The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions reported record-breaking attendance at this year's IAAPA Expo, held last month in Orlando.
Approximately 42,600 individuals attended the show, including 27,800 qualified buyers from amusement parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts and attractions around the world.
In addition, the organization reported, 1,146 exhibitors showed their wares across a 585,000-square-foot trade show floor. New product announcements were made on the show floor by 38 companies.
“With the largest attendance in IAAPA Expo history, this year’s event is a testament to the continued growth and strength of the attractions industry worldwide,” said IAAPA President/CEO Hal McEvoy. “It’s been an incredible week bringing together this vibrant and diverse community that continues to evolve in ways we’ve yet to imagine.”
Brass Ring Awards
Presented by IAAPA at its Expo, these annual awards recognize amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers (FECs), and suppliers from around the world for excellence in food and beverage, games and retail, human resources, live entertainment, marketing, new products, and exhibits.
Among the winners were several from the waterparks industry:
Major Ride/Attraction (Product cost of US$2 to US$5 million) First Place: WhiteWater Attractions, Spinning Rapids Ride
Water Park Ride/Attraction (Product cost of less than US$1 million) First Place: WhiteWater, Tailspin
Water Park Ride/Attraction (Product cost of US $1 million or more) First Place: ProSlide Technology, Inc., Dueling PIPElineBLAST / FlyingSAUCER Second Place: WhiteWater, Over/Under
Technology Applied to Amusements (Product or Service used by Consumers) First Place: Pool Safe Inc.
IMPACT AWARD WINNER: ProSlide Technology Inc.
