Asian Attractions Expo 2018 Marks Successful Event in Hong Kong
June 16, 2018
Hosted by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Asian Attractions Expo 2018 took place June 5-8, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong.
Preliminary estimates indicate the Expo attracted more than 9,000 participants, including 6,500 qualified buyers and 393 exhibiting companies. Increases in participants, buyers, and exhibiting companies from 2017's event in Singapore reflect the strength and energy of the global attractions industry. The event featured a full trade show floor at 10,224 net square meters.
The total number of buyers in attendance from all facets of the attractions and leisure industry represents a 27 percent increase from Asian Attractions Expo 2017 in Singapore, and a 7 percent increase from 2015 when the Expo was last held in Hong Kong.
"We were excited to bring Asian Attractions Expo 2018 back to Hong Kong. This is the only show IAAPA hosts in Asia, and the international representation from exhibiting companies and attendees demonstrated the appeal of the destination and the strength of the global attractions industry," said Hal McEvoy, interim president and CEO, IAAPA.
He added, "It's been a great Expo and we've enjoyed celebrating IAAPA's 100th anniversary with our members and colleagues from around the world."
Michael Wong, Development Secretary of the Hong Kong KSAR Government, addressed Expo participants during the event's Opening Ceremony, which also included high-energy entertainment and a traditional Chinese mask-changing performance from Chimelong Park, Guangdong, China.
Asian Attractions Expo 2018 by the Numbers
- 393 companies showcased new and innovative products across 10,224 net square meters of space on the trade show floor.
- Attendance for the education conference was almost 1,600, including 61 participants in the sold-out IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers and 95 attendees at the sold-out IAAPA Safety Institute.
- 826 people celebrated IAAPA's 100th anniversary at the Opening Night Reception at Ocean Park Hong Kong.
- 341 people attended the sold-out Leadership Breakfast, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group.
- 178 people attended the Lunch and Learn event on developing successful ride and show entertainment with virtual reality (VR) and projection mapping technology.
- 105 people participated in the EDUTour to Ocean Park Hong Kong and 105 people participated in the EDUTour to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Asian Attractions Expo 2018 sponsors included: accesso, APES Apex Parks & Entertainment Services, Cartoon Network (Turner International), Cumming Corporation, FODEGRAF, Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc., International Play Company, Jack Rouse Associates, Kraftwerk Living Technologies GmbH, KristallTurm, Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong, PGAV Destinations, Pictureworks Pte Ltd., Polin, ProSlide, San Diego Zoo Global, VAHLE, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV, Wartsila and WhiteWater.
Asian Attractions Expo 2019 will be held in Shanghai, China, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, 11-14 June 2019, and advance exhibit sales are strong as more than 271 companies have already reserved over 10,600 net square meters of space.
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.
Add new comment