IAAPA Attractions Expo Sees Attendance Uptick

November 27, 2011

Once a year in the United States, people connected to the amusement parks industry come from far and wide to check out what’s new at the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions’ Attractions Expo.

This year’s event ran Nov. 14-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, and it saw a 5-percent increase to 15,300 attendees, compared with 14,600 attendees at the 2010 event.

“The results for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 surpassed our expectations on several fronts,” said IAAPA President and CEO Chip Cleary.

He added, “Exhibit sales, buyer attendance, education program participation, and total registration are all up from 2010, which speaks volumes about the strength of the industry and the expo’s role as a global can’t-miss event. The buying, learning, and sharing of ideas that takes place here is simply phenomenal.”

The five-day event also had an estimated $47.7 million economic impact on the Orlando area and drew executives and buyers from 6,975 amusement parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and roadside attractions from around the world.

John Chidester, who works for Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and attended from Santa Claus, Ind., said, “(The expo) is full of a lot of imagination and creativity. It’s always great to see there’s a positive outlook toward the future of the industry - there’s a lot of new things coming through here.”

In addition, 1,106 companies were on 477,474 net square feet of space on the showfloor, and the outdoor exhibit area measured 49,074 net sq. ft., the largest in a decade.

 Exhibitors came from 32 countries and displayed immersive and interactive rides and attractions, innovative water rides and slides, stage productions, mobile ticketing systems, new food and beverage treats, inflatable devices and arcade games, among other products.

“This year’s (show has) been just phenomenal. It seems like people have more money to spend - apparently access to money must be getting a bit better,” said E.K. “Dutch” Magrath III, who exhibited with Amusement Products.

He added, “In the past, I think people had the ‘want-to’, but couldn’t get the banks to agree to it. This year, I hear a lot more big projects coming into play.”

The conference program, which featured 123 education programs, also had strong attendance, with 8,850 taking part in panel sessions, site tours and a half-day symposium on mobile marketing and communications in the industry.

Next year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo will be held Nov. 12-16 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.