The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has decided not to hold IAAPA Connections 2009 based on concerns regarding the economy and its impact on members’ ability to participate in the three-day education and networking event for attractions industry leaders. IAAPA Connections 2009 was originally scheduled to take place at Atlantis resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Feb. 24-26. The organization also decided not to hold its board and several other member committee meetings that were scheduled to take place at Atlantis in conjunction with Connections.
“While prospects for the year are uncertain, we know that our members are evaluating their businesses and adjusting their operations to address the current economic environment, ” said IAAPA Chairman Darrell Metzger. “Like many of our members, IAAPA is evaluating programs and operations. As a result, we decided it’s in the best interest of our members and the association at-large to not hold IAAPA Connections 2009.”
“We were excited about this new event and are disappointed to make this decision, but we understand that circumstances change and we need to adjust our plans accordingly, ” said IAAPA President and CEO, Charles Bray. “We will work with the IAAPA board and our volunteer committees to determine how to proceed with a networking and learning event that brings attractions operators and suppliers together in the future.”
IAAPA provides a number of other important industry events throughout the year and plans are well under way for the association’s 2009 trade shows:
Asian Attractions Expo – Seoul, South Korea – June 10-12
Euro Attractions Show – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Sept. 30-Oct. 2
IAAPA Attractions Expo – Las Vegas, Nevada, United States – Nov. 16-20
Additional information about exhibiting at IAAPA trade shows is available online at www.IAAPA.org or by contacting the sales team at exhibitsales@IAAPA.org or +1 703/836-4800.
About IAAPA
IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded almost 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4, 100 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include amusement/theme parks, waterparks, attractions, family entertainment centers, arcades, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos. IAAPA is a nonprofit organization. Funds generated for the association by its involvement in trade shows and other activities are returned to the association to fund services for its members and the industry.
###
Contact information:
IAAPA Press Office: + 1 703/299-5127
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org
See also:
IAAPA Connections Debuts February 24 – 26, 2009 in Bahamas
IAAPA Is Excited to Host Its First Major Event in Las Vegas
24, 000 People from a Record 100 Countries Participate in IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008
