Boardwalk Times: Stories from the Seashore — IAAPA, Industry Insights, and More 🎢
This month's bonus second newsletter is on all things IAAPA, the premier event for the attractions industry.
Welcome back to Boardwalk Times: Stories from the Seashore!
Today is a special bonus newsletter on all things IAAPA, the largest trade show for the attractions industry. In this issue, we will be covering:
IAAPA Expo 2024 🎢
Industry Insights & Trends I Noticed 📈
Shop Boardwalk Store Black Friday 🎡 🛒
IAAPA Links 📰
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IAAPA Expo 2024 🎢
Once again this year I had the privilege of attending the IAAPA Expo.
IAAPA Expo is a massive event for the attractions industry. From education sessions to a gigantic show floor that showcases every aspect of the attractions industry.
IAAPA By the Numbers 🎢:
• 41,429 attendees
• 1,100 exhibitors
• 20,000 buying companies
• 140 learning opportunities
Legends
Every year at IAAPA, Bob Rogers of BRC Imagination Arts hosts a Legends panel. This year he was joined by former Imagineers Bob Weis and Margaret Kerrison and The Experience Economy author Joe Pine. We’re going to write more in-depth about the panel soon but it included a lot of insights on making creative experiences from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to even Kennedy Space Center.
Transforming IP Into Magic
I’d argue that it was one of the best and most informative panels of the weekend. The panel was hosted by Shawn McCoy (Imagine Exhibitions SVP, Business Development & Creative Strategy) and the panelists included Philipp Edelmann (Head of Attractions and Productions at Netflix Experiences), Alexis Scalice (Former Universal LBE exec), David Hutchinson (Path Entertainment Group CEO), and Jason Egan (President of Egan Productions).
We’re going to write about the full panel here soon as it included a lot of insights and it got my brain thinking on the future of IP in location-based experiences.
News & Cool Experiences
Triotech won the IAAPA Brass Ring Award for “Primordial.” The company also announced a new attraction with SEVEN Ventures to bring Discovery Centers across Saudi Arabia. (Read more)
Speaking of Triotech… I was invited to my first-ever influencer breakfast that was hosted by Triotech. During that morning I got to test out a variety of Triotech’s products and talk to their team. I always enjoy experiencing their Dark Ride attraction.
VidantaWorld’s BON Luxury Theme Park, created in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, Vekoma Rides, Mack Rides, and P&P Projects will open in 2026. (Read more)
RWS Global shared bold plans for worldwide growth during the IAAPA Expo with the announcement of opening offices in Shanghai and Orlando, adding Former Paramount Executive Veronica Hart as Chief Growth Officer, and forging a strategic partnership with Max-Matching Entertainments in China. (Read more)
Dealmaking central: Falcon’s Beyond would seek to employ key Oceaneering Entertainment Systems staff to operate Oceaneering Entertainment Systems. (Read more)
Walt Disney Imagineering projects, Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland, and the BDX Droids of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, have been selected to receive Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Awards in 2025. (Read more)
Christmas Elevator by Seasonal Group was a magical experience at IAAPA. It was a small footprint but had nice visuals and effects. More places need to lean into Christmas… more on that below.
Have a topic you want me to cover? Drop me a line at boardwalktimes@yahoo.com!
Industry Insights & Trends I Noticed 📈
IP Awareness Helps: To me it seems the companies that have IP get more visitors and recognition. It’s just the way of the world. However, I wouldn’t dissuade some of these smaller-more-nimble companies from creating their own IP to draw in visitors to their experiences/products at IAAPA Expo.
IAAPA IP Integrations: Speaking of IP, Hasbro and Sega had some unique integrations for IAAPA. Sonic and Friends (Sega) sponsored the Chill Zone, where attendees could chill out and take a break. There was also a Monopoly (Hasbro) game you could play on the show floor. Well done by all parties involved.
AI isn’t as prominent as expected: I expected more AI-focused booths and education sessions but maybe the attractions industry is doing a better job with grappling with the incoming AI wars.
Mixed reality wars: I think we are in the middle of a war where virtual reality, augmented reality, and other mixes of VR/AR are competing. Which version of this tech will win out in the immersive experience space?
Netflix Experiences is gearing up: After watching the IP panel, it’s clear Netflix Experiences is gearing up beyond the Netflix House concept. I think we may see more limited-time tests but I’m expecting some big swings from Netflix Experiences here soon. A part of me wonders if Netflix Experiences takes a look at movie theaters…
Aquaticar could revolutionize water park design: Sub Sea Systems is a company to watch, and their Aquaticar could make some waves in the water park space. I believe water parks have lacked themed experiences, and the Aquaticar can make for some fun and well-themed underwater attractions.
Christmas events seem like a goldmine waiting to happen for local experience companies: Christmas VR sleigh ride, Christmas lights, enhanced food and beverages, Christmas elevator by the Seasonal Group, and more could create incredible local experiences.
War for attention continues: Innovation will have to constantly take place as the experience economy has to compete with video games and other at-home entertainment options. The industry also has to grapple with rising costs across the board.
Shop Boardwalk Store Black Friday 🎡 🛒
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IAAPA LINKS 📰
— Minecraft is coming to theme parks in the US, UK. (Theme Park Insider)
— IAAPA Expo puts the spotlight on new thrill rides. (Theme Park Insider)
— LF Studios is behind some of your favorite Disney audio-animatronics and are also working on something for Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe as well. (Drew the Disney Dude)
— An awesome view of IAAPA from Drew as well. (Drew the Disney Dude)
— DOF Robotics showcases new products at IAAPA Expo 2024. (Blooloop)
— Storyland Studios reveals Design Challenge winners & marks 1,000 entrant milestone. (Blooloop)
— J&J Snack Foods, the company behind Dippin’ Dots and ICEE, is always an IAAPA highlight. If I could buy stock in Dot-chos I would… (Everything You Need To Know)
— You can see Epic Universe from the Convention Center during IAAPA. It’s crazy to think the park will be open during IAAPA next year. (Everything You Need To Know)
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