SHOW REPORT
IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 100 More than 41,000 buyers, suppliers and representatives of the attractions sector from more than 100 countries came together in Orlando, Florida, for the biggest attractions expo in IAAPA’s history. Attractions Management was in attendance.
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howcasing more than 1,100 exhibiting companies, the trade show floor for this year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo was the largest in its history, with more than 55,000sq m (592,000sq ft) of exhibition space. For the first time in Expo history, the show floor extended beyond the walls of the convention centre into outdoor structures created just for the event. Dubbed the “Exploration Station”, the new area was dedicated to more than 140 companies exhibiting at IAAPA for the first time. Education sessions played a big part once again at this year’s Expo, with presentations by leading operators on topics including industry trends, new technology, marketing and more.
Defy definition Bob Chapek, chair of Parks, Experiences and Products at Disney, delivered this year’s keynote speech. 54 attractionsmanagement.com
Buyers from more than 100 countries came to the Orlando show
Speaking during the GM and Owners’ Breakfast, Chapek offered personal insight into his more than 25 years of leadership at the global entertainment giant: “When Disney opened its first park in 1955, it set a new standard. Since that day we’ve invented and reinvented nearly every aspect of this industry, setting new standards along the way.” Chapek spoke about Disney’s upcoming Star Wars lands, saying the anticipated new additions will “defy definition”. AM 1 2019 ©CYBERTREK 2019