Press Releases

Amusement Industry’s Risks and Rewards Is the Subject of IAAPA Asian Expo Conference

ALEXANDRIA, VA (USA) (Apr. 28, 2005) - Exploring risks and rewards in the international amusement and attractions industry is the focal point of the educational and professional development component of the industry’s largest Asian tradeshow, the IAAPA Asian Expo and Conference, July 12-15, 2005 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.  Themed Opportunity: Risk and Reward in the Asian Economy, conference speakers will address huge opportunities available to investors and savvy operators in Asia, as well as the risks and challenges associated with any developing market. 

“With Asia being one of the fastest growing markets, we recognize that the amusement and attractions leaders are looking for solid information as they continue to grow their businesses,” said J. Clark Robinson, IAAPA President.  “Evaluating both the opportunities and risks associated with doing business in the international attractions industry is a valuable way to build our attendees knowledge base.”

Educational session topics will evaluate relevant and timely subject matter such as getting the most for research dollars, a health report on the industry, building in-park spending, and understanding consumer trends.  Some of the session presenters include industry leaders such as Bob Masterson, CEO of Ripleys Entertainment; Tom Merhman, CEO of Ocean Park; Richard Miller, executive vice president of World Travel & Tourism Council; and Jane Cooper, Chair of the IAAPA Board.  Other selected speakers contribute to a comprehensive educational program with their expertise in the educational, marketing, and leisure business. 

The IAAPA Asian Attractions Management School will also be offered as an educational track to the conference program.  Designed for the attractions facility operator, The Attractions Management School, is a compendium of courses covering three major areas of a typical park or attractions operation: Human Resources, Facility Operations, Marketing and Public Relations.  As an added benefit to attendees, The Attractions Management School will also be offered in Mandarin Chinese.

“The Asian Expo’s extensive program may seem ambitious for a three day conference,” Clark said, “but we pride ourselves on designing programs personalized for our membership, those decision makers in the parks and attractions that are going to carry on the success of this great industry.”

Attendance to the exhibition portion of the IAAPA Asian Expo is free of charge for amusement industry professionals who pre-register for the conference by July 11 online at www.iaapaexpo.com (or bring a free ticket that IAAPA has provided).  For those not registered by the start of the exhibition, they can still attend the Expo by paying an on-site processing fee of HK$100.

IAAPA ’s educational programs are not included as part of the free exhibition registration. More information on the fees associated with the conference is available at www.iaapaexpo.com.

For more information on the IAAPA Asian Expo, call IAAPA’s U.S. headquarters at +1 703/836-4800 or go online to www.iaapaexpo.com.

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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