IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has taken the decision to cancel IAAPA Expo Asia 2022, which was scheduled to take place in Hong Kong this June. The announcement is a result of the continuing impact of the pandemic in the region.
Ongoing travel and business restrictions
“Providing an opportunity for our members to meet face-to-face, conduct business, and move our industry forward has always been a top priority for our association,” says Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA.
“Our team has been working tirelessly on this year’s Expo in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, and continued travel and business restrictions have reduced the feasibility of hosting a successful Expo in Asia in June. After careful consideration, and with significant input from members, exhibitors, the IAAPA Board of Directors and our team, we have decided it is best to cancel this year’s IAAPA Expo Asia.”
June Ko, vice president and executive director, IAAPA APAC, adds:
“We understand the importance of sharing this decision in a timely manner. We want to ensure our exhibitors and members have time to adjust their plans for the year. The Asia-Pacific region is an important part of the global attractions industry, and we remain committed to serving our members by providing opportunities to share, learn, buy, and connect with each other through other events and channels.
“We are developing alternative in-person events for our members to network in the APAC region in 2022 and will shift our focus to creating an outstanding IAAPA Expo Asia 2023.”
More events to come in 2022
Those exhibitors and sponsors already signed up for IAAPA Expo Asia 2022 will be given a range of opportunities to leverage their investments in the show, and the IAAPA Global Sales Team will be in touch to set out the next steps. Exhibitors can also contact the sales team here for more information.
IAAPA says that plans are still proceeding for this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, which will be taking place in London, UK. IAAPA Expo 2022 will also return to Orlando, Florida, in November, and exhibit space for both shows is still available.
Last year, IAAPA Expo took place in-person at the Orange County Convention Center for the first time since 2019. With travel restrictions lessened, over 28,000 attendees took the opportunity to meet and network with industry peers.
Top image from IAAPA Expo
