IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is celebrating the opening of the IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as Europe’s largest tradeshow for leisure and attraction professionals returns to a city noted for its rich cultural legacy and strong connections to the leisure sector.
This widely anticipated event serves as a source of inspiration, innovation, and networking for industry professionals from all around the world.
Jakob Wahl, president, and CEO of IAAPA, says: “Returning to The Netherlands is a significant moment for our team, as this country’s deep roots in the leisure industry perfectly aligns with our mission to spotlight innovation and tradition at IAAPA Expo Europe.
“This event brings together the best of our industry in one space, focusing on education, networking, and expanding business opportunities.”
Historic opening ceremony
Professionals, exhibitors, and enthusiasts from around the world have gathered for the Expo, which features over 680 exhibiting firms across over 18,000 square meters of space. This record-breaking exhibit floor is the largest in the history of the annual European Expo and is now open until 26 September.
The Expo launched with an opening ceremony that honours Amsterdam’s rich heritage. Performances of traditional Dutch music and dancing, as well as a dynamic theatrical production, set the tone for an exciting event.
Wahl made a historic announcement at the ceremony, unveiling the addition of IAAPA Expo Middle East, which will launch in 2026. This landmark event demonstrates IAAPA’s dedication to supporting the rapidly expanding EMEA industry and will be the organisation’s first major Expo in the Middle East. The announcement presents new opportunities for sector professionals in this developing hub and denotes a major expansion of IAAPA’s worldwide reach.
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 industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and discover the latest trends and technologies. This year, we’re excited to introduce new networking opportunities, such as the Family Entertainment Center Reception and the Science Center and Museum Reception, designed to foster meaningful connections within the industry.
“As we gather in Amsterdam, my home country, we look forward to showcasing the creativity and resilience of our industry while shaping its future. Amsterdam has always been a great host for this event, and we are proud to have the show here at the RAI for the fourth time.”
Key features of IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 include:
- Educational sessions. A variety of workshops and EDUTours offer attendees insights into sustainability, improving the visitor experience, and emerging trends. Experiences include the fairy-tale kingdom of Efteling, Toverland’s exhilarating rides and magnificent settings, and a visit to Family Resort Molenwaard. Delegates can learn about the Netherlands’ agricultural history at Avonturenboerderij Molenwaard, and see how conservation and innovation come together at Artis Zoo.Â
- Networking opportunities. The Science Center and Museum Reception and the Family Entertainment Center Reception, which are new in 2024, provide the ideal environment for networking with colleagues in the field, exchanging ideas, and creating meaningful relationships while enjoying a complimentary drink. The programme also includes The Young Professionals Reception, the Supervisors and Team Leaders Reception, the Zoo and Aquarium Reception, the Water Park Reception, and the Showman and Funfair Reception.
- Inspiring keynotes. Leading industry specialists offer insights that shape the development of the attractions sector. Speakers include Gerro Vonk, director of Driestar Investments, which is known for the Hof van Saksen vacation park in the Netherlands, and Jean Gelissen, general manager of Toverland.
See also: Top events, education sessions & exhibitors at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
IAAPA Brass Ring Awards
The winners of the IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards were announced today at IAAPA Expo Europe’s Leadership Breakfast.
The IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards continue a tradition that dates back to the 1800s, when carousel riders hoped to catch a rare brass ring on the ride, with the ring representing a special prize and frequently another free ride. This tradition has developed into one of the industry’s most coveted awards, recognizing excellence in display presentation.
The IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards recognise companies with the best booth presentations on the show floor in three size categories. Exhibitors are evaluated based on their booth design, branding, staffing, and general appeal.
This year, IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 debuted the new Image Award, which recognises the best booth in the whole event. All Best Exhibit Award entries are automatically considered for the Image Award, with just one booth selected as the “best of the best” by a panel of judges.
The winners are:
Image Award
- Tomorrowland Leisure, booth #8116
Category 1
- 9-27 square meters, First Place, Bowl-Easy B.V., booth #12000
“Backdrop featuring a video screen worked well with their product on hand.” - 9-27 square meters, Second Place, Future Design Sp. z.o.o, booth #9012
“Branding was really strong, the overall design was appealing.”
Category 2
- 36-54 square meters, First Place, BoldMove Nation, booth #9502
“Booth design well put together with logo prominent and backdrop with a carnival design including models.” - 36-54 square meters, Second Place, Petro Art Production, booth #8250
“Overall appearance looked great, the flooring and signage featuring their logo really stood out.”
Category 3
- 63 square meters and larger, First Place, The Seasonal Group, booth #8204
“Staff welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable about product, good product demo.” - 63 square meters and larger, Second Place, Disco Designer EOOD, booth #8218
“Display stands out, products interesting (especially the gold chair!) an effective display.”
Wahl comments: “IAAPA is thrilled that our panel of industry operators and members selected the top booth on display along with six other winners for IAAPA Expo Europe’s Brass Ring Awards. All the booths were unique to their own company, and we congratulate them all for their hard work and creativity.”
Earlier this month, IAAPA announced that it has entered into a three-year partnership with Satisfi Labs, a leading AI-powered conversational experience platform. This collaboration will bring cutting-edge solutions directly to IAAPA members.
