Day one of the 2024 IAAPA Expo is in the books! Here’s the official press release from IAAPA on all that went on.
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IAAPA Expo 2024 opened its doors today at the Orange County Convention Center. Opening the show with over 38,000 registrations and counting, IAAPA is thrilled to welcome attractions industry professionals for a four-day gathering filled with innovation, networking, and education. Featuring more than 1,100 exhibitors and over 140 learning opportunities, this year’s event introduces exciting new pavilions on the North Concourse such as the “Haunting Grounds,” focused on Halloween-themed attractions, and an “IAAPA Street Market,” where attendees can explore food and beverage trends through live demos and tastings.
“This year’s IAAPA Expo is truly our largest and most dynamic event yet, the sheer number of exhibitors, attendees, and educational sessions reflect the incredible breadth of our industry,” said Michel Shelton, IAAPA North America Vice President and Executive Director. “From groundbreaking technology to diverse networking opportunities, we’re thrilled to host attendees from all over the globe, uniting the industry in one extraordinary space, and sparking creativity for attractions professionals worldwide”
Counting down to the show floor opening at 10 a.m., attendees gathered in the IAAPA Theater sponsored by Simtec Systems, Inc. for the signature Opening Ceremony kickoff event. The event featured multiple magical live performances, special remarks from our leadership, and the passing of the gavel from current IAAPA Chairman Wuthichai Luangamornlert to incoming IAAPA Chairman Massimiliano Freddi.
One of the new technologies that will be showcased and put into practice on the show floor, is the Oscar Zero-Waste Platform from Intuitive AI. Oscar Sort is the world’s first AI-powered recycling kiosk, enhancing recycling accuracy up to 95%. Simply show your trash to Oscar and it will seamlessly guide you to the correct disposal bin.
On Thursday, the latest edition of the highly anticipated Economic Impact Report will be released. Attendees will receive an overview of current economic trends and forecasts for 2025 from Tourism Economics, a leader in combining travel industry expertise with forecasting and analysis.
“The attractions industry is a powerhouse, drawing millions of visitors and generating significant economic impact globally,” said Jakob Wahl, President and Chief Executive Officer for IAAPA. “Our industry isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a vital contributor to economies and communities worldwide, making events like the IAAPA Expo essential for shaping its future.”
Attendees will also get to experience the highly anticipated Drone Show by Sky Elements, aiming to set a new Guinness World Record. Furthermore, Wednesday, Nov. 20 marks the inaugural Women in the Industry Networking Lunch, advancing women’s leadership in attractions.
Furthermore, the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees were celebrated last night at LEGENDS: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair. The event featured a silent and live auction, which contained exclusive, luxury experiences and items, raised approximately $140,000 for the IAAPA Foundation, which provides scholarships, and encourages students and educational institutions to focus on career pathways into the attractions industry.
IAAPA Expo is an event that fosters collaboration, ignites inspiration, and creates lasting partnerships that move the industry forward. This year’s event promises to be a week of memorable experiences filled with influence that can be felt on a global scale.