Iaapa Asian Expo Resounding Success

(Bangkok, 29 June 2007) – As the attractions industry in the Asia region continues to grow, so does the success of the IAAPA Asian Expo, the premier conference and trade show for the industry in Asia. Nearly 3,200 people from 50 countries participated in the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 in Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok, 27-29 June.

Euromonitor predicts a 25 percent increase in attendance at Asia’s theme parks between now and 2010. This growth forecast helped fuel the growth of the IAAPA Asian Expo.

During the three-day event amusement park, waterpark, carnival, zoo, aquarium, and resort owners and managers from throughout the world met and negotiated with suppliers from a record 144 exhibiting companies from 26 countries. Innovative new rides, resort models, concept renderings, inflatables, ticketing systems, and more covered 2,478 net square meters of exhibit space in Royal Paragon Hall.

Exhibitors Report Success on Trade Show Floor
Sorravis Phunjamaneechot, of first-time exhibitor Family Amusement Co. Ltd. in Thailand, said, “Our company has received several (inquiries of) interest from potential buyers. This is the first time we participated in the international show, and we see this is a great opportunity to expand our business.”

“The first two days of the show were blockbuster,” said Michael Turner of Gateway Ticketing Systems in the United States. “The level and quality of attendees at the show was excellent. A lot of interesting projects are happening in the region, particularly in India, Malaysia, and throughout the Middle East,” Turner added.

Stefano Moser of Moser Entertainment in Italy said this is the third year his company has participated in the IAAPA Asian Expo, but this year’s was the best yet. It is the first year the company brought a ride to the show, and it made a difference. The company set up its “Extraordinary Bike” on the floor and sold it to a company in Thailand before the show was over. “It was a good show,” Moser said. “We hope to bring a ride to the show again next year.”

Arthur A. Grover of United States-based Bumper Boats and another first-time exhibitor said, “The show has been great, fantastic. We’re working on a couple of deals and have spoken with people from Malaysia and Vietnam. No doubt about it, we’ll be back next year. Some of the visitors are seeing our product for the first time here,” he added.

Education Program and Networking Opportunities Well Received
More than 85 people attended each of the two Leadership Luncheons sponsored by Gary Goddard Entertainment. On Thursday, Darrell Metzger, chief executive officer of Destination Developments for Ruwaad Holdings of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, talked about resort development in Asia. On Friday, Bob Masterson, president of Ripley Entertainment discussed the attractions industry in Asia.

Expo attendees also participated in a number of educational sessions on topics such as employee training, park operational standards, safety programs, crisis communications, and ride design.

More than 250 people attended the Welcome Reception sponsored by Jack Rouse Associates on Wednesday evening at Siam Ocean World Bangkok, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia.

On Thursday afternoon AXN, the action and adventure cable and satellite TV channel owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, presented the first-ever Asian Attractions Awards. The 2007 winners were: Grand Winner – Taj Mahal, India; Large Attraction – Sentosa, Singapore; Medium Attraction – Sunway Lagoon; and Small Attraction – Sentosa 4D Magix.

“We are pleased with the success of this year’s show,” said Charlie Bray. “The Expo grows as the industry in Asia grows.”

The IAAPA Asian Expo 2008 will take place at The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, 16-18 July, 2008. Macao is a growing international destination located on the coast of the South China Sea, near Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

“We look forward to building on the success of the Expo here in Bangkok as we move it to Macao in 2008,” Bray added.

For more information, visit www.IAAPA.org or call +1 703/836-4800.