IAAPA 2015 is officially underway in Orlando, Florida, as the opening ceremony saw the organisation's strategic plan up until 2018 revealed and the grand introduction of new chair, John McReynolds, while also showcasing and celebrating the best and brightest from the industry over the past year.

IAAPA president and CEO Paul Nolan started things off on a sombre note, with a short silence for the victims of the 13 November Paris terror attacks.

“We are a global industry and when things happen in Paris, or New York, or Bangkok, they impact all of us,” said Nolan speaking to a packed hall. “Our hearts go out to the people of France and everyone who was affected by Friday’s pointless acts on innocent people.”

This year’s theme follows the idea of “New. Now. Next!”. Nolan told attendees that this is exactly what would be shown to them in the coming week, with new innovation, exhibits and more than 30,000 expected to attend.

“We play a critical role in making memories for family, creating those special moments that stay with a guest for their entire lives,” said Nolan. “I ask you this week - what’s going to stay with you? We have the second-largest trade show in IAAPA’s history offering 560,000sq ft of exhibit space. We have 140 brand new exhibitors and we have a new food-beverage showcase. On top of that we have 200 hours of seminar programmes, eight facility tours and 80 symposiums. Somewhere here you can find the leap you need to take your business to the next level at the IAAPA attractions expo.”

Nolan also revealed the recently approved strategic plan for IAAPA between 2016 and 2018. Calling the plans “significant and very ambitious”, he said IAAPA would go through the largest expansion in its 97-year history.

“First and foremost we’ll expand on IAAPA’s position as the global champion for industry safety,” said Nolan. “We’ll do that through promoting safe operations and standards development and education. Second we’ll refine and strengthen our almost 100-year-old brand so it can grow for another 100 years to come.”

Through the opening ceremony, new attractions and rides from 2015 were showcased across Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and North America including Mexico’s Zombie Ride at Bosque Magico, Efteling’s Baron 1898 rollercoaster, Wanda’s Movie Park in China and Orlando’s new I-Drive 360 among many others.

IAAPA also welcomed its newest Hall of Fame inductees, with 2015’s class including Fred Hollingsworth, who developed immersive theatre experiences more than 40 years ago; Marketing guru Jack Lindquist, who created many Disney campaigns still used to this day; and Universal’s Tom Williams, who led the company’s theme parks to the point they are today as one of the world’s hottest commodities.

Outgoing chair, Gerardo Arteaga welcomed 2016 chair John McReynolds, who arrived in some style, with an introduction from Transformers characters Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.

“After the tremendous job Gerardo did in the past year as IAAPA chair, I’d have to do something pretty spectacular, so I thought I’d get an early start, said McReynolds, flanked by the Transformers characters after a rousing reception.

“I can say on behalf of everyone at IAAPA, thank you for your time, your enthusiasm and your great leadership.”

Check back with Attractions Management and AM2 during the week for all the latest breaking news coming from the event.