Theme Park Convention Spotlights Technologies and Innovations in Amusement Rides, Games and Attractions

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2015, running in Orlando through November 20, is putting the spotlight on new thrill rides, immersive games, entertainment, technology, and other dimensions of the theme park and amusements industry. 

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, foods, and fun showcased by more than 1,000 exhibitors from five continents. Companies specializing in everything from the development of roller coasters, dark rides, immersive experiences, and water slides to attraction theming and design,  ticketing technology, and much more fill nearly 560,000 square feet of exhibition space. This year's show floor, second largest in the event's 97-year history, will host announcements related to new rides debuting in 2016.

Representing 100 nations, 28,000 professionals from theme and water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, and resorts are at Expo to shop, build relationships, and learn about new trends and innovations for 2016 and beyond.

Trends in ride technology—including a new virtual reality roller coaster concept unveiled by German manufacturer Mack Rides, and "The Walking Dead: Battle For Survival" dark ride concept available from Jacksonville-based Sally Corporation—are expected to earn buzz. Additional information about what's new on the show floor is available at www.IAAPA.org/expos/press. 

The Expo features more than 100 education sessions, networking events, and behind-the-scenes EDUTours of Florida's popular destinations, such as the Brevard Zoo, Fun Spot America, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Legoland Florida Hotel, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Florida, and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. 

The event includes keynote presentations by Mark Woodbury, president of the creative division of Universal Parks & Resorts; Jane Cooper, COO of Herschend Family Entertainment; Cedar Fair President and CEO Matt Ouimet; and John McReynolds, senior vice president for Universal Parks & Resorts and 2016 IAAPA Chairman of the Board.

Participants attending education sessions will learn from  expert presenters representing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Parks & Resorts, Six Flags Entertainment Inc., accesso, The Coca-Cola Company, The Museum of Modern Art, Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Dollywood Co., Ripley Entertainment Inc., Wild Waves Theme Park, and more from around the world.

IAAPA recognizes the industry's best-of-the-best during a special celebration—The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards—honoring excellence and creativity in entertainment, Human Resource, 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.