Special Events Celebrate the Industry, Innovations, and Leaders

IAAPA Expo 2021 will be held Nov. 15 - 18. (Trade Show: Nov. 16 - 19)

September 23, 2021 IAAPA ExpoIAAPA North AmericaBy Juanita Chavarro Arias

Josh D’Amaro - credit: Disney Parks Experiences, and products — (Credit: Disney Parks Experiences, and Products)

FROM AN EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST to a game-changing session, IAAPA Expo’s special events allow attendees to learn about the global attractions industry’s latest innovations and projects, hear from executives, and make valuable connections and business partnerships. Here are some highlights from the Expo’s exciting lineup of special events:

Lunch and Learn*
Monday, Nov. 15, 12 – 2 p.m.
This annual luncheon will feature a keynote presentation from Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and offer attendees an opportunity to share ideas, discuss trends, and network with peers from across the global attractions industry.

Kickoff Event
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 9 – 10 a.m.
Attractions industry professionals from all over the world will come together and experience what it means to be one community during IAAPA Expo. The Kickoff Event is full of the energy and excitement that sets the tone for the week ahead with a look at the industry’s new trends and more.

Trade Show Floor Tours*
Trade Show Floor Tours will lead attendees to participating exhibitors who will showcase their services and demonstrate their products. Tours include:

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

First-Time Buyers’ Experience

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Food and Beverage Suppliers
Games and Merchandise Suppliers
Virtual Reality Suppliers

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Point-of-Sale Systems Suppliers
Water Park Suppliers

IAAPA Awards Winners Celebration*

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6 – 8 p.m.
New for 2021, the IAAPA Awards Winners Celebration will honor leaders in the attractions industry during a networking reception recognizing this year’s IAAPA Award winners, including IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees, IAAPA Service Award recipients, the IAAPA Young Professional of the Year, and IAAPA Brass Ring Award winners.

Richard Zimmerman — (Credit: Cedar Point)

GM and Owners’ Breakfast*

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 8 – 9:45 a.m.
The GM and Owners’ Breakfast is one of the premier networking events for senior attractions industry professionals. Richard A. Zimmerman, president and CEO of Cedar Fair, will lead the breakfast’s keynote presentation.

Game Changer – From Spectator to Participant: The New Paradigm of Immersive Entertainment*

Thursday, Nov. 18, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Winston Fisher, CEO of AREA15 and partner at Fisher Brothers, will discuss meeting the consumer demand for in-depth storytelling, curated content, authentic connections, and experiential entertainment while appealing to a broader audience. Using examples from AREA15, Fisher will reveal how incorporating experiential entertainment and engaging narratives into brick-and-mortar settings create a new kind of commercial experience that resonates with today’s sophisticated consumer.

Winston FIsher credit Peter Ruprecht — (Credit: Peter Ruprevht)

IAAPA Celebrates*

Thursday, Nov. 18, time to be announced
Celebrating the innovations and partnerships that the global attractions industry is known for, IAAPA Celebrates is an exclusive evening event for IAAPA Expo participants to mix and mingle with industry friends and colleagues. The event’s location will be announced soon.

*IAAPA Expo registration and separate ticket required to attend