Pre-Registered Buyers Up 20 Percent for IAAPA Asian Expo 2007

Asia ’s Premier Trade Show for Attractions Industry Scheduled for 27-29 June at Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok

(22 June 2007) – More than 1,300 buyers have pre-registered to attend the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Asian Expo 2007 at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok, 27-29 June. That number is 20 percent higher than the total number of buyers who attended last year’s show in Shanghai.

Pre-registered buyers include owners, operators, and managers of theme parks, carnivals, fairs, exhibitions, family entertainment centers, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, stadiums, arenas, casinos, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, and retailers from 53 nations throughout the world.

Record Number of Exhibitors
A record 144 companies and organizations from 26 countries have also registered to participate in the Expo as exhibitors.

The exhibit floor will showcase a large variety of products and services for the attractions industry including theme park rides, show and event production services, food and beverage products and services, consultancy services, design services, ticketing systems and services, and information technology systems.

Record Pre-Registration for Leadership Luncheons
A record number of more than 120 attendees are pre-registered for the two Leadership Luncheon events at the Expo.

The first luncheon will take place at 12 p.m. on Thursday, 28 June. Titled “Resort Development in Asia," the luncheon will feature a presentation by Darrell Metzger, chief executive officer of Destination Developments for Ruwaad Holdings in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Prior to his role with Ruwaad Holdings, Metzger was the chief executive officer for the $4.2 billion Sentosa Island mega resort project in Singapore.

On Friday, 29 June at noon, Bob Masterson, president of Ripley Entertainment worldwide, will deliver the keynote address, “The Attractions Industry in Asia – An International Perspective."

Tickets for both Leadership Luncheons are still available. They can be purchased on-site at Expo registration for 1,000 baht/US $25.

In addition to the Leadership Luncheons, the IAAPA Asian Expo 2007 will feature a number of workshops and educational sessions on topics such as employee training, park operational standards, safety programs, crisis communications, and ride design.

Welcome Reception
There will be a Welcome Reception starting at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, 27 June at the Siam Ocean World Bangkok, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Tickets are 650 baht/US $20 for show participants and are available at Expo registration.

AXN Asian Attractions Awards
AXN, the action and adventure cable and satellite TV channel owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, will present the first-ever Asian Attractions Awards starting at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, 28 June in the Multi-Purpose Room at Royal Paragon Hall. The public through the Asian region voted for the award-winning attractions through an online poll or text messaging. The event will be televised in 22 countries in Asia to more than 75 million cable subscribers.

“With buyer pre-registration up 20 percent over last year’s total attendance and a record number of exhibitors on the trade show floor, we anticipate this year’s show will be a resounding success," said Charlie Bray, president and chief executive officer of IAAPA. “We greatly appreciate all the support we have received from our sponsors, Gary Goddard Entertainment and Jack Rouse Associates; our Global Alliance Partners; and the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau. They all made significant contributions to the early success of this year’s Expo," he added.

IAAPA Asian Expo 2007 is not open to the general public. Exhibitors, registered attendees, and credentialed media may attend. More information about IAAPA Asian Expo 2007 is available at www.iaapa.org/expos/asian.

IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded nearly 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated attractions worldwide and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,100 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include theme parks, waterparks, attractions, family entertainment centers, arcades, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos. IAAPA is a nonprofit organization. Funds generated by the association’s involvement in trade shows are returned to the association to provide services for its members and the industry. IAAPA maintains offices in Europe and the United States. In addition, the association’s Global Alliance Partner program includes international liaisons representing Asia, Latin America, India, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. More information is available at www.IAAPA.org.

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