Nearly 550 exhibitors began moving into the ExCeL London over the weekend to prepare for IAAPA Expo Europe, the leisure industry’s premier event in Europe.
The event showcases the latest trends and innovations shaping the fast-moving attractions industry, with new technologies driving ever more immersive and memorable experiences. The IAAPA Expo Europe is a one-stop shop for industry experts across a range of businesses, from amusement and theme parks, zoos and aquariums, family entertainment centers, historic and cultural tourist attractions, museums and science centers to shopping malls, hotels, and retailers.
“We are happy we can come together again,” says Jakob Wahl, IAAPA’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We are looking forward to four great days here in London.”
This week marks the first time the Expo will be held in London since 2011. With more than 15,000 sqm of exhibit space, it is anticipated it will take more than 1,500 man-hours to build and breakdown the trade show floor. Everything from installing carpeting, setting power connections, and physically building working rides, interactive attractions, and imaginative theming is part of the IAAPA magic attendees don’t see.
According to the show’s operations team, the heaviest item on the show floor weighs about 8,500 kg. The trade show floor will even feature a traditional red double-decker London bus.
IAAPA Expo Europe officially starts Sept. 12 with a variety of special ticketed events at Chessington World of Adventures Resort and educational sessions about indoor entertainment and water park management. The trade show floor, showcasing the latest in innovation and capturing the energy of the global attractions industry, will open Tuesday, Sept. 13, after an opening ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m.
- For additional stories on IAAPA Expo Europe, continue to visit the IAAPA News Hub or click on the "Expo News" tab in the IAAPA Connect + app.
