The International Association of Amusement Parks announces return of global expos

ORLANDO, Fla. — On Monday, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced plans to begin hosting its three IAAPA Expos later this year.

As the theme park industry continues to recover from the global pandemic that rocked the industry, IAAPA is gearing up for return to three global expos in 2021.

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According to a IAAPA statement, “industry professionals will come together to learn, buy, and network in Shanghai, China; Barcelona, Spain; and Orlando, Florida.”

“This past year has been unlike any other our association, and our industry, has ever encountered,” said IAAPA president and CEO Hal McEvoy. “Members have been looking to us to help them push the industry forward so guests around the world can safely return to the fun we are known for. The best way we can do this is by bringing the industry together for our global Expos. No matter what stage of reopening, re-emerging, or recovery members are in, they will be able to find inspiration, solutions, and new connections in Shanghai, Barcelona, and Orlando.”

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On Monday, IAAPA also announced attendee registration is now open for the IAAPA Expos is in Shanghai and Barcelona.

The IAAPA Expo Asia is returning to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), where the event was last held in 2019. The event starts on Tuesday, Aug 10 and continues through Aug 13.

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Just over a month later, IAAPA Expo Europe will take place at Fira Barcelona Gran Via between Sept. 28 and 30.

And finally, IAAPA’s third event, IAAPA Expo, the global attractions industry’s premier event, will once again return to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida, this Nov. 15-18.

“As we plan all three shows, the health and safety of our exhibitors, attendees and team remain at the forefront of all that we do,” McEvoy added, “The three Expo host venues are incredible partners and they are working with us to ensure we have in place the right safety measures, that meet industry standards and health guidelines.”

IAAPA will have health and safety protocols in place and has posted its current health and safety guidelines online, and will update accordingly.

Cox Media Group