Theme park convention expected to bring in millions

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAPPA) is hosting the largest theme park convention in the world this week in Orlando, driving some $50 million into the local economy.

Channel 9's Jamie Holmes found out there are more than 50 local businesses that are trying to make deals that could feed their families for years to come.

Companies like Skyline in Orlando, are at the convention to make multimillion-dollar deals. The company designs and builds roller coasters using nuts and bolts from a company in Longwood.

Orlando for them is far more than just the big three theme parks, it's about making deals a world away.

"Our industry is supplying equipment, for instance, to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Those projects are 5 to 10 years out, and they're being talked about here at the show today,” said a spokesperson for Skyline.

There are also start up companies at the convention, including Talon Simulations. Two recent graduates of the University of Central Florida last year started the company which allows roller coaster companies to "ride" a coaster before it's even built.

"We can actually put you in the seat of a new roller coaster design and actually experience it with a motion simulator for it to be very realistic to help sell the product,” said Brandon Naids of Talon Simulations.

The future of the industry is becoming more virtual, meaning that people will see more rides in which they pay to use the newest technology.

Another key player is Accesso, which on Tuesday introduced a waterproof wristband with a screen that allows people to line up for rides virtually instead of having to wait in line.

"We want to make sure that guests stop waiting in lines at theme parks and water parks, and that's really what this device can do. And we're focused on getting that into as many hands and at as many attractions as we can around the world,” said Steve Brown of Accesso.

IAPPA is moving its national headquarters to Orlando next year and will hold the convention here until the year 2030.

Here are other stories about what's in store for local theme parks.

FAA gives Disney permission to fly drones at theme parks

Disney World installs metal detectors at Orlando theme parks

Cox Media Group