IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is set to host the eagerly anticipated IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 from 27 to 30 May at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
The international trade show will gather leaders from the global amusement industry and explore the emerging trends and technologies that will define the industry. Keynote and roundtable sessions feature speakers from the region's acclaimed parks and entertainment venues, including Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Universal Beijing Resort, Enchanted Kingdom, Dreamworld, Studio City Macau, and Ramayana Water Park.
See also: IAAPA Expo Asia 2024: what not to miss
Registration is now open for the event. In addition, a limited number of guest passes are available from registered exhibitors. For full details, please visit the IAAPA website.
Return to Thailand
IAAPA was established in 1918 and represents professionals from the international attractions industry. It now has over 6,000 members from more than 100 countries.
The Association's flagship expos continue to be key events for general managers, owners, and CEOs of amusement and water parks, hotels and resorts, entertainment facilities, tourist attractions, museums, zoos, and aquariums to learn about the most recent industry innovations, attend impactful learning sessions, and meetwith international manufacturers and suppliers.
This year, IAAPA Expo Asia is returning to Thailand for the first time in 17 years. The expo will featurea 7,800 net square metre trade show floor, presentingindustry-leading products and solutions including cutting-edge rides and robotics, safety features, and mixed reality and AI experiences.
The expo's education programme will feature keynote presentations and panel discussions with leading professionals in the region. They will share insights and best practices for diversifying revenue streams, creating memorable visitor experiences, unlocking opportunities with AI, and using IP collaborations to tap into emotional connections.
Another key element of IAAPA's educational programme will be the EDUTours, which will provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of Thailand's most prestigious entertainment venues and insider knowledge imparted by their top executives.
This year's selected destinations take a unique approach to visitorentertainment and engagement, and so offer delegatesa diverse range of learning opportunities. Theyinclude Siam Amazing Park, the educational family venuePlaymondo, and the sports-focused entertainment attractionBEAT Active.
Additionally, a fourth tour to the nearby city of Pattaya will enable delegates to explore several entertainment venues over a full day, demonstrating why the city has quickly established a reputationas anentertainment hub.
Helping attractions evolve
Jack Chan, executive director and vice president, IAAPA Asia Pacific, says: "IAAPA Expo Asia is an unmissable event not just for professionals in the attractions industry, but also any business owner or entrepreneur who wants to take their business to the next level.
"Our theme this year is ‘Shape your Evolution’, as we seek to help our attendees discover the future trends that could drive their business growth even further. We look forward to debuting the very best industry innovations available in the market as well as fostering new connections and delivering exceptional education and networking opportunities to all."
IAAPA Expo Asia offersbenefits toboth internationalguests and local businesses. After a long absence, the event's return to Thailand will makethe latest innovations from around the world available toThailand's local businesses and entertainment venues. This will bolster the tourism industry and enable stronger growththrough IAAPA's international community of industry players and partners.
Furthermore, whilstattendees canlearn from local attractions through the EDUTours, trade show exhibitors can experiencethe strengths of Thailand's tourism industry, which has along-held international reputation forquality andpotential for expansion and investment.
Earlier this month, IAAPA revealed that itexpects strong summer travelnumbers and shared key sector trends according to its members. The Associationanticipates a 2% uplift in North American theme park attendance, bringing the total to more than 300 million visits in 2024. Consumer spending is expected to keep pace at over $32bn, representing a 7% rise.
