Press Release: 3 July, 2013, Brussels, Belgium – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) will host Euro Attractions Show (EAS) 2013, the largest European conference and trade show for the attractions industry at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, Wednesday, 18 September through Friday, 20 September. The conference programme at EAS 2013 will address how to increase in-park spend, social media 2.0, and the art of storytelling plus many more topics of interest to the attractions industry. Prominent theme park professionals will also discuss the latest developments and trends.
IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers
15-17 September 2013
The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers is a three-day programme designed specifically for mid-level managers with two to three years of professional experience. The Institute programme focuses on different disciplines of attractions management including attractions finance, marketing, leadership, facility operations and safety, and revenue operations. Space is limited and a separate registration is required. This year’s class will take place at Disneyland® Paris giving attendees the opportunity to garner special insight into the operations of one of Europe’s most popular theme parks.
Conference Programme
The conference programme at EAS 2013, which is for free for IAAPA members, will be held on Wednesday, 18 September and Thursday, 19 September. EAS attendees can participate in various seminars concerning different topics. Some of the programme highlights include:
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
New Products Seminar
Participating exhibitors will present their newest products and cutting-edge technologies for review. Moderated by the EAS Education Committee, this seminar is a good research tool for buyers who want to keep abreast of current and emerging goods and services in the industry.
Fortune Telling: How to Measure the Impact of New Attractions and Create the Buzz to Generate Success.
Visitors expect new attractions when they visit so there is a need for a clear strategy on when to invest in what product, and how best to communicate in a way to effectively grow the business.
This session will explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of investments in new attractions.
Social Media 2.0: How to Use a Smart Phone Smartly!
Attendees will learn about the clever use of social media by attractions operators of any size. In addition, the session will explore the “dark side” of smart phones and how to manage a crisis when it develops in social media.
Sustainable Savings: How Environmentally Friendly Operations Can Be Profitable
More and more facilities are finding environmentally sustainable approaches to energy consumption and waste management can be both cost effective and customer-friendly. Attendees will learn on how to save significant amounts of money throughout daily operations while enhancing their sustainability
CEO Talk: A Trio of CEOs Talk About The Industry’s Past, Present and Future
Take three famous parks in Europe, add their well respected CEOs, garnish with one of the brightest minds in the business and bake for 1 hour. What do you have? One of the liveliest discussions and panels at EAS!
Join Bart de Boer (Efteling), Miikka Seppala (Särkänniemi), Amanda Thompson (Blackpool Pleasure Beach), Nicolas de Villiers (Puy du Fou) and host Reinoud Van Assendelft in an hour of debate, discussion, story-telling, and fun about their experiences in the industry.
Thursday, 19 September, 2013
Room for Growth: Lodging and Resort Development in the Attractions Business
All over Europe attractions facilities have developed unique accommodation concepts to increase length of stay and in-park spending in their facility. To understand this trend, a panel of leading experts will present the current industry data on resort development, and what they have learned in the overnight stay industry.
Let Me Entertain You: Halloween, Holidays and How to Host Special Events
Attractions across Europe are becoming very adept and creative at developing entertainment product for different audiences and different purposes, from extending guest stay to building “shoulder” season business. Attendees will see how parks have been successful in variety of entertainment and special event arenas from concert promotion to seasonal events.
Once Upon a Time: Recipes for Good Storytelling
Storytelling is a key aspect in building a successful immersive experience for guests; along with theming, architecture, design, and entertainment. It is the goal of any successful attraction to offer families the opportunity to experience together a unique adventure and step into a completely different world leaving the reality of daily life behind. Participants will join a panel of experts and learn how story-telling informs and guides their operations from retail to landscaping and every detail in between.
How to Increase In-Park Spend
Improving “per cap” or in-park spending is every attraction operator’s goal. However in a time of austerity, it can be a tough goal to achieve. Who is being successful in this area and how are they doing that? Three experts will examine successful operations in games, food, and retail and will offer tips on how to implement them in your facility.
Water Park Forum
This designated event for water park operators will take place at the nearby indoor water park, Aquaboulevard. Attendees will get a insight into the operations of this impressive attraction and learn more about three of the latest projects in Europe. A small reception will conclude this informative session. This event requires a separate ticket in addition to EAS registration.
Family Entertainment Center (FEC) / Indoor Playground Seminar Day
Friday, 20 September, 2013
EAS offers a full day of seminars and special speakers dedicated to family entertainment centers and the indoor playground community in Europe. IAAPA will host the FEC/Indoor Playground Day with many seminars specifically created for operators, suppliers and employees. This programme requires a separate ticket in addition to EAS registration.
Networking Events
Opening Reception
Wednesday, 18 September, 2013
The EAS Opening Reception will take place at the beautiful Musée des Arts Forains, a one-of-a-kind museum about the European fairground history with operating rides, games, and stunning archives! More than 1,000 buyers and exhibitors will gather at the end of the first day of EAS to network, enjoy good food, and experience some light entertainment. This event requires a separate ticket in addition to EAS registration.
Young Professionals Forum
Thursday, 19 September, 2013
The Young Professionals Forum brings together some of the well-known emerging leaders of our industry to discuss their view on the history and the future of the industry and to share their perspective and advice on how to be successful in the exciting and dynamic attractions industry. This event requires a separate ticket in addition to EAS registration.
Leadership Breakfast
Thursday, 19 September, 2013
Philippe Gas, CEO of Disneyland® Paris, will share his story and insight on the most visited theme park in Europe during the Leadership Breakfast. This event requires a separate ticket in addition to EAS registration.
EAS Tours
EAS participants will not want to miss VIP tours to two of Paris’ famous theme parks.
IAAPA Safety Institute
Tuesday, 17 September, 2013
For the first time, EAS will present a unique education programme designated for all technical experts and interested individuals, the IAAPA Safety Institute at Disneyland® Paris. Participants will discuss the latest developments in attractions industry safety and experience on-site the activities of Europe’s most-attended theme park before finishing the day with the spectacular Disney Dreams show. Separate IAAPA Safety Institute registration is required in addition to EAS registration.
Disneyland® Paris
Tuesday, 17 September, 2013
For all non-safety experts, a separate tour to Disneyland® Paris is also part of the programme and will include special experience tours, presentations, and also the opportunity to end the day with Disney Dreams spectacular. Separate tour registration is required in addition to EAS registration.
Parc Asterix
Friday, 20 September, 2013
Attendees join this experience tours to one of the most famous parks in France, Parc Asterix. Learn more about this truly unique attraction and get special insight into the operations and organization of the resort. Separate tour registration is required in addition to EAS registration.
EAS Post Tour Event
Saturday, 21 September, 2013
The EAS Post Tour will give attendees the opportunity to visit two of the most unique parks in Europe. They will experience the world-renowned shows and world-class theming of Puy du Fou and the park of movies and music, Futuroscope. Separate tour registration is required in addition to EAS registration.
The details on the complete seminar programme are available at www.IAAPA.org/EAS. Participants can also find special hotel deals and travel information on the EAS website. Registration for the trade show and special events will open by the end of May with special discounts for early registration.
About IAAPA
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,500 attractions, suppliers, and individual members from more than 90 countries, 1,000 of those being European. The association’s global headquarters office is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. The association maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. IAAPA is online at www.IAAPA.org.
About the Euro Attractions Show (EAS)
The Euro Attractions Show (EAS) is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), and has evolved into Europe’s largest trade fair dedicated to the attractions industry. EAS is managed by IAAPA’s European operations, under the direction of the IAAPA Europe Advisory Committee and the IAAPA Europe Manufacturers and Suppliers Sub-Committee.
More information:
Karen Staley, Vice President, IAAPA Europe
[email protected] | www.IAAPA.org/Europe
or
Jakob Wahl, Programme Manager, IAAPA Europe
[email protected] I www.IAAPA.org/Europe