Safety Corner: Safely Speaking at IAAPA Expo

The IAAPA Expo trade show floor is full of energy and possibilities. Having suppliers, service providers, and project participants in one location makes IAAPA Expo an efficient place to work through questions and safety protocols.

Before stepping foot in the South Building or West Building at the Orange County Convention Center, Funworld asked experienced ride developer Mike Denninger for his top 5 suggestions on how to get the most from conversations with exhibitors.

1. Have a Plan

Where practical, align your project activities and decisions with the opportunity to meet at Expo. Know what you want to accomplish, and which discussions are most important. Do that by scheduling each day ahead of time. Arrange key meetings in advance, and make time for education sessions, facility tours, and conversations with industry colleagues.

Use the IAAPA Connect+ app to help plan your time and locate exhibitors. One scheduling tip: Thursday and Friday can offer opportunities for additional, unplanned conversations, although it is always best to confirm availability with each exhibitor.

2. Plan for the Longterm Investment

In addition to the initial purchase price and guest experience, understand staffing, maintenance, inspection, training, and long-term support requirements. Involving operations, maintenance, and safety teams early helps operators ask better questions and make more informed decisions.

3. Include Standards and Compliance in the Conversations

Identify the specific standards and/or codes that will apply to new equipment purchases, such as relevant ASTM or EN standards, along with requirements of the jurisdiction where the new ride will be installed. Agree on the documentation, testing, and verification that will demonstrate the equipment meets those requirements.

4. Discuss Responsibilities

Develop a responsibility matrix that identifies major ownership items from design through opening. Operators should document what the supplier, owner, and other project participants will provide. This should cover design, site interfaces, installation, inspections, testing, commissioning, training, and preparation for opening. Safety and security provisions—such as restricted access, fencing, and emergency access—should have clearly assigned responsibilities. Define operational and acceptance criteria and the information needed before the equipment is placed into service. A formal risk assessment—developed with input from the appropriate parties and reviewed as the project evolves—can help identify these needs and clarify how they will be addressed.

5. Establish Expectations

Before a new ride opens, establish operating and maintenance documentation, training, technical support, replacement parts, and communication of safety bulletins or required updates. Operators need to discuss foreseeable emergency conditions, evacuation needs, and any specialized equipment or training that will be required. For equipment connected via Wi-Fi or a dedicated data line, address how remote access will be authorized and controlled, along with who is responsible for software updates.

Finally, leave time to discover something fresh. A new product, a different approach, or an unexpected conversation can lead to an idea that benefits an operator’s business.