The first event under its new name of IAAPA Expo Asia kicked off in Shanghai on Wednesday, June 12. Formerly known as Asian Attractions Expo (AAE), the show continues until Friday, June 14.

By the end of the week, more than 8,500 attractions professionals from over 60 countries and regions are expected to have visited the event at China’s New Shanghai International Expo Centre. AAE 2018 took place in Hong Kong.

Recognized as the industry’s premier get-together in Asia, this year’s IAAPA Expo Asia features a record-breaking show floor. Spread over 13,000 net square meters, visitors can discover more than 400 exhibitors. Sixty companies are participating for the first time.

“We are thrilled to return to Shanghai and bring together industry professionals from around the world,” said IAAPA President and CEO, Hal McEvoy. The size of this year’s Expo, he added, “reflects the strength of the global attractions industry.”

In addition, the event also includes a conference and various networking events. For example, over 500 people traveled to the award-winning new Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park on Wednesday for the Opening Reception.

Booths from WhiteWater and DOF Robotics feature in this view of the show floor at IAAPA Asia Expo 2019

Other featured attractions hosting events during the Expo include Shanghai Disney Resort, Shanghai Natural History Museum, Hello Kitty Shanghai Times and the Shanghai Dungeon, which will host tonight’s (Thursday) Young Professional Networking Event.

This morning, Shanghai Disney Resort president and CEO Joe Schott addressed ticket holders at the Leadership Breakfast. More than 10 general education sessions are featured as part of the Expo’s education program. This has included contributions from executives of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Beijing Resort, OCT Happy Valley, AECOM, Whitewater, Sanderson and more.

Sponsors of IAAPA Expo 2019 include accesso, Brogent Technologies, DOF Robotics, Gateway Ticketing Systems, iPlayCo, JRA, Kraftwerk Living Technologies, Legacy Entertainment, PGAV Destinations, Picsolve, Polin Waterparks, The Producers Group, ProSlide Technology, Simtec Asia, Vekoma, Wärtsilä Entertainment and WhiteWater.

IAAPA Expo Asia is one of three trade shows recently rebranded by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. IAAPA Expo Europe (formerly Euro Attractions Show) takes place in Paris from September 16 to 19, followed by IAAPA Expo in Orlando during November. A full report from Shanghai will follow soon on Blooloop.