IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 Shatters Attendance Record
November 26, 2017
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions had a record 39,000 registered attractions industry professionals gather in Orlando to learn, buy and network at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017.
"The success of this year's show is a true testament to the continued growth and strength of attractions around the world," said Paul Noland, IAAPA president and CEO.
He added, "Achieving this record-breaking attendance as we kick off IAAPA's 100th anniversary celebration is a remarkable milestone in our association's history. We thank all of our attendees, exhibitors, members, and sponsors for their support. We can't wait to see what's on the horizon for our dynamic industry — the best is yet to come."
The premier conference and trade show for the $39.5 billion global attractions industry took place Nov. 13-17 at the Orange County Convention Center.
There were 25,300 buyers, which included attractions industry owners, presidents, general managers, directors, and other industry professionals, that attended this year's Expo.
This is a 12 percent increase in buyer attendance, compared with 2016. Creative innovators and exhibitors debuted new products, while buyers discovered the latest technologies, discussed trends and hot topics, tasted new foods, and learned from leading experts.
The five-day Expo pumped an estimated $51.3 million into the Orlando-area economy.
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 by the Numbers
- 1,114 companies displayed innovative new products and services on 576,235 net square feet of trade show floor space.
- 25,300 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.
- 13,523 people participated in 138 education experiences which included multiple-day institutes and symposia, behind-the-scenes tours at area attractions, panel and roundtable discussions, and constituency lunches. The education figure includes:
- 800 attractions industry professionals who attended the GM and Owners' Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Nick Varney, chief executive officer, Merlin Entertainments, and
- 261 industry leaders who enjoyed a lunch-and-learn presentation by Bob White, chief operating officer, Village Roadshow Theme Parks.
- More than 2,000 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 2017 — and to launch the association's 100th anniversary celebration.
- 1,252 participants met, socialized, and shared ideas at the Opening Reception.
- 3,000 people attended IAAPA Celebrates at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
- Exhibitors held a record 37 press conferences to unveil new rides, attractions, technologies, and innovations during the Expo.
- Expo participants raised approximately $123,000 for Give Kids The World through a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, and individual and corporate donations.
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and 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 understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
Add new comment