IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has proclaimed its latest European Expo a success after returning to London for the first time in over a decade.
Concluding on 15 September, IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 saw 11,474 registered attendees, including 7,510 qualified buyers representing 4,408 buying and 530 exhibiting companies. This year’s Expo gathered 30% more attendees compared to the 2021 event.
“This week was everything we had hoped it would be as the global attractions industry continues to navigate new challenges that have arisen over the last several years,” said IAAPA EMEA executive director and vice president Peter van der Schans.
“Bringing together thousands of attendees from around the world is just one aspect of IAAPA, but it’s something we do really well. I hope attendees, everyone from exhibitors and buyers to industry veterans and session speakers, left feeling inspired to continue the exceptional work they do at their respective companies.”
Striving to move forward
The international event began on 12 September with an educational programme hosted by Chessington World of Adventures, comprising EDUTour, Safety Day, and Sustainability Day events.
On the same day, Indoor Entertainment Day attendees explored FECs and venues including Immersive Gamebox, Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside, and Puttshack.
“The excellent learning and networking opportunities at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe are a reminder that the global attractions industry is resilient and is striving to move forward,” said IAAPA president and CEO Hal McEvoy.
“Expo is an event unlike any other where industry leaders get together to share their successes, learn about the next wave of innovation, and see how they can improve their own business operations by talking to others.
“The professional development opportunities hosted by IAAPA with the help of industry leaders and experts prepare industry team members for career growth in this dynamic industry.”
Show attendees were able to participate in twenty education sessions featuring over 100 industry executives and legends. Attendees that missed any sessions will have 30 days to view these online or on the IAAPA Connect+ app as part of their registration package.
Whilst this year’s Expo was only last week, plans for IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 are already underway. IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 will take place in Vienna, Austria from 25-28 September. IAAPA is reporting that advance exhibit sales are strong with over 12,450 square metres of contracted booth space already being earmarked by 350 exhibitors.
Registration for IAAPA Expo in Orlando, taking place 14-17 November 2022, is currently available for attendees.
IAAPA has recently announced the appointment of Wonderwood founder and CEO Massimiliano Freddi as second vice chair of IAAPA’s Board of Directors for next year.
