IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is celebrating the official opening of IAAPA Expo Europe 2023, which took place on 26 September.
This year the event is being held at the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center in Vienna, the city that hosted the first IAAPA-branded Europe expo. This event was launched by the association in 2005, during a period of rapid growth.
The much-awaited 2023 event is running until 28 September and is a centre for innovation, inspiration, and networking for the attractions sector.
Jakob Wahl, president and chief executive officer for IAAPA, says: “Returning to Vienna is like a homecoming for our team because this vibrant city is where we first introduced ourselves to the region. This show brings the best of our industry together in one space to focus on educational learnings, spotlight innovation, and network in meaningful ways that push us all to expand our business and offerings.”
Record breaking expo
IAAPA Expo Europe is the region’s leading event for the leisure and attractions sector and is open to visitors from all over the world including industry professionals, suppliers, and enthusiasts. 15,000 delegates are expected to attend the 2023 event, and it has already set a record for the biggest show floor yet. Over 17,500 square meters of exhibition space is being used by nearly 640 companies.
The exhibition floor opened on 26 September following an official opening ceremony which showcased the history of the area, with waltz music and a giant ferris wheel in the Prater.
Susanne Kraus-Winkler, the Austrian state secretary of tourism spoke at the opening ceremony. She commented: “The years ahead of us are looking bright. Let’s create memorable experiences together.”
Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president of IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa, says: “IAAPA Expo Europe is an exceptional opportunity for attractions industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and discover the latest trends and technologies. As we gather in Vienna, we look forward to showcasing the resilience and creativity of our industry while charting a course towards a brighter future.”
Key features of the event include:
- Educational sessions. Delegates can choose from a variety of seminars and training sessions on subjects including sustainability, improving the visitor experience, and emerging sector trends.
- Networking opportunities. IAAPA Expo Europe offers a variety of networking opportunities for the sector’s professionals to meet, exchange ideas, and develop beneficial relationships.
- Inspiring keynotes. Keynote speeches from acclaimed experts and thought leaders will offer insights and ideas for the future of the attractions sector.
- IAAPA charity auction. This week’s expo features a range of exclusive items which are being auctioned in support of The IAAPA Foundation. Lots include an all-access pass for Emerald Park during 2024 with a track climb on the Cú Chulainn wooden coaster (courtesy of Emerald Park), tickets to Hot Ice 2024 and an exclusive suite at BLVD Hotel (courtesy of Blackpool Pleasure Beach), and a Eurosat coaster car (courtesy of Europa-Park).
The association says that the event will “undoubtedly be a transformative experience for everyone involved,” and aims to offer a unifying and uplifting experience for the industry.
IAAPA recently announced new features and attractions that will be at the 2023 IAAPA Expo in November, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
