Leisure Industry Week (LIW) takes place this September at the NEC in Birmingham, England, and this year organisers are marketing the event as several “shows within a show.” Park World looks ahead to what lies in store – including Attractions Expo.
Aimed at a wide selection of attraction operators, including theme parks, farm parks, play centres, holiday centres, piers, museums, heritage sites and more, Attractions Expo reflects the growing diversity of facilities that use amusement equipment in some shape or form.
Although big ride manufacturers tend to be few and far between at this exhibition nowadays, there will for the first time in seven years be an outdoor demonstration area. On the show floor, meanwhile, new features will include a Sensory Zone featuring “the latest innovations for multi sensory interactive environments” plus a Scare Zone for operators of haunted attractions.
The latter will be produced by the creators of ScareCON, which took place at the NEC back in May. As part of Attractions Expo they will also host a number of “how to” sessions for would-be haunters. In fact, the education programme at LIW includes a number of dedicated sessions for attractions operators including two days (Tuesday/Wednesday) of Attractions Industry Forum seminars, a Vision XS Roadshow (on Wednesday), Play Providers Conference (Tuesday/Wednesday) and Farm Diversity Conference (Thursday). Check the website for the full schedule and list of speakers.
Park operators, meanwhile, will find the BALPPA Lounge a good place to meet their industry colleagues. On Wednesday night (September 23), they can also visit Drayton Manor for the Attractions Industry Party. The event will be sponsored by Simworx, which will showcase its new 4D effects cinema and Curse of Skull Rock film on the night.
Attractions Expo is one of seven integrated show areas at LIW, which also includes the Licensed Business Show, Eat & Drink, Leisure Facilities, The Sport Show, Pool & Spa and Health & Fitness. The event takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from September 22 to 24. The venue boosts excellent road, rail and air links.
