Press Releases

Global Relationships Highlight Shanghai and IAAPA Asian Expo 2006

ALEXANDRIA (May. 23, 2006) – In Shanghai, developing business and cultural ties will extend beyond the tradeshow floor of IAAPA Asian Expo 2006, being held at Shanghai Expo and Convention Centre, July 12-14, 2006.  Shanghai is a business metropolis of the Eastern world serving as China’s largest center of commercial and port activities.  While business booms in Shanghai, the city recognizes the importance of relationships with other nations to build business, friendly exchanges and trade opportunities. 

“The city exemplifies the value of establishing prosperous connections globally,” said Charlie Bray, President and CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions ( IAAPA), “just as IAAPA promotes establishing rewarding relationships among its members in the global leisure and attractions industry.” 

The basis of sister city friendships is to connect two cities for business opportunities and economic wealth. Exchanges between the cities can include delegation visits to specific fields such as economics, port and harbor and urban technology; academic or sports exchanges; joint special events; and, more.

Cities Shanghai endorses relationships with include: Sao Paulo, Brazil; Barcelona Spain; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Dubai, UAE; Liverpool, UK; St. Petersburg, Russia: Queensland, Australia; Montreal, Canada; San Francisco, USA; Milan, Italy; and, Rotterdam, Netherlands—all cities that also serve as home to IAAPA facilities, manufacturers and suppliers. 

Similarly, exhibitors of the IAAPA Asian Expo strive to connect with a wide array of attendees to establish relationships and propel business and success for both parties.  Attendees from 40 countries visit IAAPA Asian Expo, Including many of her sister cities.

As the largest Asian trade show devoted to the amusement and attractions industry, IAAPA Asian Expo 2006 showcases 57 product categories ranging from attractions and theming, rides, games and play equipment, and facility services for more than 3,000 professionals.  Additionally, the Expo provides unmatched educational opportunities with interactive formats and cutting-edge information designed for facility owners, CEO’s and industry leaders. 

According to Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLP (PWC) Global Entertainment and Media Outlook report, the Asian amusement industry is expected to have an average yearly revenue growth rate of 5.7 percent generating ¥64.9 billion ($8.1 billion) in revenues by 2009.  IAAPA member facilities in Asia include: Adventure World in Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium in Hong Kong, and Sentosa Resort and Singapore Discovery Centre in Singapore.
 
For more information about 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 leisure and attractions industry, please visit www.iaapa.org.

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