Orlando, Fla. – Preliminary estimates indicate 27,000 people from 98 nations participated in IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007, the world’s largest conference and trade show for the attractions industry. Produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the Expo took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., USA from Monday, Nov. 12 through Friday, Nov. 16, with the theme “Expand Your Universe, Find What’s New in the Attractions World.”

This year’s total attendance was up 30 percent over last year’s Expo.

The number of buyers from outside the United States increased 72 percent. Buyer attendance from Europe doubled while attendance from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Canada, and Latin America increased 30 to 50 percent. The number of buyers from theme parks and the party rentals/inflatables category doubled while attendance from waterparks, zoos, aquariums, and tourist attractions, all increased approximately 50 percent.

These buyers came from all over the world to meet with exhibitors from the 1,147 companies and organizations that showcased products and services on the trade show floor. Representing 120 different product categories, including thrill rides, innovative new technologies, creative services and of course coin-op, these companies sold their products in 512,738 net square feet of exhibit space, making the 2007 Expo the second-largest indoor show in the event’s history.

“The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 results are incredible,” said Charlie Bray, president and CEO of IAAPA. “From near-record attendance, and a sold out exhibit floor, to record education program results and wonderful networking events, this year’s Expo was a resounding success. People came to Orlando from around the globe to do serious business here and that’s exactly what happened.”

Not to disappoint, the AAMA coin-op pavilion broke its own record. With 27 member companies exhibiting within 5500 square feet of space; this year's AAMA pavilion was the biggest pavilion ever sponsored by the association!

The association will once again host another in pavilion in 2008. IAAPA will once again be held in Orlando Florida at the OCCC on November 18 - 21, before moving to Vegas in 2009.

See you next year!