Officials from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) 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 the Attractions Expo, the largest education conference and tradeshow in the world for the amusement park and attractions industry.
“It couldn’t be more fitting for the world’s leading attractions association to meet in the world’s leading attractions destination,” said Gary C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County CVB, Inc. “This is a win-win opportunity for everyone involved. 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.”
Prior to signing the new agreement, the 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 OCCC is honored to be chosen as a long-term facility partner for the thriving IAAPA Attractions Expo,” said Tom Ackert, executive director. “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. I am excited that they have decided to bring this prestigious show back to the OCCC on a yearly basis.”
IAAPA joins 562 other meetings, conventions and tradeshows secured for future Orlando dates by the Orlando/Orange County CVB at convention centers, hotels and venues since the beginning of the year. These confirmed events represent more than one million attendees and hotel room nights and nearly $1.1 billion in estimated direct future spending.
“IAAPA is one of the biggest shows we host, making this announcement exciting news for Orlando, our convention center and our industry,” said Sain.“We are thrilled to solidify this unprecedented relationship and look forward to a decade of partnership with IAAPA.”
Forging this relationship was a team effort between the Convention Center and the Orlando/Orange County CVB. Orlando is currently enjoying more than $4 billion worth of infrastructure projects. From our first-of-its-kind medical city to our new Waldorf Astoria hotel, and from the Peabody Orlando expansion to our new Amway Center, both opening later this year, Orlando is growing in more ways than one, and companies and associations are taking notice. Our new developments combined with Orlando’s outstanding value, accessibility and customer service, are providing great word-of-mouth and momentum.”
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.
“Orlando is the ideal location for IAAPA Attractions Expo,” Chip Cleary, IAAPA chairman. “It’s the ideal city with the ideal convention center and the economics of hosting the show there makes sense for our exhibitors, our members and the association overall.”
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 Charles Bray, IAAPA president and CEO. “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 Attractions Expo 2010 will take place in Orlando Nov. 15-19. More than 75 percent of the available exhibit space has already been sold.
