Future Thrill Rides, Games, Technology, and Foods Headline Theme Park Convention IAAPA Attractions Expo 2014 in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New thrill rides, immersive games, technology, and fun foods are the buzz of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2014 underway through Nov. 21 in Orlando.

The Expo is the largest annual conference and trade show for the $39.5 billion global theme park and attractions industry, converting the Orange County Convention Center into a multisensory marketplace of thrills that may debut soon at popular destinations worldwide.

Attendees glimpse the future of amusement rides, games, food, and fun showcased by nearly 1,000 exhibitors from five continents. Companies specializing in ride and attraction design, theming, ticketing, zip lines, and more fill 540,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Representing 100 nations, 27,000 professionals from theme and water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and family entertainment centers are at Expo to shop, build relationships and learn about new trends and innovations for 2015 and beyond.

The Expo features 100 education sessions, networking events, and behind-the-scenes tours of Florida's popular destinations including Fun Spot America, Busch Gardens Tampa, Walt Disney World Resort, The Holy Land Experience, The Orlando Eye, Aquatica at SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Orlando Resort. One education session includes a half-day at Disney University. The Expo show floor is host to announcements related to new rides debuting in 2015, including ride vehicles for Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags St. Louis, Cedar Fair Entertainment, Holiday World, Fun Spot, Legoland Florida, Madame Tussauds, The Orlando Eye, and Sea Life Orlando.

The big event includes a keynote presentation by Ripley Entertainment President Jim Pattison Jr.

At education sessions, participants will learn from expert presenters from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Great Wolf Resorts, Ripley Entertainment, Six Flags Entertainment, Splash Kingdom Family Waterparks, the Museum of Science and Industry, San Diego Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Morey's Piers, Lake Compounce, Kennywood Park, Legoland California Resort, Stone Mountain Park, Dollywood, Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts, Empire State Building Co., Ocean Park Hong Kong, Mall of America, Facebook, Twitter, and the University of Buenos Aires.

Expo includes a Legends session highlighting the 50^th anniversary of the New York World's Fair featuring Walt Disney Imagineering/Epcot legend Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr (designer of the mechanics for President Lincoln portrayed at the Fair), and Richard Sherman, composer for "It's A Small World After All" and "Carousel of Progress."

IAAPA recognizes the industry's best-of-the-best during a special celebration – The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards – honoring excellence and creativity in entertainment, HR, food and beverage, new products, and more.

Presented by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the Expo is open to media and closed to the public. Details, photos, phone interviews with exhibitors available to localize reports. Follow the Expo @IAAPAHQ or #IAE14, with more at www.IAAPA.org or via 703/299-5127 or 678/358-7476.

CONTACT:
Nicholas Wolaver
for IAAPA 
678-358-7476

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141118/159236-INFO

SOURCE International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions

Related Links

http://www.iaapa.org