There is no place like IAAPA Expo, it’s the place to take in the most exciting sights, smells, tastes, and sensations that will take your career and attraction to new heights! The excitement, energy and opportunity are palpable. Whether on the show floor, in a session, or at a networking event, these invaluable experiences will inspire innovation now and in the future. We sat down with Michael Shelton to give you a behind-the-scenes look of IAAPA Expo, November 14–18, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Every year IAAPA Expo outperforms the last! What is new and exciting in 2022?

Each year we strive to enhance the visitor experience as IAAPA Expo is your destination for best practices, new perspectives, eye-opening ideas, and innovative products and services.

Here you can discover new ways to grow attendance, strengthen safety practices, guarantee guest happiness, and increase visitor spending. This year you can see innovation first-hand with over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing their products and make connections with more than 25,000 attendees all looking for new ways to enhance their guests’ experiences.

And that’s just a taste of what’s in store for you at IAAPA Expo!

The educational sessions this year are impressive. What sessions are you most looking forward to attending?

It’s so hard to choose, as the program is packed full of innovation, opportunity, and excitement about the future of attractions. If I had to choose, and in no particular order, I’m exited to hear from Owner and Creator of Gideon's Bakehouse, Steven Lewis, the Sublime Prince of the Esoteric Order of Cookie, to learn how he went from a 286 square foot bakery to its first flagship location in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

I’m eager to hear from Tom Mehrmann, President & COO, Universal Parks and Resorts, Pacific Rim as he will share his personal journey and the positioning of Universal Studios today with an outlook on the dynamic prospects ahead at the Leadership Breakfast*.

I’m also thrilled to have Andrew Wexler, CEO, Herschend Family Entertainment, as the keynote

presentation at this year’s Lunch and Learn as he will share insights into the company’s love strategy that has helped grow a 1950’s cave tour into one of North America’s largest family-owned attractions businesses.

What are you personally looking forward to at this year's Expo?

Our industry is always on the cutting edge of technology and creating great guest experiences. Every year I look forward to seeing the latest products that our industry has developed and how it will shape the future of themed entertainment. The show floor is a sight to be seen and there is no shortage of new ideas. Most of all, I look forward to seeing industry colleagues and meeting new attendees who are experiencing this incredible show for the first time.

How is registration going — are attendees ready to be back on site?

Absolutely! At six weeks out, we have nearly 45 percent more registered attendees compared to this time last year. We even just announced we contracted with our 1,000th exhibitor supporting the importance of IAAPA Expo and why it’s the premier event for the global attractions industry.

Even some of the special ticketed events like the Museum and Science Center Reception, Zoo and Aquarium Experience, and the EDUTour: Jurassic World Velocicoaster are nearing capacity.

We're very excited to gather the industry together in a big way at IAAPA Expo this fall.I would be remiss if I didn't include a shameless plug for registering. Knowing that our attendees need as much flexibility as possible, we've extended our early pricing through Nov. 11, so you can save up to 30 per cent when you register.

*Formerly GM’s and Owners