Orlando, FL – (Dec. 4, 2019) More than 42,000 industry professionals gathered at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) from Nov. 19-22, 2019 to attend IAAPA Expo 2019. The premier conference and trade show for the global attractions industry contributed an estimated $107.8 million in economic impact for the Central Florida region this year.

Recognized as the attractions industry’s premier event, IAAPA Expo 2019 provided a unique and innovative learning experience for industry professionals from around the world. The show’s 560,000-square-foot trade show floor featured more than 1,100 exhibiting companies, allowing attendees to discover the latest industry products and technologies.

“With the largest attendance in IAAPA Expo history, this year’s event is a testament to the continued growth and strength of the attractions industry worldwide,” said Hal McEvoy, IAAPA President and CEO. “It’s been an incredible week bringing together this vibrant and diverse community that continues to evolve in ways we’ve yet to imagine.”

Orange County’s senior leadership is pleased with IAAPA’s continued success in the Central Florida region.

“We are always excited to welcome IAAPA Expo to the Orange County Convention Center,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry. L Demings. “This vibrant, energetic event represents everything that Orlando stands for, and each year contributes significantly to our local economy.”

Leadership at the OCCC share their appreciation for IAAPA, and cherish the longstanding relationship with IAAPA. With the event scheduled to return in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, the IAAPA Expo continues to contribute significantly to the region’s economy.

“Over the years we have built an incredible relationship with IAAPA,” said David Ingram, the OCCC’s Acting Executive Director. “Each year the IAAPA Expo brings an element of surprise and brilliance through the Convention Center doors. We look forward to welcoming this iconic event for many years to come.”  

In October, IAAPA celebrated the grand opening of its $14 million, 22,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art international headquarters in Orlando. The company relocated from the Washington, D.C. area, creating more than 40 new high-wage jobs.

IAAPA continues to be a part of Central Florida story highlighting a growing number of companies choosing Orlando as a headquarters location because of its outstanding assets and business climate.

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About IAAPA

IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world. Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents more than 6,000 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, manufacturers, and suppliers.

The association's global headquarters and North America office are located in Orlando, Florida, US. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; Mexico City, Mexico; and Alexandria, Virginia, US. Additional information is available at www.IAAPA.org or through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA.

About the Orange County Convention Center

The Orange County Convention Center is the second-largest convention facility in North America and provides approximately $3 billion in economic impact to Central Florida annually. In recent years, the Convention Center has averaged nearly 200 events, including 115 conventions and tradeshows that attract more than 1.5 million attendees to the region each year. For more information about the Orange County Convention Center, visit www.occc.net.