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NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
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The current rapid growth of the attractions industry in Asia was largely reflected during this edition of the IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo that was held on 5-8 June in Hong Kong.
Besides a record number of 274 exhibitors (32 countries represented) and an show floor sold-out (over 6,000 sqm), IAAPA estimates that the event attracted over 5,150 attendees including 3,200 buyers among which owners, managers, executives and leaders of amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums and resorts coming from over 65 countries.
The conference program was also a success with a record attendance of 1,640 attendees. Many topics were discussed such as social media, staff motivating, attractions design, revenue maximazing or the latest trends in Asia. The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers - proposed for the first time - welcomed 58 young professionals during 2 days around the various disciplines of attractions management.
At last, the various special events have also attracted many attendees, starting with the evening party in Ocean Park Hong Kong where more than 1,000 professionals were gathered together. 380 people also attended the two Leadership Breakfasts whose keynote speakers were Andrew Kam (Director General of Hong Kong Disneyland) and Wu Si Yuan (Vice President of OCT Group).
Throughout the trade show, IP counselors have been mandated by IAAPA to raise awareness of the exhibitors about their rights and duties in this regard. They handled more than 16 different cases that involved the removal of catalogs, posters, or other content from the trade show floor or that involved intellectual property issues appearing to be in violation of IAAPA's IP policy. Similar initiatives will take place at Euro Attractions Show in Berlin (October 9-11) and IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando (November 13-16).
IAAPA’s efforts in Asia were evident at the trade show according to IAAPA President and CEO Chip Cleary. “IAAPA’s presence in Asia is expanding along with the attractions industry, and that is evidenced by the record turnout for the 2012 Expo. The conference and trade show has grown tremendously since opening the IAAPA Asia-Pacific office less than two years ago, and going forward we expect the show will continue to reflect industry growth within the region.”
“Attractions industry veterans and newcomers alike understand the rapid industry growth in Asia provides great opportunity,” commented Andrew Lee, vice president, IAAPA’s Asia-Pacific operations. “Whether buying or exhibiting, more and more companies from around the globe look to Asian Attractions Expo as a must-attend event.”
Both exhibitors and attendees were very satisfied with the show. “I’ve been coming for four or five years now, and it’s scaled up phenomenally just in that short time,” said Mike Barclay, CEO, Sentosa Development Corporation. “What I’m beginning to see is some innovation that is born and bred in Asia, being reflected here. The energy that’s here is phenomenal; just look at the turnout for the educational sessions—the hunger for learning is really strong.”
“Asian Attractions Expo is well run and successful. Most of the big Chinese manufacturers are present, including those who want to break into this market,” said Wu Si Yuan, vice president, Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) Co. Ltd. He also commented that general managers from all of the 13 OCT parks attended the show. When asked his thoughts about the Expo, Horst Ruhe, managing director of Maurer Soehne in Germany, replied, “Asian Attractions Expo 2012 in Hong Kong showed exceptionally strong attendance. Discussions were serious and on a high-quality level, which gives us a positive feeling for the future.” Simon Fraser of Ptarmigan Integration Ltd., a first-time AAE exhibitor, said, “It’s been a phenomenal success; we’ve booked for next year. Both the quality and quantity of the visitors have been impressive.”
Another first-time exhibitor, Kevin Ng of Cypress Production in Hong Kong, said, “This is the first time we attended Asian Attractions Expo. We are happy to have access to many of the people in the industry from around the world, and it allows them to recognize our company and also broaden the vision of our colleagues. This was a successful Expo.”
The next edition of IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo will be held June 4-7, 2013 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore and more than 155 companies have already booked their booth. For more information, please visit www.iaapa.org
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