IAAPA Returns to Orlando for Annual Industry Trade Show

Alexandria, VA -- The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Annual Convention and Tradeshow is returning to Central Florida this fall, November 14-17, 2001 – and bringing every element of fun with it! From cutting-edge technology to the most thrilling amusement rides, IAAPA Orlando 2001 is the largest show for the industry and demonstrates the business of fun is definitely serious business.

Returning to Orlando for the first time since 1997, this year's show has 640,000 net square feet of exhibit space on its showfloor – an additional 70,000 net square feet from the previous two years in Atlanta, Georgia. This additional space will provide 700 new 10' by 10' booths filled with exhibitors representing every facet of the amusement industry.

More than 1,300 companies from more than 100 countries will descend upon Orlando, and pack the convention center all in the name of fun. To help attendees successfully navigate through the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), all of IAAPA Orlando 2001's exhibits will be located on one contiguous level. Tennis shoes are a must however – if Chicago's Sears Tower was placed alongside the OCCC, it would fit lengthwise inside its exhibition space, and that includes the antenna atop the Tower! In addition, an indoor shuttle service will operate from one end of the exhibit hall to the other, to help attendees get the most out of their tradeshow experience and help tired feet!

"IAAPA is looking forward to returning to Florida," said IAAPA Chair Bill Sims. "Our members and attendees will not only benefit from the warm climate, and the close proximity of the convention center to hotels, but also from the vast array of industry facilities located in Orlando. This is an excellent opportunity for our members to share best practices with each other, and to observe how the Florida amusement industry operates. Special events and behind the scene tours will be offered at the local theme parks and waterparks for show attendees, and the educational opportunities these visits offer help us all to learn how to better meet the needs and wants of this dynamic industry."

Education is a key component to IAAPA Orlando 2001 with more than 50 exciting workshops and information exchanges taking place throughout the week. After the showroom floor has closed, there are plenty of extracurricular activities for attendees to enjoy. The popular Thursday night social event will be hosted by Universal Studios Islands of Adventure Theme Park. SeaWorld Orlando, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Wet N' Wild Orlando and the Kennedy Space Center will also host workshops and special on-site tours for IAAPA attendees. For show attendees who wish to extend their stay in Florida after experiencing IAAPA Orlando 2001, a number of local facilities and theme parks will be offering discount tickets the week before and the week following the show.

"We are excited to be back in Orlando and to partner with many of our local members to provide attendees with a fun and informative program that goes beyond the tradeshow," said John Graff, IAAPA CEO. "For the next four years, IAAPA will be hosting its annual show in Florida's amusement industry capitol. This location offers many opportunities that touch every corner of our membership. Attendees can look forward to seeing, learning, and doing more than ever before!"

More information about IAAPA Orlando 2001 can be found at the IAAPA website at www.iaapa.org.