FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PARIS, France — IAAPA Expo Europe 2019 (formerly Euro Attractions Show) sparkled in the City of Light 16-19 Sept. 2019, as the annual Expo brought attractions industry professionals together in France. Preliminary estimates indicate the Expo attracted 15,900 participants, including 11,100 qualified buyers and 648 exhibiting companies. The 13 percent increase in exhibiting companies from 2018’s event in Amsterdam reflects the continued strength and growth of the global attractions industry, particularly in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Hosted by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, the event featured a record-breaking trade show covering more than 17,500 net square meters.
“It’s been a remarkable week,” said IAAPA President and CEO Hal McEvoy. “Attractions industry professionals from around the world came together to focus on the future. Participants celebrated the industry, discovered new innovations, discussed emerging trends, and explored opportunities that will help their companies to take their guest experience to the next level.”
According to IAAPA’s Global Outlook Report 2018-2022, theme and amusement parks across Europe will entertain more than 179.6 million in 2019, and the industry is projected to thrive as new rides and planned expansions will debut in the coming months.*
“This week’s show demonstrates the strength of the attractions industry throughout the EMEA region, and the rest of the world,” said IAAPA EMEA Executive Director Jakob Wahl. “The trade show floor was the most expansive IAAPA Expo Europe has ever had. This gave attendees more to be inspired by. In addition, our outstanding speakers – many from France – ensured the conference was informative and valuable for all attendees.”
Sharing best practices, understanding the economic climate, and learning about trends in the industry were core ideas shared during the conference. Attendees focused on exceeding guest expectations while ensuring topics such as safety and sustainability remained top of mind. The education conference offered more than 100 hours of in-depth education sessions, led by 131 industry experts from 21 countries.
Plans for IAAPA Expo Europe 2020 are already underway. The Expo will be held in London, England, at ExCeL London, 22-24 Sept. 2020. Advance exhibit sales are strong; more than 500 companies have reserved over 16,500 net square meters of space. Exhibitor information is on the IAAPA website.
This year’s IAAPA Expo Europe sponsors included: accesso, Brogent Technologies, DOF Robotik, EagleVision Entertainment Studios, Embed International, EuropaCity, FetchRev/Hownd, Freeman, Gateway Ticketing Systems, Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH, Interlink LG Ltd., iPlayCO, JRA, Leisure Development Partners (LDP), Mack Rides, MADEA Concept, Outdoor Factory, Polin Waterparks, Proslide Technology Inc., QubicaAMF, REVERCHON, Simworx, The Coca-Cola Company, The Producers Group, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V., Wärtsilä Entertainment, Water Technology Inc. (WTI) / Neuman Aqua, WhiteWater, and Zierer Karussell-und Spezialmaschinenbau GmbH & Co KG.
*IAAPA Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook Report (2018-2022) pg.16
About IAAPA Expo Europe
IAAPA Expo Europe is owned and produced by IAAPA and is EMEA's largest international conference and trade show dedicated to the attractions industry. IAAPA Expo Europe is managed by the IAAPA Europe, Middle East and Africa office, under the direction of the IAAPA EMEA Regional Advisory Committee, and the IAAPA EMEA Manufacturers and Suppliers Subcommittee. IAAPA Expo Europe is the premier trade show and conference in Europe for the leisure, attractions, and entertainment industries. @IAAPAEMEA #IAAPAExpos
About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.
Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents more than 6,000 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, manufacturers, and suppliers.
The association's global headquarters is in Orlando, Florida, US. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; Mexico City, Mexico; and Alexandria, Virginia, US. To learn more, visit www.IAAPA.org or connect through social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA.
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