IAAPA's Asian Attractions Expo 2013 Breaks Attendance Records
June 25, 2013
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Asian Attractions Expo 2013, held June 4-7 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands, broke previous attendance records, with 5,350 professionals.
Billed as the largest expo of its kind in the region, the four-day event also had a record number of exhibiting companies displaying the newest products and services on the largest trade showfloor in the event’s history, according to show officials.
In addition, the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers was sold out and attendance was strong at the education conference programs.
“Asian Attractions Expo 2013’s success reflects the tremendous industry growth in the Asia-Pacific region and confirms the Expo is the attractions industry’s leading event for industry professionals,” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland.
Asian Attractions Expo 2013 by the numbers:
286 companies from 34 countries displayed new and innovative products on 6,824 net square meters of space, the biggest show in the Expo’s history.
3,600 qualified buyers, including executives from theme parks, attractions, water parks, family entertainment centers (FECs), zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, and resorts from 67 nations met with industry suppliers, attended education sessions, and participated in networking events.
Attendance at the education conference was nearly 1,500, including IAAPA’s Institute for Attractions Managers and IAAPA Safety Institute.
280 people attended the Leadership Breakfast, featuring the keynote address by Ocean Park Corporation CEO Tom Mehrmann.
Nearly 230 people participated in behind-the-scenes tours of Legoland Malaysia, Lat’s Place, Hello Kitty Town and Universal Studios Singapore.
Approximately 400 people attended the Opening Ceremony that highlighted new attractions in Asia and included performances by Victoria’s Way from Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines and Sesame Street characters from Universal Studios Singapore.
More than 500 participants enjoyed tours of Marine Life Park and Adventure Cove at Resorts World Sentosa during the Opening Night Event.
The sponsors for Asian Attractions Expo 2013 were Chimelong Group, FUNA, Forrec Ltd., Jack Rouse & Associates, Mack Rides, Themed Attractions and Resorts, The Producers Group, and Vekoma Rides.
“Asian Attractions Expo is ideal for learning, networking, and establishing quality buyer/seller connections,” said IAAPA Vice President, Asia Pacific Operations Andrew Lee.
He added, “This year’s conference and exhibition delivered on all fronts from the opening ceremony to the standing-room-only education sessions and first-class events and tours at Singapore-area attractions.”
Next year’s event will switch to mainland China June 17-20 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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