Leaders of World's Theme Parks, Water Parks, Zoos, and Aquariums Gather to Preview New Rides and Technology at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New roller coasters, water slides, midway games, and emerging technology to entertain guests are among the buzz topics at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 underway through Nov. 16 in Orlando.

The Expo is the largest annual conference and trade show of the $24 billion global theme park and attractions industry, converting the Orange County Convention Center into a dazzling marketplace of midway-style thrills that may arrive soon at favorite destinations worldwide.

IAAPA Attractions Expo attendees test amusement rides, games, food, and fun showcased by 1,160 exhibitors from six continents. Companies specializing in ride and attraction design, theming, ticketing, technology, zip lines, and more fill a half-million square feet of exhibition space.

Representing 100 nations, approximately 25,000 professionals from the world's top amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, casinos, and resorts are on site to network and learn about new trends and innovations for 2013 and beyond.

The Expo features 80 education sessions and behind-the-scenes tours of Orlando's popular destinations including Busch Gardens Tampa, Fun Spot USA, Legoland Florida, Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World Resort, Gaylord Palms Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Studios Florida.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 includes a keynote presentation by Six Flags Entertainment Corp. Chairman, President, and CEO James Reid-Anderson.

Participants will also learn from industry executives, including Herschend Family Entertainment President & CEO Joel Manby; Great Wolf Resorts Inc. President & CEO Kim Schaefer; Texas State Aquarium President & CEO Tom Schmid; Liseberg President & CEO Andreas Andersen; Palace Entertainment President & CEO Fernando Eiroa; Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. President & CEO Matt Ouimet; Tom Mehrmann, CEO of Ocean Park Corp. of Hong Kong; and Walt Disney Imagineering/Epcot legend Marty Sklar.

IAAPA recognizes the attractions industry's best of the best during an Academy Award-style celebration – The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards – honoring excellence and creativity in marketing, HR, live entertainment, food and beverage, new products and more.

The Expo is presented by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The event is closed to the public, with media invited to attend. Details, photos, and phone interviews with exhibitors are available to localize reports. Follow IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 on Twitter via @IAAPAHQ or #IAAPA, with more information online at www.IAAPA.org or by calling 703/299-5127 or 678/358-7476.

SOURCE International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions

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