IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010

Preliminary estimates indicate 25,000 people from 96 nations around the world, including approximately 14,800 buyers, participated in IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Nov 15-19.

IAAPA Attractions Expo is the world's largest conference and trade show for the $24 billion attractions industry. It is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and serves as the marketplace for amusement parks and attractions industry leaders, decision makers, and visionaries who gather to network, view the latest innovations, and plan for the future. The Orange County Convention Center estimated the five-day event had a $47.7 million economic impact on the Orlando/Orange County region. IAAPA recently announced plans to host IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando for 10 years, from 2010 to 2019.

"It's good to be back home here in Orlando," said IAAPA President and CEO Charles Bray. "We've had a great show. There's an overall sense of optimism in the industry. Exhibit sales were strong and attractions industry leaders came here to buy. We had outstanding participation in our education conference and the social events were a big hit. I think these results reinforce the fact that Orlando is the right location for IAAPA Attractions Expo."

The North and South halls of the convention center were packed with exhibits from 1,140 companies that displayed their innovative new products and services on 453,100 net square feet of space on the trade show floor. They represented 33 countries and showcased new technologies, thrilling rides, ticketing systems, new food and beverage concepts, games of skill, and much more.

"This year you could definitely tell there's excitement in the industry about being back in Orlando," said Michael Turner of United States-based Gateway Ticketing Systems. "The activity on the trade show floor was double what we saw [last year]. Qualified people. Money to spend. Projects to push. People are willing to open their pocketbooks and spend money again. It was a good show."

Sam Barros with Applied Tesla Technology said, "We're here at IAAPA because this is the premier venue for reaching out to the type of customers we're interested in. Everyone is interested, they have really good questions, and we have solid leads so far. We're out there, but we want to go big. This is the best launching platform for the expansion we want to do."

IAAPA Attractions Expo will return to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Nov 14-18, 2011. More than 100 companies have already reserved their booths on the trade show floor.