IAAPA: Big Starts Here
“Big Starts Here” was the theme of this year’s IAAPA Expo. Big ideas. Big rides. Big attractions. The Expo is the conference and trade show for the world’s largest amusement industry trade association IAAPA, serving family fun centers, amusement parks, theme parks & attractions, water parks & resorts, museums & science centers, and zoos & aquariums. We attend the conference and trade show each year primarily to meet others in the industry and to get charged up about the coming season.
The annual Expo offers educational sessions including conferences, round-tables, and luncheon events. It also includes the much-anticipated General Managers’ and Owners’ Breakfast on Wednesday. This year’s keynote speaker was Jim Pattison Jr., President of Ripley Entertainment Inc., who advocated for the unconventional management methods of Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Stay true to your brand was his message. In the case of Ripley’s Believe It or Not, where exploration of the weird, wonderful and unbelievable is their brand, Pattison says “If it’s not broke, mess with it: always keep changing things to try to make them better”.
Jim Pattison Jr., President of Ripley Entertainment, Inc.
With over 30,000 in attendance we worked our way through 9 miles of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including booths as varied as roller coasters, plush vendors, and midway games. We really get a charge out of meeting new people and just getting together with others who share our passion for the attractions industry.
This year we met with clients such as Holiday World to kibbutz about theming effects for their new B&M roller coaster Thunderbird. We reconnected with other clients, ride manufacturers, master planners, and other design collaborators – what a blast!
We also learned about some great new products and systems coming online in the near future. Getting to see the latest developments in non-toxic smoke generation, fountain technology, and fire (both real and simulated using smoke and LED lights).
One evening, we rode the Hogwarts train to tour some of the amazing theming and special effects methods and techniques at Universal Studios. The facilities and the staff were both truly inspiring. In visiting Universal and attending the IAAPA Expo, we were reminded of our goal to deliver truly exceptional guest experiences.
Looking forward to working in the coming year with all of you who are crazy about this wonderful industry!
