IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is making its final preparations ahead of the grand opening of IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 in Austria.
There is a tangible sense of anticipation in Vienna as the much-awaited IAAPA Expo Europe approaches. The event will be hosted by The Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Centre from 25-28 September, and IAAPA says that the Expo will be “a celebration of innovation, leadership, and giving back”.
IAAPA Expo Europe, the flagship event for the leisure industry, will open its doors with the largest show floor in the event’s history. A remarkable 638 exhibitors will fill over 17,500 square metres of space and will present new innovations and products to an audience of approximately 15,000 attendees.
The event also offers a busy schedule of educational sessions and experiences.
Susanne Kraus-Winkler, Austrian state secretary for tourism, says: “As the best meeting destination in the world it’s a great pleasure to welcome this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in Vienna. It’s the ideal venue, because it is where tradition and culture meet future-oriented thinking. Prospects for the coming years show, that people’s willingness to spend a substantial amount of their income on leisure activities is increasing.
“The attraction industry continues to grow and has a big impact on local economies. To maintain this success, it is important to learn from each other – IAAPA Expo Europe with nearly 640 exhibitors is therefore the best opportunity to get inspired by the newest trends and innovations in the industry.”
Kraus-Winkler is scheduled to appear on the IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 Opening Ceremony stage where she will welcome delegates, shortly followed by the opening of the trade show floor.
The IAAPA Foundation
IAAPA provides dedicated support to the attractions sector through philanthropy, networking and education. Visitors will have the chance to take part in charity fundraising activities at this year’s Expo, in partnership with the IAAPA Foundation. These activities will provide support for student scholarships and the development of the industry’s talent pipeline.
This year, exclusive Austrian cookies will be sold at the Expo to raise funds for the Foundation. The traditional treats will be sold for 25EUR each, and additional donations will be welcomed should delegates wish to support the Foundation further.
In addition, at 11 am on Wednesday 26 September, an exclusive industry auction will be held in the IAAPA Press Conference Room. The live auction event will include one-of-a-kind experiences and items kindly donated by industry leaders.
An exclusive factory tour of Mack Rides, including Franz Mack’s private house, an overnight stay at Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel, and a retired Eurosat coaster car from Europa-Park, are among the auction lots. The coaster car will also be auctioned online after the event, and the auction will be open to roller coaster fans across the world.Â
These initiatives illustrate the sector’s dedication to creating a positive impact which extends beyond the Expo. IAAPA will match proceeds from cookie sales and the industry auction, doubling the funding for new scholarships.
Thousands of people from all over the world are anticipated to attend the IAAPA Expo Europe and enjoy the event’s renowned networking, education and discovery opportunities.
Registration is open online for media and delegates.
IAAPA announced earlier this month that it has made three new appointments to its senior leadership team, Jack Chan, Jorge Cabrera and Christy Spahn. In addition, Stacey Mills has been promoted to head of global expo operations.
