Summer show in Macau
Continuing its move around the continent, IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo arrives for the first time this July in Macau – dubbed the “Chinese Las Vegas.”
Asia is of course the fastest-growing market the world for the amusement business, with several major new parks and attractions opening this year alone. That should create plenty of potential visitors for the Expo, with well over 3,000 forecast to attend.
A rapidly expanding middle class is helping fuel impressive industry growth in China, where revenue is expected to leap towards $2 billion by 2011, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. However, it is Japan that remains the region’s largest market with US$3.6 billion in revenues, expected to grow to $4.5 billion by 2011.
More than 150 exhibitors will participate in this year’s Asian Attractions Expo, including many of the industry’s big names and up to 50 companies from China. Even if you don’t do business in Asia, this will be your only chance to see many manufacturers and suppliers this summer. Combine it with visits to attractions in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, for example, and you have the perfect working holiday.
Planned social events include Wednesday night’s opening reception at Expo host venue The Venetian. Tickets are just US$20, or $10 if you register in advance. On Thursday night straight after the show, the Asian Attractions Awards will be broadcast live from the Venetian as we learn which parks and attractions English-speaking viewers of Discovery Travel Asia voted their favourite.
Two “Leadership Luncheons” will also be held during the Expo, in addition to a full daytime seminar programme. On Thursday, Tom Mehrmann of Ocean Park will explain how the Hong Kong attraction has broken attendance and revenue goals for four consecutive year – in spite or because of the arrival of Disney. Over lunch on Friday, Eric Bello of The Venetian Las Vegas, will compare and contrast some of the world’s top destinations and cover current trends in marketing for the attractions industry.
The Venetian Macau – an attraction in itself – will also make a great meeting place for amusement industry professionals, many of whom will be staying there during the event.
IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo takes place from Wednesday to Friday, July 16 to 18. For more details, including the full education programme, see: www.iaapaexpo.com And don’t forget the Asia Tourism & Attractions Summit taking place immediately before the event on Monday and Tuesday, July 15 and 15. The venue for this has now been confirmed as the Mandarin Oriental in Macau: www.themedtourism.com
