IAAPA Attractions Expo Draws 32900 Amusement Industry Pros

ORLANDO, FL -- Results from this year's IAAPA Attractions Expo suggest that the global attractions industry is as dynamic and strong as it has ever been, according to the trade show's producer. More than 32,900 industry professionals from 120 countries explored exhibits on the 558,610-net-sq.ft. trade show floor in the Orange County Convention Center here, Nov. 16-20. Those are big increases over last year's show, which had a little more than 27,000 people and show floor encompassing 540,000 net square feet.

The amusement industry trade show is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. The Alexandria, VA-based association, founded in 1918, represents more than 4,800 facility, supplier and individual members from over 90 countries.

The number of registered buyers at the 2015 Attractions Expo totaled 21,200, IAAPA reported. They included attractions owners, presidents, general managers, directors and managers, along with designers and engineers. Numerous amusement and vending machine operators also attended this year's show. IAAPA Attractions Expo is the largest conference and product exhibition for the $39.5 billion global attractions industry and serves as the marketplace of innovation for attractions around the globe. The five-day exposition pumped an estimated $51.3 million into the Orlando-area economy.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2015 By The Numbers

» 1,066 companies displayed innovative new products and services on 558,610 net square feet of trade show floor space.

» 21,200 qualified buyers from around the world, including executives from amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers (FECs), zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts and attractions participated in the expo.

» 13,400 people participated in 114 education programs, which included multiple-day institutes and symposia, behind-the-scenes EDUTours at area attractions, panel and roundtable discussions, and constituency lunches. The education figure includes:

» 780 attractions industry professionals who attended the GM and Owners' Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Joel Manby, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment president and chief executive.

» Approximately 470 industry leaders who enjoyed a lunch-and-learn presentation by president of Universal Creative at Universal Parks & Resorts Mark Woodbury.

» Some 1,800 people attended the Kickoff Event, the expo's official opening session, for an update on the state of the industry; to see the exciting new attractions introduced around the world in 2015; and to preview new developments for 2016.

» Exhibitors held a record 34 press conferences to reveal new rides, attractions, technologies and innovations during the expo.

» Expo participants raised $150,000 for Give Kids The World through a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, individual and corporate donations, and a $20 for 20 campaign in recognition of the 20-year partnership between IAAPA and GKTW. Since 1995, the association has raised more than $1 million for the GKTW village.

» IAAPA Attractions Expo had 54 sponsors this year.

The following industry awards were presented during the IAAPA Attractions Expo:

IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards (worldwide industry leaders)

IAAPA Service Awards (service to IAAPA and the industry)

IAAPA Brass Ring Awards Awards (excellence in marketing, retail, live entertainment, human resources, food and beverage, family entertainment centers, new products, and best exhibits)

"It was an incredible week," said IAAPA president and chief executive Paul Noland. "Walking the trade show floor it was evident that the global attractions industry is booming in every corner of the world."

Skee Ball was among the many coin-op companies exhibiting at this year's show. "This was phenomenal -- probably the best show we've ever had," said Skee Ball president Jeff Hudson. "The traffic was great, the quality of buyers was fantastic and the overall atmosphere made it a phenomenally great week."

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 will take place again at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center from Nov. 14 to 18. More than 200 companies have already reserved booth space for the trade show floor, the association said. Information about exhibiting in or attending the 2016 event will be available at IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo.