USA: IAAPA Expo 2022 Kicks Off in Orlando
While numerous professionals from the international leisure and attractions industry had already arrived over the weekend and were able to take part in various EDUTours and special events (which are offered as part of the accompanying supporting program), the executives and specialized staff from amusement parks and the supplier industry are coming together today for the official start of IAAPA Expo 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando (FL). Through this Friday (18th Nov), visitors to the largest international industry trade show for amusement parks and attractions, hosted by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), can learn more about new product developments, technological innovations and exciting projects at the booths of nearly 1,100 exhibiting companies.
Numerous educational opportunities and networking events accompany the trade show. On Wednesday morning, executives will have the opportunity to be inspired by interesting impulses and best practices from this year’s speakers Tom Mehrmann (President & COO of Universal Parks & Resorts, Pacific Rim) and Jim Pattison Jr. (President of Ripley Entertainment) at the traditional “Leadership Breakfast”. The evening of the second show day will see the EMEA Reception for trade show attendees from Europe, Middle East and Africa on the terrace pool deck of the Hyatt Regency Hotel not far from the convention center, amongst other evening events.
Thursday morning will be kicked off by a host of sporty industry professionals running the 16th “IAAPA Footprints From the Heart” charity run at Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, south of Orlando, to support the non-profit resort in its mission to enable critically ill children and their families to spend weeklong, cost-free vacations at the resort. Non-runners, of course, also have the opportunity to support this cause with a monetary donation.
The “IAAPA Celebrates” event, limited in tickets, is scheduled to top Thursday evening with an exclusive stay at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, this year’s location for the popular networking event – select park areas will be open exclusively to industry professionals where, among other things, the latest attractions from previous years can be checked out.
Our EAP editorial team will also be on site all days of the show and looks forward to interesting meetings and conversations with you! Read our IAAPA Expo Show report in the upcoming Jan/Feb magazine issue. A review of the European industry trade show in London can be found here in our EAP Online Reader. (eap)
