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.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.