Press Releases

Educational Activities Provide Valuable Messages and Opportunities

ALEXANDRIA (May. 23, 2006) – Leaders of the leisure and attractions industry will find a refreshing mix of educational activities at the IAAPA Asian Expo 2006.  Being held July 12-14, 2006, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, IAAPA Asian Expo 2006 has structured its educational components as seminars, luncheons and roundtables. 

“Offering alternative ways for our professionals to learn from industry leaders and their peers is part of the Expo experience,” said Charlie Bray, President and CEO of IAAPA.  “We strive to excite and motivate our attendees.”

Doing business in China is the focus of two seperate seminars.  Presenter Mark Driscoll, President of Leisure Quest International, will provide his unique and revealing perspective on issues like negotiating with the Chinese, The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and protecting intellectual property and proprietary technology.  In the second seminar, members of the Chinese Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAPPA) and the Chinese government will review what important steps are necessary for amusement enterprises to enter China. 

Industry leaders will step to the forefront of two luncheons being held in conjunction with IAAPA’s educational program.  IAAPA Chairman and Seabreeze Park ( Rochester, New York, USA) President and General Manager Rob Norris will join another theme park CEO (TBA) to candidly share their viewpoints on opportunities, customers and technology and how it relates to “the business of fun.”  Gary Goddard, Chairman of Landmark Entertainment Group, and Wolf Vierich, Chairman of The Vital Group will lead a second luncheon focusing on themed entertainment in the new Asian century.  Each luncheon is $25 USD or ¥200 RMB. 

Best business practices for areas of staff recruitment, marketing, merchandising and more will be open for discussion in two roundtables.  To stimulate networking between colleagues, the roundtables will provide a forum for members to personally share their opinions and advice with one another.  The roundtables will offer easy access for exhibitors and attendees to come together as the sessions are located on the tradeshow floor. 

Welcoming nearly 200 of the world’s top suppliers in rides, show productions, game, inflatables and more, attendees will find IAAPA Asian Expo 2006 is filled with everything to inspire the continued and steady growth of the leisure and attractions industry in Asia.  IAAPA Asian Expo 2006 is recognized as Asia’s largest trade show for the leisure and attractions industry.

“Asia is a valuable market and significant contributor to the world of the leisure and attractions industry,” commented Bray.  “Highlighting these opportunities through our world-class exhibitors and thought-provoking educational activities shows our commitment to encouraging the growth of the Asian amusement industry.”

According to Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLP (PWC) Global Entertainment and Media Outlook report, the Asian amusement industry is expected to generate ¥64.9 billion ($8.1 billion) in revenues by 2009 at an average yearly revenue growth rate of 5.7 percent—the fastest rate than any other region of the world. 

For more information about the IAAPA Asian Expo 2006, contact the IAAPA Exhibitions, Convention, and Meetings Services department at +1 703/ 836-4800 or go online to www.iaapaexpo.com.  For more information about IAAPA and the industry, visit www.iaapa.org.

###

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 safety, efficiency, marketing, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org