IAAPA commits to Orlando for annual expo through 2019

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

[Ed. note: The following is a partial but otherwise unedited press release. -J]

Officials from The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) today announced the organization will host IAAPA Attractions Expo at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida, for the next 10 years. Approximately 25,000 people from 90 nations participate annually in IAAPA Attractions Expo, the largest education conference and trade show in the world for the amusement park and attractions industry.

Prior to signing the new agreement, IAAPA Attractions Expo was scheduled to take place in Orlando in 2010, Las Vegas in 2011, and Orlando in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019. Now the Expo will take place in Orlando from 2010 to 2019, adding five years to the original agreements with Orlando.

The decision to move the Expo to Orlando through 2019 was driven by six important factors:

Preferred Location – IAAPA Attractions Expo attendees and exhibitors said Orlando is the preferred Expo location.
Ideal Convention Center - The Orange County Convention Center (North/South Hall) is the ideal building for IAAPA Attractions Expo in the United States. The show, with many large, tall, and heavy exhibits, fits perfectly on the single, ground-level trade show floor at the OCCC. The OCCC has plenty of rooms (including one large enough to accommodate the more than 2,000 attendees at the Kickoff Event) for the more than 100 education sessions, social gatherings, presentations, and meetings that take place throughout the week.
Theme Park and Attractions Mecca - Orlando is the unofficial capital of the theme park industry, and Expo participants enjoy visiting the region to see what’s new in the parks and attractions.
Cost Savings - Signing the agreement with Orlando was the best long-term business decision for everyone involved. It will generate significant expense savings over the 10-year period of the agreements for exhibitors, attendees, and the association.
Affordable Worldwide Access - Travel in and out of Orlando is affordable, and the Orlando International Airport is easily accessible from throughout the world. There are accessible ports nearby, making it easier for exhibitors from around the world to ship their products to the convention center. Plus, the city offers a wide variety of convenient hotel options for Expo participants.
Proven Track Record – The 91-year attendance and exhibit sales records for IAAPA Attractions Expo were both established when the Expo was located in Orlando.

The decision to move the Expo to Orlando was made by the IAAPA board of directors and supported by the association’s executive committee and manufacturers and suppliers committee. The terms of the agreements between IAAPA and Orlando were not disclosed. The agreements also mean the Expo will not take place in Las Vegas in 2011 as originally planned.

“We had a good experience in Las Vegas in 2009. Attendance was strong. Our members enjoyed being there. And we greatly appreciate all the city did for our show,” said IAAPA President and CEO Charles Bray. “Moving the show to Orlando for the next 10 years provides a tremendous opportunity for us. The city is known for imagination, creativity, and innovation—the foundations of the attractions industry—and that, combined with the city’s world-class facilities, makes Orlando the best long-term location for IAAPA Attractions Expo.”

IAAPA Chairman Chip Cleary added, “Orlando is the ideal location for IAAPA Attractions Expo. It’s the ideal city with the ideal convention center, and the economics of hosting the show there make sense for our exhibitors, our members, and the association overall.”

“It couldn’t be more fitting for the world’s leading attractions association to meet in the world’s leading attractions destination. This is a win-win opportunity for everyone involved,” said Gary C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. “This long-term relationship will surely bring with it new inspiration for all involved, and we look forward to building and growing with IAAPA and its members.”

"The Orange County Convention Center is honored to be chosen as a long-term facility partner for the thriving IAAPA Attractions Expo," said Tom Ackert, executive director of the Convention Center. "We have enjoyed an outstanding relationship with the leadership, staff, and the exhibiting companies of IAAPA. Orlando is a great destination for such a world-class event!"

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 will take place in Orlando Nov. 15-19. More than 75 percent of the available exhibit space has already been sold.

Read the entire press release from IAAPA.

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