IAAPA Attractions Expo Sees Attendance Uptick
November 27, 2011
Once a year in the United States, people connected to the amusement parks industry come from far and wide to check out what’s new at the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions’ Attractions Expo.
This year’s event ran Nov. 14-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, and it saw a 5-percent increase to 15,300 attendees, compared with 14,600 attendees at the 2010 event.
“The results for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 surpassed our expectations on several fronts,” said IAAPA President and CEO Chip Cleary.
He added, “Exhibit sales, buyer attendance, education program participation, and total registration are all up from 2010, which speaks volumes about the strength of the industry and the expo’s role as a global can’t-miss event. The buying, learning, and sharing of ideas that takes place here is simply phenomenal.”
The five-day event also had an estimated $47.7 million economic impact on the Orlando area and drew executives and buyers from 6,975 amusement parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and roadside attractions from around the world.
John Chidester, who works for Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and attended from Santa Claus, Ind., said, “(The expo) is full of a lot of imagination and creativity. It’s always great to see there’s a positive outlook toward the future of the industry - there’s a lot of new things coming through here.”
In addition, 1,106 companies were on 477,474 net square feet of space on the showfloor, and the outdoor exhibit area measured 49,074 net sq. ft., the largest in a decade.
Exhibitors came from 32 countries and displayed immersive and interactive rides and attractions, innovative water rides and slides, stage productions, mobile ticketing systems, new food and beverage treats, inflatable devices and arcade games, among other products.
“This year’s (show has) been just phenomenal. It seems like people have more money to spend - apparently access to money must be getting a bit better,” said E.K. “Dutch” Magrath III, who exhibited with Amusement Products.
He added, “In the past, I think people had the ‘want-to’, but couldn’t get the banks to agree to it. This year, I hear a lot more big projects coming into play.”
The conference program, which featured 123 education programs, also had strong attendance, with 8,850 taking part in panel sessions, site tours and a half-day symposium on mobile marketing and communications in the industry.
Next year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo will be held Nov. 12-16 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.
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.
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