Exciting Highlights at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
The IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 is set to occur in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 23 to 27 September, with the trade show floor accessible from 24 to 26 September. Organised by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, this event will take place at the RAI Convention Center located in the heart of the city.
During the event, attendees can look forward to a diverse range of educational sessions, including workshops, panel discussions, and insightful presentations from industry leaders. Networking events will also provide professionals with opportunities to connect, share ideas, and forge valuable relationships. Additionally, over 650 exhibitors will showcase their innovative products, services, and solutions across an expansive 18,500-square-metre trade show floor.
Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president for IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa, expressed his enthusiasm: “This year’s IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 is an absolute must-visit for everyone involved in the attractions industry. I’m delighted to see it returning to my home country, The Netherlands, with its rich cultural history in theme parks and vendors. We are excited to showcase the latest innovations, delve into diverse educational programs, and foster new connections.”
Pre-conference Tours and Sessions
Before the main conference kicks off, several ticketed events are scheduled. These include the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals on Saturday, 21 September, and the IAAPA Safety Institute on Sunday, 22 September. On Monday, 23 September, a full schedule of ticketed EDUTours will take place, featuring themes such as Water Park Day, Safety Day, and Sustainability Day. During the Indoor Entertainment Day, Graham Speak from Speak Consulting will present a session on IP partnerships, brand collaborations, and retail propositions.
Participants can also enjoy trips to notable attractions such as Efteling, Avonturenboerderij Molenwaard, and various local science centres and edutainment venues.
The IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 will officially commence on Tuesday, 24 September, with an opening ceremony at 9 am, featuring performances that celebrate Dutch culture, including traditional music and dance acts that reflect the rich heritage of The Netherlands. Throughout the IAAPA Expo Europe 2024, the cultural essence of Amsterdam will beautifully intertwine with the Dutch leisure sector, creating a unique experience aimed at inspiring delegates through a blend of tradition and innovation.
The show floor will open at 10 am following the opening ceremony.
Top Picks from the IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 Agenda
The educational sessions throughout the week will cover a wide array of topics, including sustainability, guest experience, AI, storytelling, health and safety, immersive technologies, and much more. Here are some highlights from the packed agenda.
Tuesday, 24 September
A session not to be missed on Tuesday morning is Kick-off: One Year Since Vienna — What are the Hot Trends, Topics, and Gossip? A panel of industry experts will share insights on what lies ahead for the attractions industry in the coming year, linking key topics to sessions later in the week. Attendees will gain valuable market insights and have the opportunity to build their personalised conference schedule.
The panellists will include Yael Coifman of Leisure Development Partners, Bart Dohmen from TDAC BV, Charles Read, managing director of Blooloop, Paul Moreton of Merlin Entertainments, and Jakob Wahl from IAAPA.
Sponsor Spotlights
A series of Sponsor Spotlights will follow. Firstly, Ben Thompson of Storyland Studios will speak on Secrets of Storytelling, discussing how attractions can enhance their appeal through storytelling. He will share insights and examples of experiences driven by compelling narratives.
Storibox – Disruptive Changes in Experience Photography will be led by Mike Weber of Storibox, who will explore the evolution of experience photography since its inception in the 80s, addressing current challenges and future potential in the industry.
Özgür Küçükateş from DOF Robotics will then lead a session titled Next-Gen Amusement: How AI and DOF Robotics Are Transforming Attractions, providing insights into the application of AI in the amusement industry and how DOF Robotics is pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Competitive Socialising, Multi-Sensory Attractions, and a Commitment to Sustainability
Social Entertainment and Competitive Socialising: The New Trend promises to be an engaging session. In our increasingly digital world, location-based entertainment (LBE) excels in fostering real-world connections. Speakers will include Mike Walton of Topgolf Dubai, Michael Harrison from Gravity Active Entertainment, Gavin Hughes of Lane7, Peter Cliff from Conductr, and Bart Dohmen of TDAC.
The impact of emotional engagement in creating unparalleled visitor experiences will be explored in The Fifth Sense – Multisensory Experience: Elevating Attractions with Smell, Sound, and Visuals to the Next Level. This session will feature insights from industry leaders on designing attractions that evoke strong emotional reactions, making every visit memorable.
Later, Andreas Andersen from Liseberg and João Fiães from BUAS will discuss How Future-Proof is the European Attractions and Theme Parks Industry’s Commitment to Sustainability?, continuing the sustainability theme with insights from Ed Cookson of Sarner International and Dr Susanne Nawrath.
Artificial Intelligence and Insights from CEOs
In the afternoon, Andreu Tobella Brunet of PortAventura World will lead a session on AI — the Present, focusing on practical solutions for industry professionals. This will be followed by the IAAPA CEO Talk, where industry leaders will share their innovative strategies and initiatives.
The panel will include Reinoud van Assendelft de Coningh of Van Assendelft en Partners, Michael Mack of Europa-Park, Zeina Dagher of Dubai Holding Entertainment, and Scott O’Neil of Merlin Entertainments.
Verónica Celis-Vergara from Maurer Rides will lead a session titled Sustainable Innovations for Manufacturers and Suppliers, discussing how Maurer Rides is working towards a more sustainable future in the attractions industry.
Smart Parks: Leveraging Digital Tools for Unforgettable Experiences will showcase how theme parks and zoos can use digital tools to create personalised, interactive, and seamless visitor experiences.
Co-creation and Middle East Sports Entertainment
Later on Tuesday, Heather Doggett of Immerse Universe, Daniel Kerscher, and Louis Alfieri from Raven Sun Creative will discuss Co-Creation – What is it and how can we prepare our audiences, teams, and facilities to leverage this game-changing paradigm in experiential entertainment?
This session will explore the shift in the audience’s role from passive observer to active participant, providing insights on how to design and deliver these types of experiences throughout the project lifecycle.
Game On: Integrating Sports into the Middle Eastern Leisure and Entertainment Experience will feature insights from industry leaders on the integration of sports into leisure and entertainment.
The evening will see the opening reception at Strandzuid, a waterside restaurant offering outdoor seating with views of the RAI harbour, serving various international dishes and drinks.
Wednesday, 25 September
Wednesday at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 will begin with the Leadership Breakfast, an exclusive event for C-suite executives in the attractions industry, focusing on challenges and innovative solutions shaping the sector.
Events and Nostalgia
One notable session on Wednesday morning is TEA Presents – Designing Experiences Beyond Opening Hours, discussing how attractions can maximise venue use by offering before- and after-hours openings. The panellists will explore how to design these experiences while ensuring an outstanding guest experience.
Elsewhere, Can We Innovate While Honouring Tradition? will delve into the balance between modernising attractions and maintaining their nostalgic charm.
Later, Eric J. O’Rourke of FORREC will join a panel discussing The Power of a Strong Employer Brand, featuring strategies to attract and retain top talent.
Sponsor Spotlights
Wednesday will also feature more Sponsor Spotlight sessions, including Vekoma Rides Manufacturing – The life of your Vekoma ride, where Anne-Mart Agerbeek and Rob Steens will outline how to ensure a worry-free lifespan for rides.
Later, Brogent Technologies, Inc. – Explore cutting-edge media-based attractions where technology and creativity converge will showcase the firm’s technological advancements in next-generation entertainment.
CEOs in the Spotlight
Next is CEO TALK II, exploring the leadership journeys of three CEOs who have recently taken the helm of their companies, providing insights into their experiences and philosophies.
In the afternoon, Maximising Revenue and Engagement: Expanding Water Park Operations to Include Night Events will present strategies for navigating the unique challenges of nighttime operations.
Attendees can also explore Trends in Immersive Entertainment with Matt Dawson from RWS Global.
In Dark Rides: now, wow and awe Experiences, Dr Wim Strijbosch and Dr Pieter Cornelis will share insights from their research on dark rides, focusing on key components shaping the experience.
Guest Flow and Future-Proofing Attractions
Delegates will learn strategies for managing guest flow and enhancing the overall experience in Mastering Flow: Strategies for Capacity and Queue Management.
Future-Proofing Attractions: Digital Transformation Exchange will allow participants to explore digital transformation and gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Landscaping, often overshadowed by rides and attractions, will also be discussed in How Green Landscaping Shapes Guest Experience, Brand Extension, and Climate Resilience.
Tours and Receptions
Wednesday afternoon will offer more ticketed EDUTours, including Culture and Art—It’s all about Rembrandt and various F&B tours.
The IAAPA Foundation Charity Action will take place, allowing attendees to bid on exclusive theme park experiences, with all proceeds supporting the IAAPA Foundation Charity for Future Talent.
The evening will feature several receptions, including the Zoo and Aquarium Reception, Middle East Reception, Supervisors and Team Leaders Reception, and Young Professionals Reception.
Thursday, 26 September
Thursday morning will feature sessions such as IAAPA Research and Investment Analysis: Do the Numbers Justify the Investment?, helping attendees navigate demographic and tourism statistics.
This year’s Iconic Ride Spotlight session will focus on Symbolica at Efteling, with the team behind the attraction discussing its creation and operation.
In the afternoon, ticketed events will include an EDUTour to Artis Zoo, the Food and Beverage Reception, and the new Leisure and Holiday Parks Reception.
On Friday, 27 September, the final day of IAAPA Expo Europe 2024, attendees can purchase tickets for an EDUTour of Toverland and the Tech Forum at the Breda University of Applied Sciences.
Meet the Exhibitors at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
Attendees at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 will have the chance to meet suppliers from across the attractions industry, discovering the latest products and services catering to various sectors.
501 Fun – Booth #8370 & 8470
501 Fun, a global leader in providing engaging and innovative social entertainment systems, will showcase its new social replay product at the Sega booth during the trade show.
Social Replay is a revolutionary package for darts systems designed to enhance the player experience, featuring a camera that records and plays back exciting moments from the game.
Earlier this year, 501 Fun unveiled a new darts game, Battlefields, which is expected to become a favourite among players worldwide.
Attendees can meet with key team members, including CEO Jonny Powell and head of sales Jamie Crawford, with meetings available via email.
7thSense – Booth 8624
7thSense, the multi-award-winning media solutions specialist, will support Experience UK with technology displays at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024. The firm is known for its pixel generation, processing, and management technologies.
Recent installations include the Sphere Las Vegas, showcasing 7thSense’s media serving technology.
To arrange a meeting with 7thSense at the show, attendees can send an email.
Aardman – Booth #8624
Aardman, the award-winning UK studio, will showcase its portfolio of interactive outdoor events, featuring popular characters like Shaun the Sheep and new favourites.
Aardman collaborates with Wild in Art to offer licensed trail packages of decorated Shaun the Sheep sculptures to venues and attractions.
The company will be present at the Experience UK Pavilion during the show.
accesso – Booth #12104
accesso Technology Group PLC, a leading technology provider for attractions worldwide, will showcase advancements in ticketing, point-of-sale, virtual queueing, and guest experience management.
