IAAPA Expo Europe returns to the heart of the continent of Europe: Vienna, Austria in 2023. Nearly two decades after the first IAAPA Expo in Europe, the conference and trade show is more than twice the original size in exhibit space and it has become the leisure’s industry premier event in Europe, where the attraction professionals gather to network, learn, and discover what’s new.
Austria is part of the DACH region, which refers to the three German-speaking Central European countries of Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH). The attractions industry in this region collectively has an annual attendance of 43.3 million and is home to 196 attractions, including Europa-Park, one of the most visited attractions in Europe, and Familypark the largest amusement park in Austria.
Between Dec. 5-6, IAAPA’s EMEA team (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) visited Messe Wien Exhibition Congress Center, the venue where IAAPA Expo Europe will take place Sept. 25-28, 2023. The visit was particularly important as we plan every aspect of the show—from the attendee arrival experience, to the layout of IAAPA dedicated-services, education areas, and on-site event logistics.
Next year, the IAAPA Expo Europe trade show floor will span across three halls: A, B and C. All three are connected allowing for easy access. As of mid-December, more than 450 exhibiting companies have already booked their booth space. Many plan to present innovations and a wide-range of product and services catering to the attractions industry. (Last September in London, IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 featured more than 530 exhibitors who showcased their latest innovations and products. Almost 11,500 registered attendees marched across 15,000 square meters of a vibrant show floor.)
Organizing an event of this magnitude in a rotating manner (where the host country and venue changes annually) requires tremendous effort. Every IAAPA Expo Europe feels rejuvenated, with an exciting host country, a new venue, refreshing local partners, and unique challenges. But at the same time, it is a great opportunity for attendees and exhibitors to learn in a new market and network with unique business prospects.
IAAPA Expo Europe 2023’s host venue, Messe Wien, is 10 minutes away from the historic center of Vienna, and within an easy distance from the Vienna International Airport. The venue is committed to sustainability, a careful management of resources, and providing a variety of food and beverage solutions for attendees. The area around the venue sports robust accommodation with 34,000 hotel rooms, which will provide a wide range of overnight options for attendees.
Within walking distance from Messe Wien, attendees will find the iconic Prater Ferris wheel, which catches the eye from afar. Known to locals as the Wiener Riesenrad, the wheel became one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world when erected at the end of the 19th century. Now, it is one of Vienna’s most recognized attractions.
In September 2023, Vienna will welcome the global attractions industry. Team IAAPA is looking forward to seeing you in Austria!
- Stay in the know with all the latest updates of IAAPA Expo Europe found here.
