Amusement Park, International Baking Shows Boast Largest Events in History

November 15, 2016

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ 2016 IAAPA Attractions Expo, currently running in Orlando, and the 2016 International Baking Industry Exposition both can boast that their largest events in history are this year.

IBIE was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center with more than 1,000 exhibitors - 340 new to IBIE and a 28-percent increase, compared with 2013 - on more than 700,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Attendance also continued its upward trend with more than 23,000 registered attendees - a 9-percent increase, compared with 2013, which also saw a whopping 65-percent increase during the last decade.

A lot of the growth has come from international markets, with attendees coming from more than 100 countries and making up 30 percent of the total attendance.

“The quality and depth of IBIE’s attendees, exhibitors and education sessions was incredible,” said Michael J. Cornelis, chair of IBIE.

He added, “IBIE is continually evolving and growing to meet the needs of baking industry professionals, as well as the trends in the industry, and this year we saw a record-breaking show with the largest show floor, number of exhibitors, innovation showcase and education program in IBIE’s history.”

The 2016 IAAPA Attractions Expo will be the largest in the event's 98-year history, surpassing the previous record of 568,800 square feet set in 2001.

The show currently is being held Nov. 14-18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

More than 1,000 exhibiting companies, including nearly 200 first-timers, are showcasing innovations in 125 product categories, including new thrill rides, family attractions, midway games, water slides, inflatables, simulators, food and beverage treats, and technology.

Event organizers expect approximately 30,000 attractions industry participants, including more than 18,000 buyers representing leading amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, resorts and other destinations around the world.

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