Director, Conference and Tradeshow Operations
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
Alexandria, Va.
Describe your event.
IAAPA Attractions Expo is the premier event in the amusement and attractions industry, and in 2006 the 44th-largest trade show in North America, according to Tradeshow Week magazine. Attractions Expo brings together over 23,000 buyers and sellers from the amusement park, waterpark, zoo and aquarium, family entertainment center, museum, and other industries. Attractions Expo will take place in the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) North/South Building in November. Our last visit to Orlando was in 2004, also in the OCCC North/South Building.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Orlando?
Orlando was a natural fit for the Attractions Expo, fulfilling our total building needs of over 1 million gross square feet of exhibit and meeting space, and offering wonderful education and entertainment options by so many of our members in the industry. (The OCCC’s contiguous exhibit hall is ideal for our exhibitors, and the 40-foot ceiling height allows for some great product demonstrations.)
What did your attendees seem to enjoy most?
Orlando is a perfect fit for the amusement and attractions industry. Attendees get to see what’s new in the industry during the conference and trade show and then experience the industry itself when they enjoy Orlando.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
The entire team at the OCCC is great—the sales staff, the set-up crew, exhibitor services and operations, and the rigging crew. Everyone goes above and beyond to make Attractions Expo a success for our members and the association.
What other types of groups would fit well with the property?
The OCCC is suitable for any event. The usable space, well-appointed meeting rooms and nearby hotel rooms make the property a fabulous venue for so many different group types.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
IAAPA has used a number of wonderful facilities in and around Orlando for off-site tours, golf tournaments and special events—the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Mystic Dunes Golf Club, and Wet ’n’ Wild, just to name a few.
How does Orlando compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
Orlando makes a wonderful host city. The staff at the convention center and the Orlando/Orange County CVB have gone out of their way to welcome IAAPA and our attendees to their great city.
Would you return?
IAAPA Attractions Expo will take place in Orlando in 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Orlando?
Take advantage of all that Orlando has to offer. Plan social events and tours at some of the wonderful attractions so close to the OCCC. Your attendees will thank you.