The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has abandoned plans to return to Las Vegas in the foreseeable future and agreed a new deal committing its annual Attractions Expo to Orlando for the next 10 years.
Starting this November, the world’s largest trade show and conference for the amusement park and attractions industry will take place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC, pictured) until 2019.
Prior to signing the new agreement, IAAPA Attractions Expo was scheduled to take place in Orlando in 2010, but Las Vegas in 2011. Although additional shows were planned in Orlando, the new deal adds five more years at the OCCC.
The decision to stay in Orlando was made by the IAAPA board of directors and supported by the association’s executive committee and manufacturers and suppliers committee. They cite a number of reasons including this being the preferred location for visitors and exhibitors, Orlando’s reputation as the world’s “theme park capital”, easy and affordable access, the suitability of the OCCC venue and a proven track record. IAAPA will also make significant savings by committing to Orlando and the OCCC for a consecutive 10-year period.
Although the association’s CEO, Charlie Bray reports that, “We had a good experience in Las Vegas in 2009,” he continues: “Moving the show to Orlando for the next 10 years provides a tremendous opportunity for us. The city is known for imagination, creativity and innovation – the foundations of the attractions industry – and that, combined with the city’s world-class facilities, makes Orlando the best long-term location for IAAPA Attractions Expo.”
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 takes place from November 15 to 19 (trade show November 16 to 19).
Do you think the Expo should stay in Orlando? Vote now in our online poll (see right)!
