IAAPA Expo Europe returned to London this year, for the first time in more than a decade, with attendance registering a 30% increase since the 2021 event in Barcelona.
The ExCeL London was the host venue for the 2022 Expo, which began on Monday September 12 and finished on Thursday 15; 11,474 attendees registered for the event, representing 94 countries. Of the nearly 12,000 attendees, 7,510 were qualified buyers representing 4,408 buying companies; 530 exhibiting companies also attended.
The event’s programme was packed with educational and demonstrative content, and conference attendees were able to participate in 20 education sessions that featured more than 100 industry speakers and veterans. Attendees that missed a session also have 30 days to see it online or in the Connect+ application, as an added benefit of their registration.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort played host to an EDUTour, Safety Day, and Sustainability Day events, on the Monday. Indoor Entertainment Day attendees also had chance to visit the Immersive Gamebox, Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside, Orsett Hall Hotel, Puttshack and Wipeout Lakeside.
On Tuesday, Peter van der Schans also formally introduced himself as the new leader of IAAPA’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, while Amanda J Thompson O.B.E., the CEO from Blackpool Pleasure Beach, was presented with the first ever 75+year membership ribbon to display on her attendee badge.
“The week was everything we had hoped it would be as the global attractions industry continues to navigate new challenges that have arisen over the last several years,” said Peter van der Schans. “Bringing together thousands of attendees from around the world is just one aspect of IAAPA, but it’s something we do really well. I hope attendees, everyone from exhibitors and buyers to industry veterans and session speakers, left feeling inspired to continue the exceptional work they do at their respective companies.”
Hal McEvoy, the IAAPA’s president and CEO, said: “The excellent learning and networking opportunities at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe are a reminder that the global attractions industry is resilient and is striving to move forward. Expo is an event unlike any other where industry leaders get together to share their successes, learn about the next wave of innovation, and see how they can improve their own business operations by talking to others. The professional development opportunities hosted by IAAPA with the help of industry leaders and experts prepare industry team members for career growth in this dynamic industry.”
Next year’s IAAPA Expo Europe is set to take place in Vienna, Austria, September 25 to 28. Advance exhibit sales are strong with 350 exhibitors reserving 12,452 sqm of contracted booth space so far.
