Event Asian Attractions Expo
Organiser International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
Venue Resorts World Sentosa (RWS)
Delegates 4,900
Date June 21-24
 


The brief
Asian Attractions Expo is held each year in a major Asian city, and this year was being held in Singapore for the first time. Delegates attend not only for the conference and exhibition, but also for behind-the-scenes visits to major amusement parks and area attractions, networking and the educational programme.
 
Challenges
Resorts World Convention Center at Resorts World Sentosa was chosen as the host venue as it catered for the diverse requirements of the four-day event. The venue needed to provide approximately 5,000 sqm of exhibition space, large-scale conferencing facilities, networking venues and be within close proximity of a major amusement park and other attractions. The entire Compass Ballroom and pre-event lobby areas were closed two days prior to the event for setting up.
 
More than 3,500 buyers from 46 countries were in attendance, primarily developers, owners, managers and leaders from theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centres, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centres, and resorts. The record turnout meant some of the behind-the-scenes tours and special events were sold out well in advance of the show.
 
The sold-out opening night event at Universal Studios Singapore attracted 400 delegates. Private events are usually held after hours, but the park was in extended operating hours due to the school holidays. Greater coordination was required to ensure park guests and delegates alike got the full experience. Dinner comprised dishes from all seven themed zones of the park, and was held on the harbour docks of the New York attraction. Delegates were then given Universal Express Passes to explore the park and rides in their own time.
 
This was followed by an informal two-hour Young Professionals Reception at Sky Bar at the on-site Hotel Michael, where guests were given a sneak-peek of the park’s upcoming Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium.
 
Execution
Each day included a Leadership Breakfast keynote presentation, seminars and roundtable discussions, the exhibition, networking events and tours. Attendance at the education programmes reached a record 1,280 participants and more than 400 attended the breakfast presentations.
 
More than 180 attended the sold-out networking event and Night Safari experience at Singapore Zoo on June 23. The final day closed with post-expo tours of RWS, the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer and the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands, where delegates met with staff and got a special look at the attractions’ operations.
 
Comment
IAAPA Asia Pacific executive director, Andrew Lee, says: “We experienced a record-breaking trade show floor, sold-out special events, packed education sessions, and a strong turnout from serious buyers and I think hosting the event at Resorts World Sentosa played a significant role in producing those results.”
 
Luke Riley, Asia regional manager, Sanderson Group International, says: “IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo again provided authentic, high-value leads, through a mutually beneficial and well thought platform for both exhibitors and buyers.”