IAAPA Expo 2023 concludes with new attendance and engagement milestones

November 20, 2023

IAAPA Expo 2023, the premier global event showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the attractions industry, has wrapped up having reached new attendance and engagement milestones.

The event, held in Orlando, Florida’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), brought together 36,173 attractions professionals on the floor from a total registration of 41,236. Of those, 26,453 were qualified buyers representing 18,135 buying companies, and 9,961 exhibitors representing 1,147 exhibiting companies.

IAAPA Expo 2023 energised attendees on Tuesday with a dynamic Opening Ceremony that brought together the best of industry entertainment and welcome remarks from IAAPA’s senior leadership just before the countdown to the show floor opening. One of the most anticipated events of the week was Wednesday’s Leadership Breakfast, where attendees had the privilege of hearing from Scott O'Neil, Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments. His inspiring keynote address highlighted his leadership philosophy and perspectives on the attractions industry.

Jakob Wahl, president and Chief Executive IAAPA shared “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of dedicated attractions professionals who make IAAPA Expo the thriving global community it is today.

“Your passion and dedication to continuously innovate and share best practices with each other is what makes this event so special. It is wonderful to see everyone collaborate for the good of the attractions industry and bring joy and smiles to millions of guests all around the world.”

The IAAPA Foundation was also prominently featured at IAAPA Expo this year. The foundation’s mission is to inspire and support life-changing careers in the global attractions industry and the Expo fundraising initiatives raised a remarkable $26,000 which will go toward academic, experiential, and industry scholarships.

IAAPA Expo 2023 also included fundraising efforts for Give Kids The World Village, a charitable organisation dedicated to creating magical, transformative wish vacations for critically ill children and their families. Several events were held throughout the week, including the 20th Annual IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament, the 13th Annual IAAPA Charity Motorcycle Run benefiting Give Kids The World, and the 17th Annual IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5k Fun Run and 1 Mile Walk. Those events, plus donations made from generous IAAPA attendees, raised an impressive total of $160,000 to support the Give Kids The World mission.

IAAPA Expo 2023 offered EDUTours that allowed attendees to explore some of the most iconic attractions and destinations local to Orlando. Participants had the opportunity to visit renowned venues such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and Fun Spot America, gaining valuable insights into the operations and creative processes behind these world-famous attractions. The week's marquee evening event IAAPA Celebrates, hosted by SeaWorld Orlando, included networking, park-exclusive food and beverage and hours of fun.

Michael Shelton, executive director and vice president for IAAPA North America, expressed his thanks to the IAAPA team noting that without them this annual event would not be possible.

IAAPA Expo 2024, is scheduled for 18th - 22nd Nov 2024, in Orlando, FL. So far, 401 exhibiting companies have booked space.

Those interested in learning more about exhibiting at IAAPA Expo 2024 can contact the IAAPA Global Sales team at ExhibitSales@IAAPA.org.

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