IAAPA Expo Europe saw a 30% rise in attendees at ExCeL London 12-15 September.
The international leisure industry event took place from 12- 15 September and saw 11,474 registered attendees. These included 7,510 qualified buyers representing 4,408 buying companies, and 530 exhibiting companies.
With IAAPA being the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, the event returned to London for the first time in over a decade.
Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president for IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) said:
"This week was everything we had hoped it would be as the global attractions industry continues to navigate new challenges that have arisen over the last several years. Bringing together thousands of attendees from around the world is just one aspect of IAAPA, but it’s something we do really well. I hope attendees, everyone from exhibitors and buyers to industry veterans and session speakers, left feeling inspired to continue the exceptional work they do at their respective companies."
Attendees present represented 94 countries led by the UK, France, Netherlands and Germany.
Hal McEvoy, IAAPA’s president and chief executive officer, commented:
"The excellent learning and networking opportunities at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe are a reminder that the global attractions industry is resilient and is striving to move forward. [IAAPA Expo] is an event unlike any other where industry leaders get together to share their successes, learn about the next wave of innovation, and see how they can improve their own business operations by talking to others. The professional development opportunities hosted by IAAPA with the help of industry leaders and experts prepare industry team members for career growth in this dynamic industry."
Plans for IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 are underway and will take place in Vienna, Austria, from 25 to 28 September. According to IAAPA, the show's advance exhibit sales are strong, with 350 exhibitors reserving 12,452 sqm of contracted booth space so far.
