BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (September 13, 2023) – With just days to go until the much-anticipated IAAPA Expo Europe opens its doors, the excitement in Vienna is palpable. The premier event for the global attractions industry is set to take place from 25 to 28 September at the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, and it promises to be a celebration of innovation, leadership, and giving back.
IAAPA Expo Europe, considered the premier event for the leisure industry, will open its doors with the largest exhibit floor in the history of this regional event. A staggering 638 exhibitors have booked more than 17,500 square meters of space to showcase the latest industry innovations and products to an estimated attendance of 15,000.
Statement from the Austrian State Secretary of Tourism
“As the best meeting destination in the world it’s a great pleasure to welcome this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in Vienna. It’s the ideal venue, because it is where tradition and culture meet future-oriented thinking. Prospects for the coming years show, that people's willingness to spend a substantial amount of their income on leisure activities is increasing. The attraction industry continues to grow and has a big impact on local economies. To maintain this success it is important to learn from each other – IAAPA Expo Europe with nearly 640 exhibitors is therefore the best opportunity to get inspired by the newest trends and innovations in the industry,” says the Austrian State Secretary for Tourism, Susanne Kraus-Winkler.
Kraus-Winkler will be part of the Opening Ceremony for IAAPA Expo Europe 2023, where she is expected to take the stage and welcome attendees to the event moments before the tradeshow floor officially opens.
Supporting the Industry Through Giving
IAAPA is committed to supporting the attractions industry not only through networking and education but also through philanthropy. At this year's Expo, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in charity fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the IAAPA Foundation to fund the future industry talent pipeline and support educational scholarships for students.
A new effort this year includes the sales of Expo-exclusive traditional Austrian cookie which will be sold for 25EUR each at the show. Attendees are also invited to participate in these charitable efforts by donating any amount they choose.
Additionally, an exclusive industry auction will take place Wednesday, 26 September in the IAAPA Press Conference Room at 11:00 The exciting in-person auction event features unique experiences and items generously donated by industry leaders. Up for grabs includes an exclusive factory tour of Mack Rides including the private home of Franz Mack, an overnight stay at Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel, a retired Eurosat coaster car from Europa-Park and more. The coaster car will also be part of an online auction set to take place after the event ends. Fans around the world will be invited to bid on the coaster car when that goes live after the close of IAAPA Expo Europe.
These collaborative efforts demonstrate the industry's collective commitment to making a positive impact beyond the Expo’s walls. Proceeds from cookie sales and from the industry auction will be matched by IAAPA, allowing contributions to go twice as far in funding new scholarships.
IAAPA Expo Europe is expected to draw thousands of attendees from all corners of the globe. It is an invaluable opportunity for professionals in the attractions industry to connect, learn, and explore the latest trends and innovations.
Mark your calendars for IAAPA Expo Europe 2023, an unmissable event that promises to inspire, entertain, and redefine the global amusement landscape. Registration is open for media and attendees.
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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 leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, 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, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.
The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; and, Mexico City, Mexico. Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA
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