IAAPA 2021 Focused on Growth and Recovery From COVID Rollercoaster

December 7, 2021

Following an incredibly challenging time for the $55 billion global attractions industry, IAAPA Expo 2021, the industry’s premier event, recently reconvened for the first time since 2019. Held Nov. 15-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the festive trade show and conference opened its doors to more than 28,000 global attractions industry professionals seeking to network, learn and buy.

Hosted by IAAPA, the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, the event featured more than 870 exhibiting companies from around the world touting new rides, technology, products and services across more than 375,000 net square feet of indoor and outdoor expo space.  

During the event, IAAPA officials voiced their appreciation for being able to bring the industry together face-to-face safely and successfully.

“[Our community is] thrilled to be back together in-person,” said Hal McEvoy, president and CEO of IAAPA, whose members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers and suppliers.

He continued, “The attractions industry is working tirelessly to come back stronger than ever, and we’re excited to reflect and showcase that here. We have an outstanding lineup of special events, speakers and educational programming along with our amazing, diverse trade show floor. It’s going to be a fantastic week.” 

From advanced ride engineering and virtual reality experiences to ticketing and security, the five-day show was packed with new products and technologies representing 25 product categories, while the event’s robust education conference offered more than 90 educational experiences that included classroom sessions led by industry experts and behind-the-scenes tours at local Orlando attractions. 

Attendees were also able to take part in more than 50 special events aimed at member constituencies and tracks, including the International Reception, Water Park Social and Family Entertainment Centers Reception. 

Other highlights included:

  • News from Merlin Entertainments that the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park (opening Feb. 24, 2022, in Florida) will be designed with all children in mind as a Certified Autism Center. The company also revealed one of its attraction’s ride vehicles, designed specifically for increased accessibility for children with wheelchairs.
  • Fun Spot America’s largest investment in any ride or attraction ever at its Atlanta location, with the addition of Arie Force One. On this steel roller coaster, riders will soar over 3,400 feet of track, towering 15 stories and “flying” at speeds up to 64 miles per hour.
  • A “hair-raising,” jaw-dropping moment as the president of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! shaved his “pandemic beard” and added it to the Guinness World Records contender for Largest Ball of Human Hair, while raising more than $34,000 for Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village.
  • The sold-out GM and Owners’ Breakfast Nov. 17, featuring Richard A. Zimmerman, president and CEO of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, and the Opening Reception Nov. 16, during which the 2021 IAAPA Brass Ring Award recipients and IAAPA Award winners, including IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees, IAAPA Service Awards and the IAAPA Young Professional of the Year, were celebrated. 
  • A “Lunch and Learn” featuring Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and Game Changer–From Spectator to Participant: The New Paradigm of Immersive Entertainment featuring Winston Fisher, CEO of AREA15 and partner, Fisher Brothers.  

IAAPA 2021

The event was estimated to bring approximately $79.6 million in economic impact to the Orlando community, according to OCCC officials. 

“The successful turnout for IAAPA Expo 2021 is a testament to the resilience and continued growth and strength of the global attractions industry,” McEvoy said. “It’s been a phenomenal week, bringing together the innovators who are moving our industry forward and building the future of attractions.”

IAAPA Expo will return to the OCCC Nov. 14-18, 2022. According to IAAPA officials, more than 200 exhibit contracts have already been signed for next year’s show. 

Check out video highlights from the show here.

  

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact