Press Releases

IAAPA Orlando 2002 Makes a Great “Showing” With 29,427 Attendees

ORLANDO , FL., USA (Nov. 23, 2002) – IAAPA Orlando 2002, the 84 th Annual Convention and Trade Show of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions ( IAAPA), finished today, bringing to a close the second largest ever event for the organization.

In search of the latest and greatest products and services in the global amusement industry, 29,427* attendees made the trip to Orlando to enjoy all the exhibits, seminars, and special events on offer from November 18 th-23 rd at the Orange County Convention Center.

"It’s an honor to host the best amusement industry trade show on earth," said outgoing IAAPA Chairman Alain Baldacci. "The crowds came out because they know the annual IAAPA trade show is truly a ‘can’t miss’ event. We’re glad they made IAAPA Orlando 2002 a great show, and we look forward to seeing them back here next year."

Buyers came from 58* countries to view the products and services of 1,295* exhibitors in 556,000* net square feet of exhibit space. Of those buyers, 83.4%* were U.S. and 16.6%* were international.

This year’s show also offered over 50 well-attended educational sessions, including IAAPA’s Attractions Management School and facility tours of Walt Disney World Resort’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Universal Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa.

Special ticketed events were popular as well: the General Managers and Owners Luncheon, featuring Roger Moore, on Thursday, November 21 st, greeted 310 guests; the International Reception on Wednesday, November 20 th, hosted 796 attendees; and the Thursday Night Social at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park welcomed a party of 2,934.

The Hall E Exhibitor Pavilion was the site of the traditional "Passing of the Gavel" ceremony today, during which Baldacci bestowed the Chairmanship of IAAPA upon John Collins of John Collins Leisure (Penarth, Wales, U.K.). Collins will serve as Chair for one year, ending his term by hosting IAAPA Orlando 2003 in Orlando, Florida, USA, November 17 th-22 nd, 2003.

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* Figure is the best available at the time of release.

IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org