IAAPA News Release

IAAPA News
August 27, 2009

IAAPA Attractions Expo Comes to Las Vegas
for First Time in 90 Years Nov. 16 – 20
Premier Show Floor, 100 Education Sessions,
and Unique Networking Events

Alexandria, Virginia (United States) – IAAPA Attractions Expo is coming to Las Vegas for 2009 and will showcase the hottest new products and services and host networking and education opportunities available only at the premier annual conference and trade show for the attractions industry. The Expo will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center–South Halls; the conference and education program run from Monday, Nov. 16 to Friday, Nov. 20 and the trade show floor opens Tuesday, Nov. 17 through, Friday, Nov. 20.

Organizers estimate more than 28,000 attendees from 90 countries will benefit from IAAPA Attractions Expo. More than 1,000 exhibitors are expected to display on the trade show floor—the centerpiece of the Expo. This year, more than 100 companies will exhibit at the Expo for the first time, alongside veteran companies—all showcasing their latest ideas and groundbreaking products. The Expo is an all-in-one venue for operators of and suppliers for theme parks, waterparks, science centers, aquariums, zoos, museums, family entertainment centers, casinos, and resorts, will search out newest attractions, conduct business, network with peers, and learn about the latest industry trends.

“Industry leaders know IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 is the number-one venue to experience new products and gain knowledge of the latest industry trends. Despite economic challenges, excitement for Expo is growing as manufacturers and suppliers decide to invest in the future by exhibiting on the trade show floor,” says Charles Bray, president and CEO of IAAPA. “This year guests will also leave with a first-hand experience of Las Vegas, one of the most dynamic entertainment destinations in the world.”

A Vibrant Show Floor

Exhibitors will boast products in at least 125 categories of products and services, including theme park rides, show production services, games and devices, displays and sets, food and beverage products and services, consultant services, design services, ticketing systems, and information technology systems. To date, more than 150 exhibitors are bringing an entirely new product to Expo.

New additions to the floor include an area specifically dedicated to coin-operated games, the AIMS (Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers) International Pavilion, and the UBIFRANCE (French Trade Commission) Pavilion. Returning are the AAMA (American Amusement Machines Association) Pavilion, the First-Time Exhibitors Pavilion, and designated areas for inflatable attractions, theming, and technology companies.

Education Program Offers Multi-faceted Sessions

Attendees can choose from more than 100 education sessions covering key disciplines like social media strategy, food and beverage operations, retail management, revenue generation, safety, and security practices. The IAAPA education program will also feature events such as a roundtable discussion with legendary Disney Imagineers on their experiences with Walt Disney, and rare behind-the-scenes tours of Las Vegas’ productions like “The Beatles LOVE,” “Blue Man Group,” “Le Rêve,” and “Jubilee."

From Nov. 15 to Nov. 18, multi-day and daylong institutes will explore vital topics including management strategies, Internet marketing, and safety preparation and procedures. All facility types are welcome at education sessions, but specialty tracks offer topics specific to constituencies including zoos and aquariums, museums and science centers, waterparks and resorts, family entertainment centers, and casinos. And for the first time, the AIMS International Safety Seminar will co-locate with IAAPA Attractions Expo. The seminar, which offers safety training and certification for its members, requires separate registration at www.AIMSregistration.com/login.asp.

Nonstop Networking Events

Throughout the week, networking and social events for attendees of every facility-type and geographic region will fill the schedule. Monday through Thursday are packed with events like the IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament, the new IAAPA Bright Lights Party at LAX Nightclub, and the General Managers and Owners’ Breakfast featuring a keynote address by Blue Man Group co-founder Matt Goldman (watch a video of the group here). Whether set in a ballroom, luncheon, or one of Las Vegas’ hottest nightclubs, each event provides attendees a unique opportunity to interact with peers, witness industry veterans reflect on their success, share ideas, and gain important business insight.

• Attendees can view a digital version of the Expo's Event Guide at http://IAAPA.advancis.com/cgi-bin/IAAPAGUIDE2009.cgi?SourceCode=PREVIEW. The guide contains hyperlinks, is fully navigational, printable, and can be forwarded via e-mail.
• Attendee and exhibitor registration information for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 is available online at www.IAAPA.org/expos/attractions.
  
• A full education program schedule and personal attendee schedules are online at www.IAAPA.org/expos/attractions/eventschedule.asp.
  
• More event details, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information can be found at www.IAAPA.org/expos/attractions/SpecialEvents, or by calling +1 703/836-4800.
  
• And the current floor plan is posted at www.IAAPA.org/expos/attractions/FloorPlan.asp.

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Members of the press can register to attend IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 on IAAPA's press registration web site. Downloadable images and additional press information for the Expo can be found in IAAPA's online press kit, or at www.IAAPA.org/PressRoom. Past releases with detailed information on events can be on the following pages:

• Industry Networking Events Key Component of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009
• IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 to Feature More Than 100 Industry-Specific Education Sessions

Contact information:
IAAPA Press Office: +1 703/299-5127
Marion Hixon: mhixon@IAAPA.org
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org
Colleen Mangone: cmangone@IAAPA.org
Nicholas Wolaver: nicholas.wolaver@edelman.com