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Plans Shaping Up For the Attractions Industry’s Largest Annual Social Event: IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 Gala

Organizers Promise Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Surprises

 

Alexandria, Va. (USA) –The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ (IAAPA) Gala, themed “Simply the Best,” is expected to be the premier networking event of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007. The gala will be hosted by Bob Masterson, president of Ripley Entertainment and incoming chairman of the board of directors for IAAPA.

The Gala will take place on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in room S320 in the Orange County Convention Center. The evening will also include a silent and live action, benefiting Give Kids The World, an international organization that fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Ticket prices are US $150 and business or cocktail attire is required.

“Fun is something I certainly can guarantee for all,” said Steve Glum, executive producer of the evening. Glum, VP of marketing for Ripley Entertainment stated, “Our guests can also expect an evening full of surprises and discoveries around every corner, from the lobby to the tables where you will sit, to the dance floor to the menu!”

Schedule of Events:

7 p.m. Arrivals, reception and silent auction outside room S320 in the Orange County Convention Center

8 p.m. Ballroom doors open

8:30 p.m. Welcome from 2007 IAAPA Chairman Mats Wedin

8:40 p.m. Dinner

8:55 p.m. Passing of the chairman’s gavel from Mats Wedin to Bob Masterson  

9:10 p.m. Main entertainment

10 p.m. Intermission

10:10 p.m. Live auction for Give Kids The World

“The true value of the Gala is the gathering of our industry’s best people in a social setting,” says Bob Masterson, president of Ripley Entertainment and incoming IAAPA Chairman. “Manufacturers and suppliers along with operators from around the world all join together for a few hours of dining and entertainment in a wonderfully relaxed environment. It’s our association’s premier social networking event and one of the best parties,” he said.

More information is available at http://www.iaapa.org/expos/attractions/attendees/attendeereg.asp

About Give Kids The World
Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a 70-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a week-long, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 75,000 families from all 50 states and over 50 countries. More information is available at www.gktw.org.

Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Ripley Entertainment Inc. is a leading global attractions company with annual attendance of more than 13 million guests. In addition to its 60-plus attractions in 11 countries, the Orlando-based company has publishing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the global syndicated Believe it or Not! television show, best selling books, and the popular syndicated comic strip. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the third-largest privately held company in Canada. More information is available at www.ripleys.com.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 is the largest conference and trade show for the amusement park and attractions industry in the world. With its theme “Expand Your Universe” the show will drawan estimated 25,000 people from more than 85 countries from the amusement and leisure industries to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 16. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov.13 through Friday, Nov.16. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 offers a solid week of business and fun. More than 1,000 exhibitors will display their products and services in 500,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The event will also include educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, marquee social events and networking opportunities. This is the marketplace where amusement and attraction industry leaders, decision makers and visionaries gather to network, view the latest innovations, and plan for the future.

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide.  Founded almost 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry.

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