MEET IAAPA EVENT IN BEIJING CANCELLED

 BY GABRIELLE

The upcoming Meet IAAPA event in Beijing on March 22 has been cancelled. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions announced their decision based on caution amid the coronavirus outbreak and the travel restrictions that have been subsequently put in place by the Chinese authorities.

Meet IAAPA are popular attractions industry networking events hosted by the IAAPA, who have around 5,300 amusement-industry members in over a hundred countries around the world.

These events are held worldwide to bring attractions industry professionals together for valuable networking sessions and insightful presentations as well as to enjoy some exciting entertainment.

The IAAPA have been encouraging their members to sign-up to their exclusive and free Security Advisory Program which will provide regular updates and information about global security issues, including important alerts about the coronavirus outbreak. They said that the health and safety of their members, guests and employees is their top priority and they will be actively monitoring the latest developments concerning the outbreak, closely following the updates from news outlets around the world as well as recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The organisation is also monitoring other events in the Asia-Pacific region. At the time of writing, the IAAPA Expo Asia in Shanghai is still scheduled to take place in June. The IAAPA hope to be able make a decision regarding the status of the expo by the middle of March.

POLIN GROUP TEAM UP WITH MCC TO BRING RAINFOREST-THEMED WATERPARK TO CHINA

BY GABRIELLE

Amusement park suppliers Polin Group are collaborating with MCC Group to develop a new rainforest-themed waterpark in Yunnan, China.

The Kunming Indoor Rainforest and Snowpark will feature a waterpark centred on a rainforest with a sauna, spa and folklore theme throughout.

The project will also include an outdoor adventure park and an indoor snow park, featuring a snow and ice world, with skiing and other winter sports for all ages.

The new attraction will be developed in three phases. The first being the creation of the indoor snow park, the second the rainforest waterpark and the third the outdoor adventure park.

The partnership between Polin Group and MCC was made official at this year’s IAAPA Expo Asia in Shanghai with a press conference and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

IAPPA EXPO ASIA OPENS IN SHANGHAI

BY GABRIELLE

IAAPA Expo Asia 2019 opened today in the New Shanghai International Expo Centre, Shanghai, China. The three-day event is hosted by IAAPA, the worldwide association for the attractions industry.

Over 8,500 attraction industry professionals from more than 60 countries and regions across the world are gathered in Shanghai to learn from industry experts during the conference, pick up new business opportunities on the trade show floor and make connections at the conference’s numerous networking events.

A record-breaking 400-plus companies are exhibiting at the trade show floor, which stretches 13,000 net square metres. These hundreds of exhibiting companies, many of which are exhibiting for the first time at the leading attractions’ event, are debuting and showcasing their technology, products and services.

The eye-catching trade show comprises of many exciting products and features, including motion simulators, state-of-the-art rides, water attractions, virtual reality features, video gaming, theming and more.

Asides visiting the hundreds of exhibitors on the trade show, attendees can participate in learning events and networking opportunities, including listening to a keynote speech by Joe Schott, president and CEO of Shanghai Disney Resort, during the Expo’s Leadership Breakfast.

More than 500 industry professionals are attending the Opening Night Reception with entertainment at Shanghai’s newest, award-winning marine park, the Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park.

Many other leading attraction resorts in Shanghai are featuring at IAAPA Expo Asia 2019, including the Shanghai Natural History Museum, Shanghai Disney Resort, Hello Kitty Shanghai Times and the Shanghai Dungeon during the Young Professional Reception.

More than ten expert-led education sessions are taking place over the course of the three days, with executive speakers from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, OCT Happy Valley, Universal Beijing Resort, AECOM, Sanderson, Whitewater, and more.

Topics will cover everything from visual media technology, theme entertainment, safety innovation, data-driven modelling, creative design, human resources, marketing, operation, and more

Hal McEvoy, president and CEO of IAAPA, spoke about the event.

“This year’s IAAPA Expo Asia features the largest trade show floor in the event’s history, and we know this reflects the strength of the global attractions industry.

“We are thrilled to return to Shanghai and bring together industry professionals from around the world. IAAPA is committed to providing global programs and Expos to help inspire members so that they can succeed and continue to grow,” said McEvoy.