By Karen Staley, VP IAAPA Europe
As many attendees realized last year in Berlin, EAS is a highly professional and a very well accepted trade show in Europe for the attractions industry. In fact it is the only trade show of its kind focused exclusively on the attractions industry here in Europe.
Exhibit sales for EAS 2013 are strong and we are proud to be once again ahead of last year’s sold exhibit space. That means the 2013 edition of EAS from 18-20 September in Paris will feature the largest exhibit floor in the history of EAS.
We have tried to always improve upon the show each year and as a result a lot of things have been added and changed at EAS. We always strive to host the event in a modern, beautiful, and conveniently located facility just like the venue for EAS 2013, the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre inside the city centre of Paris.
We have increased the size and diversity of products shown on the exhibit floor and EAS now showcases more than 100 different product categories provided by exhibitors from all over the world. We have further developed the overall attendee programme as well offering more exciting tours, a vast list of educational seminars and special networking events.
Mus e des Arts Forains
We will host the EAS Opening Reception outside the trade show building in the spectacular Mus e des Arts Forains. Since this wonderful museum is so special depicting the beginning of our industry, we felt it would be most appropriate to host the event there. This museum, located in old vine storage buildings, is home to many historical fairground rides and games, that will all be in operation for our event. And if you are lucky, you might get a glimpse into the stunning archives of this incomparable collection of European attractions history.
To appeal to greater audience in the attractions industry, we also further developed the Water Park Forum, which will take place at the nearby indoor water park Aquaboulevard, complete with a tour of the facility, presentations on the hottest projects in Europe, and finishing up with a lovely reception. 
Back by popular demand, EAS will also feature an all-day FEC / Indoor Playground event addressing the hottest topics for operators for both kinds of attractions. This event will be held in the exhibition center for ease of attendance.
All-day IAAPA Safety Institute
To continue to communicate the importance of safety in our industry, IAAPA and Disneyland Paris will host a comprehensive all-day IAAPA Safety Institute prior to EAS on the 17 September. Attendees of this event will have a full programme at the park complete with presentations and discussions on safety-related issues, backstage tours, and a reception before ending the day with the spectacular Disney Dreams.
In order to provide young professionals with concrete and creative information on working in the industry, we modified the Young Professionals Reception. This year, it will include a panel discussion with well-known leaders from the industry who will share their career advice and perspectives on the industry. A small reception will follow this session so participants can continue to network and learn.
These are just some of the many opportunities we are offering the attendees at this year’s EAS. While EAS is still a young show we are truly thankful to all exhibitors, sponsors, supporting associations, and of course the attendees for supporting EAS and for making our 10th possible. Come to EAS and meet your IAAPA staff while at the show. We are very much looking forward to seeing all of you in September in Paris.
For registration, information on events, hotel rates, seminars, and more, visit the website www.IAAPA.org/EAS
Images: Top Musee des Arts Forains, bottom two kind courtesy Elton Games.
