IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is celebrating the success of this year’s IAAPA Expo, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from 13 – 17 November. There were 36,173 attraction professionals on the floor from a total registration of 41,236. 26,453 of those were qualified buyers representing 18,135 buying companies, and there were 9,961 exhibitors representing 1,147 exhibiting companies.
The event showcased the newest developments and trends in the attractions sector, set over 550,000 square feet of space.
Just before the countdown to the exhibition floor opening, IAAPA hosted a dynamic Opening Ceremony for the event which featured the best of the industry’s entertainment along with welcome remarks from IAAPA’s senior leadership.
The Wednesday Leadership Breakfast, which featured a speech by Merlin Entertainments CEO Scott O’Neil, was another key event of the week. His motivational keynote speech emphasised his views on the attractions sector and leadership philosophy.
Events, fundraising and more
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of dedicated attractions professionals who make IAAPA Expo the thriving global community it is today,” says Jakob Wahl, president and chief executive officer for IAAPA.
“Your passion and dedication to continuously innovate and share best practices with each other is what makes this event so special. It is wonderful to see everyone collaborate for the good of the attractions industry and bring joy and smiles to millions of guests all around the world.”
This year at IAAPA Expo, the IAAPA Foundation was also well-represented. The Expo fundraising efforts collected an incredible $26,000, which will go towards industrial, experiential, and academic scholarships. The foundation’s purpose is to inspire and promote life-changing careers in the global attractions sector.
Additionally, IAAPA Expo 2023 raised money for Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit committed to giving critically ill children and their families magical wish vacations. The 20th Annual IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament, the 13th Annual IAAPA Charity Motorcycle Run and the 17th Annual IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5k Fun Run and 1 Mile Walk were among the events that took place over the week. The sum of $160,000 was raised.
IAAPA Expo 2023 also provided exclusive EDUTours that let visitors see some of Orlando’s most famous landmarks and tourist spots. Attendees had the chance to tour well-known locations including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and Fun Spot America, where they learned insightful things about the creative and operational processes of these well-known attractions. The main nighttime event of the week, IAAPA Celebrates, was organised by SeaWorld Orlando.
Michael Shelton, executive director and vice president for IAAPA North America, says: “The true magic of every IAAPA expo event is the dedication from our team. Their passion and hard work not only built this event but also strengthened the bonds of our incredible industry.”
IAAPA Expo 2024 takes place from 18 – 22 November and 401 exhibiting companies have already booked 235,600 square feet of exhibit space.
