Press Releases

Sensory Overload a Welcome at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 Annual Conference and Trade Show

The Amusement Industry’s Largest Gathering to Convene in Atlanta, Georgia

ALEXANDRIA, VA (USA) (Sep. 16, 2005) - A walk through the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 Annual Conference and Trade Show may feel like a sensory overload because of the numerous and vivid experiences, sights, sounds and tastes that are showcased; but, there is no better place for the worldwide amusement industry to test hot new rides, indulge in fresh specialty treats and interact with the latest technologies, plus more.  

At the one marketplace where amusement and attraction industry leaders, decision makers and visionaries gather to view and explore new amenities for their facilities, the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005, being held November 14-19, 2005, will fill more than 1 million gross square feet of the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, with more than 1,100 exhibitors.

“From the latest innovations as well as innumerable crowd pleasers, attendees conduct serious business at this premier trade show for the industry,” said J. Clark Robinson, president and CEO of IAAPA.  “We focus on offering a comprehensive trade show to benefit attendees on many levels.”

IAAPA estimates attendance at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 to be more than 28,000.  As the amusement industry’s largest worldwide gathering, the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 offers a week of fun business set between eight miles of trade show floor aisles, educational sessions from basic to advanced, behind the scenes tours, and networking opportunities.

The trade show floor will encompass products and services from 128 categories including coin-operated machines, games and devices, souvenirs, foods and beverages, rides, security solutions, shows/productions, water-related equipment and more.  Last year, hundreds of new products were unveiled on the tradeshow floor of the IAAPA Orlando 2004 Annual Convention & Trade Show.

The trade show also provides important contact between amusement industry buyers and suppliers. Buyers representing 88 different countries—and some of the world’s most prominent parks and attractions—attend the show, often making million-dollar deals on the trade show floor. Sixty-three percent of buyers say they spend more than 10 hours browsing and buying on the trade show floor during the IAAPA Attractions Expo.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 will also boast a well-rounded and relatable schedule of educational opportunities.  There are five components of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 educational offerings courses, off-site tours and keynote sessions.  Each component enables attendees to determine their own educational track through offering modules about specialized disciplines to presentations led by renowned business leaders or behind-the-scenes learning at other facilities. 

“Attendees really determine the significance they take away from the educational offerings of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005,” Robinson said.  “With more than 60 sessions varying from crisis management, profitability, merchandising, global and technological trends, customer service and more, we truly believe there is something that will pique everyone’s interest.”

For the specialty tracks, courses focusing on different disciplines have been condensed into six-one day modules of learning.  IAAPA’s popular “ Attractions Management School” offers eight different day-long seminars focused on various facets of the amusement industry.  Attendees will also find education enjoyable on tours to locations such as CNN Atlanta, Stone Mountain, America’s Mart and Six Flags Over Georgia. 

Special events at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 include What’s New Theater; the General Manager’s and Owners Breakfast with Home Depot co-founder and Georgia Aquarium benefactor, Bernie Marcus; the IAAPA Awards Presentation; the IAAPA Gala; and a charity golf tournament and silent auction benefiting Give Kids the World Village.  IAAPA will also install its new Chairman of the Board, Seabreeze Park’s President, Rob Norris.

The trade show is closed to the general public. Only exhibitors, attendees, and credentialed media may attend.  For more information about IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 please visit www.iaapaexpo.com or call IAAPA at +1/703.836.4800.

Editor’s Note: Journalists are invited to attend the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 Annual Conference and Trade Show. Media may register for credentials by contacting Mary Perez, Media Relations Manager at pressoffice@iaapa.org or by telephone at +1/703.836.4800. Educational sessions are open to credentialed media and do not require the purchase of a ticket. Media are invited to attend behind-the-scenes, off-site tours and off-site special events, subject to the rules of the host facilities. Behind-the-scenes tours, off-site tours, and off-site special events require the purchase of a ticket. Tickets are limited, so advance registration and payment is strongly encouraged.

# # #

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