Industry looks to Orlando as 30,000 gear up for IAAPA 2016
More than 30,000 people have descended on Orlando for this year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo, with 2016’s event boasting the largest trade show floor in its 98-year history.
Exceeding 567,000sq ft, the show will be the largest since 2001, with a number of game-changing products and experiences to be announced, debuted, tried and tested by influential decision makers worldwide.
More than 1,000 exhibiting companies, including almost 200 first-timers, will be showcasing innovations from across the attractions sectors, selling products to more than 18,000 buyers representing theme and amusement parks, waterparks, FECs, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, resorts and more.
The show officially begins on Tuesday for the kickoff event, hosted by outgoing IAAPA chair John McReynolds and IAAPA president Paul Noland, though a number of educational seminars and events are taking place today (Monday) and throughout the week.
Plopsa Group CEO Steve Van den Kerkhof will deliver this year’s keynote address, following on from SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby, who in 2015 outlined his vision for the future of the company, including its rebuilding strategy, which has been implemented over the course of the last year.
One of the show’s highlights will take place on Thursday with the annual IAAPA Celebrates event taking place at SeaWorld Orlando. During the session, expo attendees will enjoy exclusive access to some of the park’s premier rides, including Mako and Kraken, while getting the chance to network with some of the industry’s top names. .
Check back with Attractions Management during the week for all the latest breaking news coming from IAAPA 2016
Orlando IAAPA SeaWorld IAAPA 2016 IAAPA Celebrates IAAPA Attractions ExpoIAAPA attendees offered exclusive multi-player free-roam VR experience
IAAPA chair-elect Al Weber Jr dies at 64
IAAPA relocating global headquarters to Orlando as organisation extends expo commitment through to 2030
Steve Van den Kerkhof to deliver keynote address at IAAPA 2016
Registration opens for IAAPA 2016
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres




















