IAAPA 2004 Orlando Question

I want to attend this year IAAPA trade show but im not sure I can. When I printed out the membershipp application it read as if I HAVE to be part of a company. I really want to go and need more information other than whats on the website. Any one that has perviously been to a IAAPA trade show could you please help me. I'm trying to get all the plans set and my flight booked and need to know ASAP. Thankx in advance.

At one time, you could attend as a non-member at a higher rate. I didn't see any info. on the website about doing that, so they might have ended that practice.

It's boring anyway. Save your money.

Start your own consulting company. If you are already spending the hundreds to go and do nothing, a few more wont be too much to incorporate yourself.

IAPPA is for business people making business transactions, not for enthusiasts who want free food, rides, brochures, and a scoop on what's new. Having been to IAAPA I agree with Jeff. IMHO you're better off spending your money and going to a coaster event with ERT.

The first year I went, when CoasterBuzz was just a pup, I went all wide-eyed with high expectations. I was grossly disappointed. It is a place of business, and not even interesting business.

I still go and spend about four or five hours at the show, only to meet up with the various contacts and acquaintances I've made around the industry. Beyond that, there's a place I'd rather be down the street a bit.

Overall I agree. I attended IAAPA for the first time last year. It's a huge event so to physically have even a brief look at most things takes at least a day. Seeing familiar names (coaster manufacturers mostly) touting their wares to buyers has a certain novelty value, but this soon wears off. An interesting experience certainly but overall I'd rather visit the parks in Orlando. (Nice free food though;))

As a park member, and have been to every IAAPA since 1997, I agree that the show is for business, and boring business at that. I actually dread going every year because it's the same thing over and over. Plus, when earing a badge with my park name on it, you get hounded by every vendor.

Unless you are sent by your park to spend their money, there is really nothing to see. Yeah, you can fill your enthusiast ego and feel like you are important by visiting the Arrow and B&M booths, but the vendors know who's who in the industry, and frown upon Acers "crashing" IAAPA like it's a park. 99% of the vendors you will not recognize, you will see tons of inflatables, and your time is better spent at Universal or Disney. Save your money and time, and let IAAPA be for industry business.

Well i wanted to go because i hope to someday open my own firm and was going to gain experience on how shows like this can help grow my business. should i go because of this or just dont go. What trade shows are the best to go to.

razore86 - College would be the place to learn about how to start and grow a business, not a trade show. The trade show is for when you HAVE the business.

HanginandBangin, you said it all. Its always entertaining to see 'enthusiasts' lined up at a Coaster Company's booth, while some owner just needs wheels or parts, and has to wait in the crowd.

You can always spot the 'enthusuasts', they have about 300 brochures, in groups of 6-10, and are always shadowing Dick Kinzel or Gary Story.

What is up with all those damn inflatables anyway?

Well, I forgot......you do get to see the Lazer Tag girls!!!

hell yah! those chicks were hellahot!

Haha. Well the PAX Company girls were gorgeous two years back. Alot of guys didn't want to ride there kiddie ride, but as soon as the girls touched there hand, they melted. It was funny watching the Presidents of major companies melt at the feet of these girls.

It was this ride to be exact:

http://www.pax.ru/eng/products/index.htm

By the way Jeff, I've been going for five years now. How come I never see you there? Last year I was at the Interactive Rides booth, did you never stop by? *** Edited 6/1/2004 6:06:54 PM UTC by TheNewLMHDesign***

You never see me because I don't spend much time there. I visit the people I have relationships with, walk the floor once, and get the heck out. I doubt I'll go at all when the show goes back to Atlanta.

You will miss the Cheetah. Good times. Thank you Busch Gardens managers from 2000. The tables were a rockin'.

I ran into Jeff on the floor the last two years. I believe we ran into each other last year in line for Disk-O.

-Sean

That doesn't count... I was stalking Sean.

Speaking of IAAPA, what the hell are we going to do at night when the show goes to Atlanta in 2005? Orlando has spoiled us! *** Edited 6/7/2004 1:59:34 AM UTC by hangingandbanging***

Party at my place! ;)