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Big rides, new technology, and attracting guests are just three elements of interest at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 in Orlando today through Nov. 19.
As the largest annual gathering of the $24 billion amusement park and attractions industry, the Expo returns to Orlando to begin a 10-year run as one of the nation’s largest and most visual conventions.
The Expo brings a $47.7 million boost to Orlando’s economy, temporarily transforming the Orange County Convention Center into a marketplace that resembles a theme park midway complete with amusement rides, games, food, and fun showcased by 1, 136 exhibitors from around the world. Companies specializing in theming, design, ticketing, and 
technology also fill 1 million square feet of convention center space.
Representing more than 100 nations, approximately 25, 000 professionals from the world’s top theme parks and amusement parks, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, casinos, and resorts are on site to network and learn about new trends and innovations for 2011 and beyond.
The Expo also features more than 90 education sessions and behind-the-scenes tours of Orlando’s hottest destinations.
Special events at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 include a keynote presentation by Universal Parks and Resorts Chairman and CEO Tom Williams, who will speak about the creative vision behind Universal Orlando’s latest product, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and how the park was inspired to bring to life a story through ride design, theming, storytelling and immersive experiences.
Participants will hear from successful attractions industry executives. Herschend Family Entertainment President and CEO Joel Manby discussed his experience on the CBS show "Undercover Boss." Roland Mack, managing partner of Germany’s Europa-Park, will share the history of his park and some of the challenges and opportunities faced by his companies.
Expo attendees will also hear from legends including Mary Sklar, retired vice chairman and principal creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Mickey Steinberg, retired executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the Expo is closed to the public, with media invited to attend. Details, photos, and phone interviews about exhibitors from most U.S. states are available by request to localize reports. More information about IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 is available at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo or by calling 703/299-5127 or 404/643-6873.
