Must-See Exhibitors and Events at IAAPA Expo 2024
The IAAPA Expo 2024 in Orlando, Florida, stands as the leading event for the visitor attractions sector. This premier gathering unites industry experts to explore innovative products, state-of-the-art services, enlightening educational sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. Scheduled from 18 to 22 November, the educational programme will run from 18 to 21 November, while the trade show floor will be accessible from 19 to 22 November.
This event serves as a one-stop destination for professionals within the leisure and attractions industry. Attendees can participate in a variety of educational sessions, workshops, and tours, allowing them to delve into the latest trends and significant issues while learning from peers across the sector.
A vast trade show floor will showcase the latest rides, video games, VR attractions, design theming, motion simulators, POS technology, water solutions, food and beverage options, health and safety equipment, playground equipment, arcade machines, and much more.
This year introduces exciting new features, including a special Legends celebration event for the IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees, the inaugural IAAPA Expo 2024 Street Market, IAAPA Haunting Grounds, the world’s first AI-powered recycling kiosk, a drone show, and additional surprises.
Special Events at IAAPA Expo 2024
On the weekend of 16 and 17 November, additional ticketed pre-conference events will include IAAPA Rookies: FEC 101 on Saturday evening and the all-day IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals on Sunday. Two charity events are also scheduled for Sunday: the 14th Annual IAAPA Charity Motorcycle Run for Give Kids the World and the 21st Annual IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament. An evening EDUTour to Fun Spot America is also on the agenda.
Monday morning will feature an EDUTour to DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida, along with a Lunch and Learn session with leaders from Qiddiya and Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN). In the afternoon, attendees can join a Zoos and Aquariums Community Experience and an EDUTour that goes behind the scenes at Halloween Horror Nights.
Evening receptions on Monday, 18 November, will include the Zoos and Aquariums Reception, the Food and Beverage Operators Reception, the Water Park Operators Welcome Event, the Museums and Science Centres Reception, and the Family Entertainment Centres Reception. Additionally, the LEGENDS: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair will honour this year’s IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees, featuring a live auction to support the IAAPA Foundation.
Special Drone Show at IAAPA Expo 2024
On Tuesday, attendees can look forward to the IAAPA Leadership Symposium – Breaking Down Silos, along with both the Opening Reception and Young Professional Receptions. A series of Lunch and Learn sessions will also be available. Attendees should keep an eye on the sky at 6:15 p.m. and 8:05 p.m. on Tuesday, and again on Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. for an all-new drone show sponsored by Sky Elements.
On Wednesday, 20 November, there will be an EDUTour of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, an invite-only Influencer Breakfast sponsored by Triotech, the annual leadership breakfast, and more Lunch and Learn sessions. Evening ticketed events will include the Carnival and Showmen’s Reception, the Latin America Fiesta, the Europe, Middle East and Africa Reception, and the Water Park Social.
Thursday, 21 November, will feature more ticketed events, such as the 18th Annual IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5k Fun Run and 1 Mile Walk, an EDUTour of Legoland Florida, and various Learning Breakfast Sessions. The evening will culminate in the annual IAAPA Celebrates event at Epcot.
Education Sessions
The agenda for IAAPA Expo 2024 includes a range of educational sessions covering various topics within the attractions industry. Highlights to look forward to include:
Monday 18 November
The morning will kick off with a session titled It’s All Fun and Games: Exploring Gamification in Parks and Attractions. Erica McCay from Valtech, Logan Zawacki from Sally Dark Rides, David Andrade from Theory Studios, Meghan Gardner from Guardian Adventures, and Daniel Kaufmann, Associate Professor, will discuss gamification and its role in fostering guest loyalty.
In the session Bridging the Gap: Inclusive Insights from Museums, Zoos, and Themed Attractions, attendees will gain firsthand perspectives from various attractions. The panel will share best practices and actionable approaches to prioritising inclusivity, featuring speakers such as Emily O’Hara from the Detroit Zoological Society and Sarah Drees from Solid Light.
Later, in Creating FOMO-Worthy Experiences through Experiential Activations, Ben Thompson from Storyland Studios will explore the trend of limited engagement opportunities and their significance in audience building.
In Redefining Immersive Experiences, panellists will share strategies and solutions through real-world case studies, discussing how to incorporate immersion without sacrificing educational outcomes or accessibility. Speakers include Cynthia Brown from Museum EXP and Jesse Kramer from Conner Prairie.
Worldbuilding, Walkthroughs, and Workshops
On Monday afternoon, in World Building with Meow Wolf: AVL and Integrated Technologies, Derek Pendergrass from Meow Wolf will explain how light, sound, and integrated technologies create immersive art exhibits that respond to guest interactions.
In Extending the Experience: Enhancing Attractions with Interactive Walkthroughs, Katie Baker from Simworx will demonstrate how integrating interactive walkthroughs can elevate experiences in new or existing rides.
Tell Stories that People Want to Hear: Innovative Approaches to Experiential Storytelling will reveal the secrets behind crafting rich, story-driven experiences that leave a lasting impression on visitors. The panel includes Brett Bagenstose from NeoPangea and Jasmin Jodry from MOTO.
Exploring Current Trends: Family Experiences will focus on the growing trend of family-oriented attractions, featuring insights from industry leaders.
In Money in Merchandising: Maximizing Sales from Analytics to Operations, Laura Iles from Integrated Insight will share principles for optimising revenue through merchandising.
XR and Experiential Design at IAAPA Expo 2024
Tom Acomb from AOA and Mike West from Innovative West will present The Pitching Playbook: Mastering the Art of Persuasive Presentations, focusing on crafting compelling pitches for entrepreneurs.
In Reality Bytes—How Extended Reality (XR) Attractions are Reshaping Location-based Entertainment, participants will learn how VR and mixed reality enhance guest experiences. Speakers include Bob Cooney from The VR Collective.
Emerging Trends, Techniques and Technologies in Experiential Design will provide insights into how innovative storytelling techniques create unforgettable guest experiences, featuring case studies from around the globe.
Food Trends 2024 will allow attendees to catch up on the latest food trends across various attractions, featuring industry experts.
Meet the Exhibitors at IAAPA Expo 2024
The expansive trade show floor will be open from 19 to 22 November, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
Accesso Technology Group PLC, a leading technology provider for attractions worldwide, will return as both a Platinum Sponsor and Global Sponsor, showcasing the latest in guest engagement and operational innovation.
Visitors to the accesso booth will experience hands-on demonstrations of their newest technologies and learn how they are helping top attractions thrive.
Alterface will host the Imagination Playground in a custom-built demonstration space, featuring interactive technology applications.
Attractions.io will introduce its new AI Assistant, designed to enhance guest experiences with personalised recommendations and real-time support.
Beaudry Interactive will showcase recent projects, including the immersive Currents interactive zone on the Carnival Jubilee ship.
