PARIS, France – IAAPA invites attractions industry professionals from around the world to take part in exclusive professional networking opportunities and education programs during IAAPA Expo Europe 2019 in Paris, France 16-19 Sept. 2019. With more than 15,000 leisure and attractions industry professionals from more than 100 countries, IAAPA Expo Europe will be the largest show in event history, occupying 17,500+ net square meters of exhibition space at the Paris Expo Porte De Versailles.
This year's special events schedule includes an Opening Reception at Jardin d'Acclimatation, and a Leadership Breakfast featuring Nicolas de Villiers, président of Puy du Fou. The networking events offered during IAAPA Expo Europe bring global industry professionals together so new ideas, partnerships, information sharing, and business-changing opportunities can develop.
Indoor Entertainment Day (16 Sept.)
Previously known as Family Entertainment Center (FEC) / Small Park / Indoor Playground Day, this event is designed for those interested in indoor leisure facilities, including indoor playgrounds, mini-golf, laser games, bowling, trampolines, escape games, and virtual reality (VR) parks. In addition, attendees will visit the unique FEC concept Koezio.
Water Park Forum (16 Sept.)
This networking educational event is designed for water park owners, operators, designers, and manufacturers and will be followed by a tour and reception at Villages Nature® Paris, home to Aqualagon indoor water park.
EDUTour to Mer de Sable and Parc Astérix (16 Sept.)
Attendees can take part in an exclusive EDUTour to two popular amusement parks located just outside of Paris — Mer de Sable and Parc Astérix. Attendees will enjoy guided tours at both parks, hear from attractions professionals, enjoy networking receptions, and learn about operations best practices from park leaders.
Lunch and Learn on the French Attractions Industry (17 Sept.)
This session will feature prominent leaders of European park groups including François Fassier, director of Leisure Parks Operations at Compagnie des Alpes, and Laurent Bruloy, président of Looping Group, as they share their insights and perspectives about the attractions industry in France.
Opening Reception at Jardin d'Acclimatation (17 Sept.)
Attendees will network at Jardin d'Acclimatation — an amusement park in the heart of Paris which was entirely renovated in 2018 and features 41 attractions and more than 400 animals.
Leadership Breakfast with keynote speaker Nicolas de Villiers from Puy du Fou (18 Sept.)
The annual Leadership Breakfast provides senior-level attractions industry professionals the opportunity to learn and network with regional and global colleagues. Nicolas de Villiers, président of Puy du Fou, will share the successes of the unique Grand Parc and look ahead to new international expansions. De Villiers directs the staging and oversees the strategy of the unique Puy du Fou historical shows and performances for the park which welcomes more than two million visitors annually.
Lunch and Learn on the Middle East and Africa Attractions Industry (18 Sept.)
This session will feature Sabine Lehmann, executive director, Attractions Africa, and Bianca Sammut, general manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, as they discuss the latest industry developments in the Middle East and Africa.
Young Professionals and Students Forum and Reception (18 Sept.)
During this dedicated forum, attendees will learn about the many career opportunities in the global attractions industry while networking with industry veterans and leaders. A reception will follow at Le Manoir de Paris.
Future Feature: The Future of Disneyland Paris (Sept. 19)
This session will share a unique look into the future of Disneyland Paris — one of Europe's top tourist destinations.
Post-Tour to Cité du Vin, Cité de l'Huître, Puy du Fou, and Zoo de la Flèche (19-22 Sept.)
Attendees will experience unique, world-renowned French attractions during the optional post-tour. Attendees will travel to Cité du Vin in Bordeaux — a unique mix of science center and museum dedicated to the universal, living heritage of wine. Afterward, they will explore the culture and history of seafood at the home of oysters, Cité de l'Huître. Next, attendees will spend two nights at Puy du Fou followed by a visit to Zoo de la Flèche, which offers lodging accomodations as part of the exhibits. The post-tour includes transportation, (3) three nights of accommodations, meals, backstage visits, and tickets to the parks.
Editor's note: Admission to the events listed above require a separate ticket(s) in addition to IAAPA Expo Europe registration. To purchase tickets to these events, and to register for IAAPA Expo Europe, visit www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpoEurope.
Press Registration Now Open
Press registration to attend and cover IAAPA Expo Europe is now open. Members of the press can apply for credentials online at: www.IAAPA.org/expos/iaapa-expo-europe/iaapa-expo-europe-media-press.
About IAAPA Expo Europe
IAAPA Expo Europe is owned and produced by IAAPA and is EMEA's largest 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. @IAAPAHQ #IAAPAExpo
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 and North America office are located 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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IAAPA Global Headquarters
[email protected] or +1 321/319-7600
Susan Storey: [email protected] or +1 321/319-7615
Lesley Harris: [email protected] or +1 321/319-7616
IAAPA EMEA Contacts
Jakob Wahl
Executive Director and Vice President, EMEA
[email protected]
+32/26095445
Manjana Roth
Director, Operations
[email protected]
+32/26095445