The developers of big theme park rides will not go to IAAPA this year, forecasts the Orlando Sentinel.
The newspaper that covers the Florida city where the annual show is held, reports that several well-known ride manufacturers have warned that they will skip the show because of concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic.
An open letter was signed by Premier Rides, Chance Rides, Great Coasters International and Larson International, with collectively 100 years of appearing at the show, said that their feedback from customers was that they would not go.
IAAPA is due to make a decision on whether to go ahead with the show, scheduled for November 16-20, by September 4.
The newspaper reported: “The theme park industry is suffering huge financial losses from the abrupt corona virus shutdowns and the slow recovery in recent weeks. Attendance has often been light and companies are investing significant dollars on safety equipment. Many major employers have had layoff or aren’t calling back all of their furloughed employees.”
The open letter, it says, acknowledge that it is a difficult time for the exhibition. “We understand that there is a right time to sell and this is not the right time.”
It points out that it is also not practical for expo attendees to fly to Florida from all over the world and within the US, given the quarantine rules in effect and travel restrictions.
“We work in an industry that is extremely resilient. Through wars, through recessions and yes, even through pandemics, our industry has survived. The show must go on and will go on! Just not this year.”
IAAPA spokesperson Susan Storey, says the newspaper, declined to say how many people had registered so far but the event has more than 650 exhibitors.
She said. “2020 continues to be unlike any other year any of us has ever experienced. The health and safety of our attendees and exhibitors is our top priority and while IAAPA is continuing to plan for IAAPA Expo 2020, information and circumstances change almost daily.”
