Final news and views of IAAPA 2009

Event Exceeds Expectations and Optimism Abounds
Andreas Kornprobst, art and media producer, 5D Interactive in Austria, said, “The show was excellent. We did not think there would be so much traffic. The American and Asian markets were very good. We’re very positive and looking forward to next year. Vegas was a lot better than I expected. The economy is not back on track yet, but it’s going better, and we can all feel that. The worst is behind us, and this [show] pushes the industry forward.”
Keith James, president, Jack Rouse Associates, in Cincinnati, Ohio, feels having the show in Las Vegas played a key role in the strong buyer turnout. “We were as busy as we’ve ever been. Tuesday and Wednesday were absolutely packed. The attitudes have certainly changed.”
“We’ve had tremendous numbers of clients coming through. Everybody’s seemed very serious about purchasing, so we think it’s been a great show,” said Deborah Eicher, vice president, North America, Picsolve.
Jim Howell, president and COO of Perky’s Pizza in Oldsmar, Florida, said the show exceeded his expectations. ”The quality [of buyers] has been off-the-charts terrific. People are in a hurry, they are making a decision, and there’s some optimism in the family entertainment center industry right now. And there’s a direct line between this show and sales for next year.”
Rich Cobb, Ideal Systems, Inc. said, “The quality of the traffic is easily as good and maybe even better than last year. I have a great love for Orlando, but Vegas is great, too. There’s a lot to do here. People are still looking to invest in their businesses and get products to help them do that.”
Phil Lindsey, vice president exhibits and business development, The Health Museum in Houston, Texas, commented, “I felt an energy on the show floor I haven’t felt in several years. Everything I’ve heard has been really positive; everyone’s had a great time, and we’re all exhausted.”
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 By the Numbers

• Attendance at the education program sessions was 7,400 participants
• 130 golfers helped raise $45,000 for Give Kids The World (www.gktw.org) in the IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament
• 37 people exercised for a good cause in the IAAPA 5K Fun Run and 1K Walk for Give Kids The World
• 1,000 Expo participants attended the Opening Reception
• 340 industry leaders learned how Blue Man Group intersects with the attractions industry from cofounder Matt Goldman at the General Managers and Owners’ Breakfast
• 470 enjoyed the IAAPA Bright Lights Party at LAX Nightclub
• 150 young professionals attended a reception at Margaritaville

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, United States, Nov. 15-19. Information about exhibiting or attending is available at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo.