IAAPA's Asian Attractions Expo 2011 a Success in Singapore: 2012 event heads to Hong Kong

A record-breaking trade show floor, sold-out special events, packed education sessions, and a strong turnout from serious buyers marked the continued growth and success of last week's Asian Attractions Expo (AAE).

The four-day conference and exhibition, owned by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), took place at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in Singapore from 21st to 24th June.

Preliminary estimates indicate 4,900 people, including 3,500 buyers, participated in education programs and networking events, took behind-the-scenes tours of area attractions, and saw a variety of new products and services for the attractions industry on a sold-out trade show floor. Delegates from 46 nations around the globe participated in the event. Developers, owners, managers, and leaders from theme parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, and resorts met with a record-breaking 236 companies from 30 nations at the Resorts World Convention Centre. The exhibits covered 4,461 net metres2 of space.

IAAPA President and Chief Executive Chip Cleary was pleased with the event, stating "the growth of IAAPA's Asian Attractions Expo mirrors the growth of the attractions industry in Asia. We look forward to continuing the trend as we take the Expo to Hong Kong in 2012."

Andrew Lee, Executive Director for IAAPA's Asia Pacific office in Hong Kong, shares Cleary's optimism, adding "we've had a good show here in Singapore (and) were very honored by the tremendous participation from exhibitors and buyers from throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

"As we continue to expand IAAPA's operations in Asia Pacific, we look forward to additional growth for Asian Attractions Expo."

Among exhibitors, Luke Riley of Gold Coast-based attractions design firm, Sanderson Group International, says serious business took place on the trade show floor.

Riley explained that the "Asian Attractions Expo again provided authentic, high-value leads, through a mutually beneficial and well thought platform for both exhibitors and buyers."

Attendance at AAE education programs reached a record 1,280 attendees with industry leaders participating in seminars and roundtable discussions on a variety of topics including: employee engagement, reducing attractions' carbon footprint, family entertainment centers, reinventing attractions,

marketing strategies, integrated resort development, and risk management.

A total of 205 delegates participated in the IAAPA Safety Institute to learn about best practices, safety standards, and government regulations in Singapore while more than 400 people attended Leadership Breakfast keynote presentations by Mario Mamon, President and Chairman, Enchanted Kingdom, in the Philippines, and Sentosa Leisure Group Chief Executive Mike Barclay.

Other Asian Attractions Expo 2011 highlights:

• 400 people participated in the sold-out Opening Night Event at Universal Studios Singapore.
• 180 delegates experienced 'Night Safari' at Singapore Zoo.
• 240 people participated in tours at Resorts World Sentosa, the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer, and the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands.

IAAPA has also announced that Asian Attractions Expo 2012 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5th to 8th June 2012.

Announcing the location, IAAPA Chairman Bob Rippy explained "IAAPA is excited to bring Asian Attractions Expo 2012 the industry's premier trade show in Asia, to Hong Kong - one of the most dynamic cities in the world."

Andrew Lee added "Asia is booming right now and so is the region's attractions industry (so) it makes perfect sense for industry buyers and sellers to participate in four days of business transactions, education, and networking in the heart of the world's fastest-growing economy."

More than 140 companies have already reserved 80% of the space available for the 2012 Expo.

For more information go to www.IAAPA.org/AsianAttractionsExpo

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