Asian Attractions Expo 2016 Breaks Attendance Records in Shanghai

June 21, 2016

Based on preliminary results, Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2016 attracted a record-breaking 11,500 total participants, including 8,100 buyers; and for the sixth consecutive year broke records for the size of the trade show floor and number of exhibitors; delivered information-packed education programs; and featured sold-out networking events at Shanghai-area attractions, including the new Shanghai Disney Resort. 

Asian Attractions Expo, which is organized by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), took place June 13-16 at the Shanghai New International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

"Wow, Shanghai certainly proved to be a great location for Asian Attractions Expo 2016," said Paul Noland, IAAPA president and CEO.

He added, "The industry's growth in the region was on display this week with a record-breaking number of participants, buyers, and exhibitors. As I walked the show floor and listened to education speakers it was clear the energy was high and the attendees were engaged in every aspect of the show."

This is the highest number of participants in AAE history and represents a 365 percent increase, when compared with the last time the Expo was in Shanghai (2006). 

Owners, executives, managers, and leaders from the region's theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, and resorts, as well as a number of developers and investors, participated in Asian Attractions Expo 2016.

A record 414 exhibiting companies filled 12,339 net square meters of space making it the largest trade show floor in the event's history. 

Exhibitors came from 34 nations and showcased the latest innovations for the attractions industry, including high-tech multiple-dimension motion simulators, virtual reality experiences, roller coasters of all shapes and sizes, next-generation video game concepts, immersive themed design elements and services, interactive water slides and and much more.

The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers and IAAPA Safety Institute were well attended.

The education conference at AAE featured industry leaders from around the world who addressed topics including: what's new in Asia, implementing effective human resources strategies, creating risk management programs, and developing a business recovery strategy.

"It's great to see so many operators and suppliers from around the world come to Shanghai for Asian Attractions Expo," said June Ko, IAAPA vice president, Asia-Pacific Operations. 

She added, "In talking with attendees this week Asian Attractions Expo provides them with the knowledge, information, and connections, they need to stay relevant as the industry continues to grow in the region." 

Asian Attractions Expo 2016 by the Numbers

·  414 companies from 34 countries displayed new and innovative products across 12,339 net square meters of space, the most expansive exhibition floor in the Expo's history.

·  8,100 qualified buyers from 79 nations met with industry suppliers, attended education sessions, and participated in networking events to find new ideas and learn about important trends in the industry.

·  Attendance for the education conference was approximately 920, including more than 40participants for the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers; more than 130 attendees at the IAAPA Safety Institute.

·  The Leadership Breakfast sold out at nearly 300 registrants and featured a keynote address by Jim Seay, ICAE, 2016 Chairman IAAPA Global Safety Committee, and President, Premier Rides.

·  100 people participated in a facility tour to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.

·  400 people participated in the Opening Night Reception.

·  600 people registered for the sold out IAAPA Presents: A Magical Evening at Shanghai Disney Resort Thursday evening.

·  500 people registered for the sold out A Day at Shanghai Disneyland Friday.  

Asian Attractions Expo 2017 will be held at the Sands Exhibition and Convention Center June 13-16 at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, and advance exhibit sales are strong. 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.  Remodeled Guest Rooms MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites. Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation. Reinvented Luxury Experiences The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes. New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May. Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.  A “New Wave  for Mandalay Bay A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay. Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center  is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options. From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.