What to Expect at IAAPA Expo
by Juanita Chavarro Arias
This week, IAAPA Expo will bring together more than 38,000 attractions industry professionals from around the world to engage with exhibiting companies on the trade show floor, learn best practices through education sessions, take part in special events, network with colleagues, and more. Here are some highlights for the week ahead:
Trade Show Floor
The trade show floor—open Tuesday through Friday—spans 560,000 net square feet of exhibit space presenting state-of-the-art products and services from more than 1,100 exhibitors representing 125 different categories, including food and beverage, design theming, games, retail, and rides. More than 24,000 qualified buyers made up of chief decision-makers, high-level executives, general managers, and owners will have the opportunity to discover ideas to create new and unique experiences for their guests. For the second year in a row, Exploration Station—a custom-built structure located adjacent to the outdoor exhibits—will feature more than 130 exhibiting companies.
Education Conference Program
Starting today and running through Thursday, industry leaders and experts will share valuable information during education sessions covering topics including entertainment, facility operations, communications, human resources, and more. EDUTours* will offer exclusive access to some of Central Florida’s attractions, allowing IAAPA members to learn about their operations and best practices.
Lunch and Learn: The Emergence of Authentic Reality*
During today’s Lunch and Learn event, George Walker, creative director, Universal Creative Studio, will look at current trends to help provide context and clues that look at “authentic reality” and how technology enhances the guest experience. The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the IAAPA Theater.
Kickoff Event
The Kickoff Event on Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the IAAPA Theater is packed with the energy and excitement that sets the tone for IAAPA Expo with lively entertainment, a look at the industry’s new trends, the 2019 IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards presentation, and more. Admission is included in Expo registration.
Legends 2019 – Report from the Galaxy’s Edge
Industry legends who helped create Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will share insights and strategies learned by diverging from the known path and inventing new worlds during Wednesday’s session, taking place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Room S310ABC. Moderated by Bob Rogers, ICAE, founder of BRC Imagination Arts, the session will feature speakers from Walt Disney Imagineering.
Game Changer – Creativity is the New Attraction*
On Thursday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Room S310ABC, Vince Kadlubek, co-founder of Meow Wolf, will discuss the consumer’s movement toward creative experiences and why unpredictable artistry is valuable, while sharing his futurist vision of the themed attraction industry.
IAAPA Global Headquarters Tours*
Earlier this year, the new IAAPA Global Headquarters opened for business. Attendees can explore the building’s exciting member resources with tours that leave at the top of the hour, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
*IAAPA Expo registration and separate ticket required to attend.
Visit www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo for more information.