“... you will be able to turn your conversations into connections as you immerse yourself in a world of fun.”
For the past 35 years, I’ve attended IAAPA Expo every November. Ahead of each show, I would review the extensive agenda and note my favorite sessions. I have many fond memories of competing with colleagues in the games pavilion on the show floor, where I still hold the title of Whac-A-Mole champ. I can also remember the year I made the fateful decision to wear new shoes to navigate the massive trade show floor. There are so many great experiences that shaped my career, and yet, I never dreamed that one day I would be leading the team responsible for bringing this incredible experience to life for more than 40,000 people.
As you can imagine, planning for an event of this size is no small task. As each Expo ends, the IAAPA team immediately begins preparing for the next year by carefully reviewing attendee feedback, scrutinizing every detail from the show, and most importantly, designing a new show that will surpass attendee expectations once again. No matter how you decide to approach your week at Expo, I can assure you there is something around every corner that will make your heart race with excitement.
Regardless of your position or job title, attending IAAPA Expo will teach you how to transform your ideas into revenue-generating realities and push the boundaries of what’s possible for your business and career. So many of “my” best ideas came from regular visits to the conference program sessions. This year, we will offer more than 130 EDUSessions to keep you at the forefront of industry advancement and provide solutions to improve your operation. A highlight this year will be a visit to our Leadership Breakfast, where IAAPA 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee, Gordon Hartman, will share his story about his San-Antonio-based accessible theme park, Morgan’s Wonderland.
Pack your most comfortable shoes to walk the show floor and plan to dive into hands-on fun within our nine interactive pavilions, where you’ll explore immersive virtual reality environments and see the latest innovations. While planning your week, be sure to take a short walk to the North Concourse to experience the new IAAPA Expo Haunting Grounds and Street Market.
During this action-packed week, you will be able to turn your conversations into connections as you immerse yourself into a world of fun. Special Ticketed Events will connect you with new friends and old, and our EDUTours will take you behind the scenes at some of the most iconic parks in the world.
For me, IAAPA Expo is more than just an event; it is a celebration of innovation and excitement. Gather your colleagues and team members, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for an experience that is as educational as it is entertaining. We can’t wait to welcome you to this year’s show—where discovery, inspiration, and fun await. See you soon in Orlando!
Michael Shelton is the executive director and vice president of IAAPA North America. He’s fostered new connections in the global attractions industry for more than a decade. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
- This original reporting from IAAPA News first appeared in Funworld magazine. For more stories and videos covering the global attractions industry and to read a digital version of Funworld magazine, click here.
