THE AAMA PAVILION
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
November 18-21, 2008
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL
Total Pictures: 23
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AAMA 5k Team
AAMA rounded up coin-op runners to join in IAAPA's 2nd annual 5k charity run. From left, AAMA's Vanessa Cabrera, MEI's Chris Felix and Chuck Reed, Brady's, Enzio Celani, Merit's Bill Hampton and Bay Tek's Holly Meidl. Two other runners who joined the fun but are not pictured were Nick Cosentino of Namco and Barb Peltz of Bowling Center Magazine.
World’s Largest Amusement Park and Attractions Conference and Trade Show Moves
to Las Vegas in 2009
Orlando, Florida (United States) – Preliminary estimates indicate 24,000 people from a record 100 nations participated in IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008, the world’s largest conference and trade show for the $24 billion amusement park and attractions industry. Produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the Expo took place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando Nov. 17 through Nov. 21, with the theme “Success in Every Direction.”
Conference and trade show participants represented amusement and theme parks, family entertainment centers, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, casinos, resorts, developers, themed entertainment designers, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers.
“Considering the state of the world economy and the fact that this was our second consecutive year in Orlando, we are pleasantly surprised with the attendance at this year’s Expo,” said IAAPA President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Bray. “26,500 people participated in last year’s show in Orlando, which was one of our best events in the past 10 years. To be down less than 10 percent during these tumultuous economic times is amazing.”
More than 13,000 buyers representing more than 5,000 companies participated in the Expo. While some buyer categories experienced a decline in attendance, the number of buyers increased from zoos, aquariums, museums, and science centers. The number of buyers from Western Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia also decreased; however, the number of first-time buyers increased 25 percent.
8.3 Miles of Aisles Packed with New Ideas
The vast and vibrant trade show floor featured 1,154 exhibiting companies on
482,550 net square feet of space, filling the North/South halls of the OCCC.
Exhibitors showcased everything from new thrill rides, roller coasters, and
inflatable attractions to theatrical equipment, souvenirs, high-tech control
systems, candy, snow machines, and the world debut of the arcade version of the
popular “Guitar Hero” video game.
Some buyers were interested in products and services for 2009, while many others laid the foundation for plans well into 2010 and beyond.
Expo Moves to Las Vegas in 2009
Amusement park and attraction industry leaders, decision makers, and visionaries
from around the world will gather Nov. 16-20, 2009, in Las Vegas to network,
view the latest innovations, and plan for the future at
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009.
The event will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“As we pack up here in Orlando, planning is already well under way for next year’s Expo in Las Vegas,” Bray said. “Our members have talked about going to Vegas for a long time. We look forward to another successful event and to experiencing all that Vegas offers as a global entertainment destination.”
“Bringing IAAPA to Las Vegas is just a natural fit, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone next year,” said Chris Meyer, vice president of convention sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Congratulations on a great show this year, and get ready for a memorable time next year!”