IAAPA Expo Europe 2019 (formerly Euro Attractions Show) came to a close yesterday in Paris, France, after a three-day run that saw the introduction of new products and the announcement of new partnerships.
Click here to see a selection of images taken at the show.
Preliminary estimates indicate the expo attracted 15,900 participants, including 11,100 qualified buyers and 648 exhibiting companies. The 13 per cent increase in exhibiting companies from 2018's event in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, reflects the continued strength and growth of the global attractions industry, particularly in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Hosted by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, the event featured a record-breaking trade show covering more than 17,500sq.m.
"It's been a remarkable week," said IAAPA President and CEO Hal McEvoy. "Attractions industry professionals from around the world came together to focus on the future. Participants celebrated the industry, discovered new innovations, discussed emerging trends and explored opportunities that will help their companies to take their guest experience to the next level."
This marks the first time that Bill Ernest, CEO Saudi Entertainment Ventures Company, which was founded in November last year, attended the show and had a more positive experience with it. “We are so glad we made this trip. I did a talk today and afterwards a bunch of people came up to me telling me they had product that could fit in with our plans in Saudi Arabia perfectly,” he said.
"This week's show demonstrates the strength of the attractions industry throughout the EMEA region, and the rest of the world," said IAAPA EMEA executive director Jakob Wahl. "The trade show floor was the most expansive IAAPA Expo Europe has ever had. This gave attendees more to be inspired by. In addition, our outstanding speakers – many from France – ensured the conference was informative and valuable for all attendees."
