IAAPA Expo Europe Set to Unite Attractions Industry Professionals

Known for its architecture, museums, historic parks, beaches, and popular professional football club, Barcelona, Spain, will soon host the largest international trade show and conference for the leisure and attractions industry in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. IAAPA Expo Europe, taking place Sept. 27-30, will welcome leaders, decision-makers, and innovators from various businesses across the leisure and attractions industry to Fira Barcelona Gran Via, one of the largest trade show venues in Europe.

IAAPA Expo Europe will present an expansive trade show floor showcasing the latest technologies, products, and services; a conference program made up of several EDUSessions covering a range of relevant industry topics from marketing to human resources; several special events at local attractions; and leadership keynote presentations. Attendees will have numerous opportunities to network with one another through events designed to facilitate connections with regional and international colleagues, share information, and create moments that elevate businesses.

Exploration on the Trade Show Floor

Spread across two halls of exhibition space, the trade show floor at IAAPA Expo Europe will be open from Sept. 28 to 30 and feature hundreds of exhibiting companies showcasing their cutting-edge products and services over more than 14,000 net square meters. Influential buyers and decision-makers representing amusement parks, attractions, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, and resorts will explore solutions to aid in post-COVID-19 recovery and innovations in rides, motion simulators, games, food and beverage, design theming, virtual reality (VR), and more.

Forging Connections at Special Events

IAAPA Expo Europe’s lineup of special events will offer attendees the chance to make valuable connections, hear from speakers outside the industry who will share fresh perspectives, and gain practical insights to carry their businesses forward.

On Sept. 28, Doug Lansky will tackle future-proofing the attractions industry in the Opening Keynote. The evening’s Opening Reception will bring together industry professionals at Tibidabo amusement park to mix, mingle, and enjoy specialty food and beverages, live entertainment, and rides.

The Leadership Breakfast on Sept. 29 will feature a keynote by Sam Conniff—author of “Be More Pirate”—on leadership with a twist. Leaders, owners, and executives from attractions and leisure businesses will participate in the interactive workshop during the breakfast. High-growth strategy specialist Dr. Rebecca Homkes will lead the Lunch and Learn event on Sept. 29 with a presentation focusing on “Survive, Reset, and Thrive: Strategy and Growth out of a Downturn.”

Special events geared toward students and young professionals will take place on the evening of Sept. 29 and a Lunch and Learn on Sept. 30. The Students Forum on Sept. 29 will link students with global attractions industry leaders and veterans to offer career advice. The Young Professionals Forum for those just getting into the industry will center on career options, professional development, and industry trends. Young professional attendees will then gather for a joint reception with Students Forum participants. 

Engaging In-Depth Learning Experiences

IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers at PortAventura World will kick off the in-depth learning experiences at IAAPA Expo Europe. Running Sept. 25-27, the course aimed at leaders with five or fewer years of experience in attractions management combines classroom instruction led by industry experts, case study examinations, and small group presentations to give participants a solid understanding of the key disciplines and processes required to manage a successful attraction. Attendees will take part in courses at PortAventura Convention Center, a dinner at Callaghan’s restaurant, a guided tour by PortAventura staff, and a lunch at Ferrari Land.

Held on Sept. 27, IAAPA Safety Institute will provide an opportunity for attractions operators to examine safety processes and learn best practices in ride standards, risk management, and safety compliance. Participants will learn about the latest EN and ASTM updates, the implementation and benefits of ISO 9001, safe systems of work principles, ride commissioning, guest behavior, and the European Ride Safety Report, all concluding with a safety tour of PortAventura. 

PortAventura World will also host Sustainability Day and an EDUTour on Sept. 27. The EDUTour will take participants on an exclusive backstage tour of Spain’s largest theme park. PortAventura World’s operations team will lead the tour and share how the 26-year-old park delivers thrills, excitement, and a positive guest experience. The EDUTour will conclude with a joint networking reception with attendees from IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers, IAAPA Safety Institute, and Sustainability Day.

Water Park Day will bring guests to two popular water parks, Water World and Aquadiver, on Sept. 27, giving water park owners, operators, designers, and manufacturers the chance to join an all-day information-packed seminar to learn about developments and trends in the water park industry, the psychology of play, water park health and safety issues, revenue operations, and design principles.

Indoor Entertainment Day at Fira Barcelona Gran Via will feature inspirational education sessions, networking opportunities, and a reception for professionals interested in the business of indoor leisure facilities, including indoor playgrounds, mini-golf, laser games, bowling, trampolines, climbing, escape games, and VR parks. 

In addition to in-depth learning experiences, an education conference of almost 20 sessions will present insights to help attendees grow their businesses, consider new perspectives, and delve into professional development. New for this year, Cheers to our Mistakes is a peer-to-peer learning opportunity where industry leaders will share their mistakes in a comfortable atmosphere to help guide participants toward effective solutions. 

For more information about IAAPA Expo Europe, visit IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpoEurope.
 

IAAPA Expo Europe Health and Safety Policies
IAAPA is focused on providing a safe and healthy environment for attendees, exhibitors, and team members at IAAPA Expo Europe. IAAPA is working closely with partners at Fira Barcelona Gran Via and the local health department to develop and implement a comprehensive plan focused on a safe and successful IAAPA Expo Europe 2021. IAAPA is also following the latest guidance and recommendations for large groups and meetings from the World Health Organization. Visit IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpoEuropeHS for health and safety guidelines.