IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has officially opened IAAPA Expo 2021 in Orlando, Florida.
The event, which takes place at Orange County Convention Center, features over 850 exhibitors showcasing products and services from across the globe with 375,000 square feet of trade show exhibition space.
Thousands of industry professionals have registered to attend this year’s event, providing opportunities to network, and make decisions on future investments. Certain aspects of this year’s event will also be available to access digitally.
Events
IAAPA Expo will offer over 90 educational sessions designed for visitor attraction professionals, where attendees can learn pearls of wisdom from industry veterans and the latest trends from sector experts. An additional 50 plus networking events will allow executives to create new connections, and build personal profiles including an International Reception and Water Park Social.
Notable events in the schedule include the sold-out GM and Owners’ Breakfast on 17 November, featuring Cedar Fair president and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman and also sold-out “Lunch and Learn” featuring Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman Josh D’Amaro.
AREA15 and Fisher Brothers partner Winston Fisher will host “Game Changer – From Spectator to Participant: The New Paradigm of Immersive Entertainment”, exploring concepts and ideas utilised in Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart experience.
IAAPA Brass Ring Award and IAAPA Award winners including IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees, will be celebrated at an Opening Reception on 16 November.
Latest news
IAAPA Expo will also be a platform for attractions firms to unveil and showcase new concepts.
On Tuesday, several companies will be making announcements, including Extreme Engineering, Fun Spot, JRA, Medici XD, Merlin Entertainments, RWS Entertainment Group, Sally Dark Rides and the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA).
Wednesday sees further reveals from Brogent Technologies Inc., Polin Waterparks, SPREE Interactive, Triotech, WhiteWater, Zamperla and more. A final day of presentations on Thursday will feature media-based attractions specialist Simworx amongst others. For the full schedule, please click here.
The final show day will see Jim Pattison Jr., IAAPA Board of Directors vice-chair, shave his beard as part of a Guinness World Record attempt, raising money for Give Kids The World Village.
“Outstanding line-up”
Hal McEvoy, IAAPA CEO and president says “We’re thrilled to bring back together, in-person, the global attractions community for IAAPA Expo. The attractions industry is working tirelessly to come back stronger than ever, and we’re excited to reflect and showcase that here.
“We have an outstanding line-up of special events, speakers, and educational programming along with our amazing, diverse trade show floor. It’s going to be a fantastic week.”
Find out more about this year’s exhibitor lineup highlights in blooloop’s IAAPA Expo 2021 preview.
