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AAPA – the International
I Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, USA – is not your typical US-based international trade association. With members, offices, expos, and events around the world, it walks the international walk and has 8,000 member companies from around the world.
In July, I attended the IAAPA Asia Expo at SNIEC, the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. It was the first time in six years the show had physically been held in China. That trade show, along with its counterpart in Europe, is on a multi-city rotation within the region.
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Its annual US show is the largest and held annually in Orlando.
The next IAAPA Asia Expo takes place in Hong Kong. The European version was in Amsterdam last year and is in Barcelona this September.
Founded in 1918, the International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions has satellite offices in Brasil, Brussels, Dubai, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Shanghai, and Singapore. Each office handles local member services, education, webinars, meet ups / summits, safety, sustainability, and work on their regional expos.
As Alice Mathu, IAAPA’ s vicepresident business development and partnerships, said:“ Because these offices know their regions, speak
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“ Build real relationships before you build business – trust and connection are your biggest currency”
Left: Overview of IAAPA Asia floor
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IAAPA entrance
IAAPA booth
the languages, and understand the culture( s), they are best equipped to work with members. They also advise and update the global team on regional trends, issues, and needs.”
The regional exhibitions’ exhibitors and sponsors are comprised of small, medium, and large international companies. With a base of“ no less than 200 companies who participate in every show,” each begins with a solid foundation augmented by many local and regional suppliers. IAAPA Asia welcomed over 7,000 visitors from 85 countries and 350 + exhibitors.
Mathu explained regional expos are held in Tier One cities with good airlift, hotels, infrastructure and, of course, parks and attractions. Regional opening receptions are usually held at a park,“ never in a ballroom!” The IAAPA Asia opening reception was held at Shanghai Disneyland.( It was fun, and very different to the US Disney parks!)
The inaugural IAAPA Middle East Expo takes place next year in
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44 Issue 4 2025 |
www. exhibitionworld. co. uk |