IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced that IAAPA Expo Europe, which ended yesterday at the RAI Amsterdam, welcomed the greatest number of registered attendees in the history of the region.
Around 17,370 people attended the four-day conference to network with other professionals, share best practices and resources, learn about the latest technologies, and visit some of the Netherlands’ most extraordinary facilities.
Furthermore, the Expo attracted 13,195 qualified buyers, representing 11,529 purchasing organisations and over 680 exhibiting companies. This year’s event broke EMEA’s record for the largest trade show floor ever, with a venue area of more than 18,000 square meters.
Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president for IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa, says: “The attractions market in Amsterdam is one of the things that makes this city an outstanding host. Its rich history of cultural landmarks that blend tradition with cutting-edge experiences, makes Amsterdam the ideal setting for this event.
“The record-breaking success of IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 is a testament to the unwavering support of our members, partners, and exhibitors, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to our industry.”
Future of the industry
The education conference, which is a highlight of every IAAPA Expo, included an extensive programme of 60 sessions with 200 speakers from 20 nations. The EDUSessions addressed a wide range of themes, such as workplace culture, emerging trends, visitor satisfaction, revenue optimisation, safety, sustainability, best practices for small facilities, and others.
Jakob Wahl, president and chief executive officer of IAAPA, comments: “The magnitude of IAAPA Expo Europe continues to demonstrate the positive impact of our industry and how much we can learn from each other. We are thrilled to see our community come together in person time and time again to exchange ideas and showcase the future of the attractions industry.”
The IAAPA Foundation continued to be well-represented at the event. More than €15,000 was raised through stroopwafel sales and a live auction of industry-donated items including exclusive park visits, overnight stays, and a meal with Andreas Andersen. To support new talent in the attractions sector IAAPA has matched this sum, raising the total to €30,528.
IAAPA Expo Europe 2025 will be held next year in Barcelona, Spain, from 22 to 25 September. To date, 553 organisations have reserved a total of 18,009 square meters of exhibition space.
Earlier this week, IAAPA announced that six attractions industry leaders have been elected to the IAAPA Global Board of Directors for 2025. The global board works with the IAAPA team to develop the trade association’s strategic priorities, approves annual business plans and oversees the association’s finances. It also advocates for the association’s members and the sector in all board decisions, with its members serving as international goodwill ambassadors. Â
