth.
The focal point is two Celtic knot-like, intertwined steel rollercoasters, created and engineered by Vekoma Rides. Jora Vision is partnering with the park to develop this storytelling.
WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, also held a press conference. Here, the team announced company updates and shared some highlights from 2023.
The company celebrated the launch of nearly sixty projects this year. In addition to reaching significant milestones for the groundbreaking and completion of projects spanning a range of venue categories, including hotels, community centres, cruise ships, and freestanding water parks, WhiteWater has seen significant growth in its regional offices.
Valo Motion, a pioneer in combining interactive technology with physical activities, also held a press conference. The firm shared insights into its development, its aims for 2030, and details of its unique product range.
Valo Motion’s vision is to achieve 1 million plays per day by 2030. Having exhibited at IAAPA Expo events for seven years, it has amassed three brass ring awards for ValoJump and ValoArena.
Innovations across the show floor
There were plenty of exciting new prodcuts and services on display across the 17,000+ square metre trade show floor, with over 600 firms exhibiting.
Clip ‘n Climb, an international leader in the fun climbing market, unveiled a new addition to its catalogue of climbing challenges. With three distinct routes up the new Velocity challenge, it has been designed to entertain players of all ages and skill levels. These multiple paths let climbers select a difficulty level that works for them. So, climbers can level up the challenge at each visit. This keeps it engaging and encourages them to come back again and again.
Huss Park Attractions, the German ride manufacturer, launched five new rides and a major brand refresh. Visitors to the company’s booth could find out more about the new concepts, including the new Break Dance 5. This will soon be deployed to its first installation as Laser Dance at the Prater in Vienna.
The Park Playground, a unique VR franchise, introduced a brand-new turnkey solution: The Park VR System. This allows any leisure location to quickly and easily integrate The Park’s fully mobile, free-roam VR experiences.
ThisPlays International, a leading provider of photo booth products, attended IAAPA Expo Europe for the sixth year in a row. The team showcased its innovative Photo Booths. These boost revenue and enhance the guest experience on a small footprint and no upfront investment.
Convious, a leading eCommerce platform for the leisure industry, held a series of free daily talks on the show floor. Through these, it explored the ‘Hidden Worlds’ of the experience economy solar system. The team was also celebrating the fact that 10% of all theme parks in the UK are utilising the Convious platform.
DOF Robotics, a producer of dynamic simulation platforms, gave attendees that chance to try the new design Hurricane 360 VR at the booth.
Triotech, an award-winning creator of media-based attractions, celebrated the opening of Primordial, an interactive dark coaster at Lagoon Park in Utah. This is a 3-level roller coaster mixed with an interactive dark ride. It includes eight media-based scenes and an alternate ending narration.
ETF Ride Systems, a leading ride designer and manufacturer, celebrated 25 years in the attractions industry in the run up to IAAPA Expo Europe 2023. During the event, attendees could learn about several new projects. This includes new ride in central Las Vegas. The company will also expand its activities in Europe during 2024.
Greenspan Projects Ltd., a creative design and build specialist, showcased some of its latest projects during the show. This includes a new adventure park at City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol, Cyprus. The firm also demonstrated Puttify, an innovative new golf game set to transform the world of social entertainment, for which it is sole global distributor.
Maurer Rides, a leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and transport solutions, presented its new Speed Chaser roller coaster concept at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023. This offers an adaptable ride with a small footprint. It promises an exciting ride for families and thrill-seekers alike with the addition of titling seats, boosters, gaming, shooting and light gates.
Martin & Vleminckx, a leader in the design, manufacture, fabrication, and installation of thrilling attractions, revealed an updated brand identity, with a new logo and upgraded website.
nWave Pictures, a multinational producer and distributor of immersive 3D/4D content, teased its new 4D/3D attraction, Theater of Dreams. This is based on its upcoming feature film The Inseparables, due to be released in theatres later in 2023.
Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of immersive attractions, shared details of the new SpongeBob SquarePants Dark Ride coming to Circus Circus Las Vegas, inspired by the hit Nickelodeon animated series. The team also celebrated the new Treasure Hunt: The Ride attraction, created in partnership with Daniels Wood Land. Alterface, a leader in interactive technology, delivered multimedia interactivity and gameplay for the pirate-themed attraction in Monterey Bay, California.
On the accesso booth, a leading technology provider for attractions worldwide, attendees could discover newly acquired VGS ticketing and visitor management platform. The award-winning VGS SnApp platform will now become accesso Horizon and will operate as part of accesso’s product set.
Award winning booths
IAAPA also named the winners of the IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023. The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards honour worldwide attractions sector excellence and are among the industry’s highest honours. For the Best Exhibit Awards, booth design, branding, staffing, product, and appeal were evaluated.
Winners from IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 are as follows:
- 9-27 square meters, First Place, accesso/VGS, Booths A-2825 & A-2827
- 9-27 square meters, Second Place, Xtraice, Booth C-512
- 36-54 square meters, First Place, P&P Projects, Booth A-617
- 36-54 square meters, Second Place, Petro Art Production, Booth B-1225
- 63 square meters and larger, First Place, ProSlide Technology, Inc., Booth A-1301
- 63 square meters and larger, Second Place, The Seasonal Group, Booth B-427
“Out of a remarkable 148 applications, these exceptional exhibitors have truly set a standard of excellence and made a difference to the show floor,” said Wahl.
“Their innovation, creativity, and dedication are remarkable and a testament to the spirit of innovation at IAAPA Expo Europe and the importance of the attractions and amusements community.”
Events at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023
There were plenty of opportunities for attendees to socialise and network during IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 too.
On Tuesday evening, the Opening Reception was hosted at the historic Schweizerhaus restaurant, in the heart of the Vienna Prater. Attendees could network and enjoy Austrian hospitality, as well as experiencing some of the most iconic rides at Prater Wien. Attendees also enjoyed the movemotions productions Plan B party held next door, sponsored by Outdoor Factory.
On Wednesday, the TEA hosted the IAAPA Europe Expo Themed Entertainment Association Members Only Event at Schübel-Auer, sponsored by AV Stumpfl. This was a chance to catch up with colleagues and enjoy some classic Austrian food and drinks.
Upcoming TEA events include the Storytelling, Architecture, Technology, and Experience (SATE) conference for North America in Kansas City, Missouri, from 12 – 14 October 2023. The TEA will also hold a mixer during IAAPA Expo in Orlando next month. During this event, the winners of the annual Thea Awards will be revealed.
Other special events includes the inaugural Host City Day on Monday 25 September, with three tours designed to cover developments in F&B, retail, and the culture of business. Monday also saw the usual Water Park Day, Indoor Entertainment Day, Safety Day and Sustainability Day events, and an EDUTour of Familypark.
Other EDUTours during the week included a visit to Vienna Zoo, Prater Wien, and Eis-Greissler Erlebenispark and Eis-Greissler Zeitreise.
In addition, first IAAPA Expo Europe Job Fair took place. This brought together students and young professionals to connect with representatives from all corners of the industry.
❤️ IAAPA Charity Auction is about to kick off. We're fundraising to support the future talent. 10 exclusive theme park lots are available for bidding! Thank you to Massimiliano Freddi and Jim Pattison Jr. for being MCs. Head to the Press Conference Room (Stolz 1). #IAAPAExpos pic.twitter.com/qajyPxH86P
— IAAPA EMEA (@IAAPAEMEA) September 27, 2023
Attendees could also raise money for the IAAPA Foundation, which supports the future talent pipeline for the worldwide attractions sector. More than €12,000 was raised in total through the sale of bespoke Lebkuchen cookies, open giving by delegates, and an in-person auction event.
The auction included lots donated by the sector, such as park visits, behind-the-scenes tours, and overnight stays. It raised over €5,000 in just half an hour. A highlight is a Eurosat Coaster car donated by Europa-Park. Bidding for this opened with an in-person bid of €1,700 by Jim Pattison, Jr. An online auction for this lot will be live and open to the public until 9 October. IAAPA has pledged to match the total raised in order to further support talent in the sector.
Sponsors
Platinum sponsors of this event include Battle Kart Entertainment, Brogent Technologies Inc., DOF Robotics, Outdoor Factory and PortAventura World.
Coca Cola Freestyle, Gateway Ticketing Systems, Vekoma, Storyland Studios and TAIT are all Gold sponsors of IAAPA Expo Europe 2023. Silver sponsors are accesso, Interlink, ProSlide, Polin, Sacoa, Qubica AMF and WTI.
Date for the diary: IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 is scheduled to take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from 23-26 September.
