Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for the opening of the 2016 Attractions Expo on Nov. 15 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).<\/p>\n
More than 1,800 participants, including manufacturing and supply industry leaders, exhibitors, park owners and management staff attended the kickoff event. IAAPA leadership presented an overview of emerging amusement park technologies and the development of the latest rides and attractions.<\/p>\n
IAAPA estimated that nearly 30,000 participants would attend the weeklong Attractions Expo, which featured the industry\u2019s newest, game-changing products to be announced, debuted, tested, tried and purchased by influential global decision makers. More than 1,000 exhibiting companies showcased their latest innovations, including new thrill rides, family attractions, midway games, water slides, inflatables, simulators, food and beverage treats and technologies.<\/p>\n
In September, IAAPA announced that it would continue to host its annual conference and trade show in Orlando at the OCCC through 2030.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most rewarding part about working with IAAPA is the opportunity that comes with being a part of its united mission,\u201d Mayor Jacobs said. \u201cAs members of IAAPA, you help in creating unforgettable experiences for the millions of people who visit an amusement park or attraction every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additionally, IAAPA recently announced it would relocate its global headquarters to Orange County<\/a> beginning in 2017. The IAAPA Board of Directors approved the headquarters relocation and convention agreement extension during meetings held in Barcelona, Spain.<\/p>\n \u201cI cannot think of a better place to build our future than in Orlando, the theme park and attractions capital of the world,\u201d said John McReynolds, 2016 IAAPA chairman of the board and senior vice president of External Affairs for Universal Parks and Resorts. \u201cOur new headquarters will become a global gathering place where industry leaders will connect to conduct business, learn from each other, address challenges and imagine the attractions that will put smiles on people\u2019s faces for many years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n The state of Florida, Orange County Government, Visit Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center, the Orlando Economic Development Commission and Enterprise Florida Inc. have all played key roles in assisting IAAPA’s relocation to Orlando.<\/p>\n To view photos from the IAAPA 2016 Attractions Expo Kickoff<\/a>, visit Mayor Jacobs\u2019 Flickr album.<\/p>\n