What’s your new role at IAAPA EMEA?
I’ve rejoined IAAPA EMEA in my new role of vice president, Europe. My main tasks are to increase membership and trade show services. We have grown and developed massively over recent years and the region today has over 1,300 members. The trade show, EAS, has grown the same way and has become the true meeting point for the leisure industry in this region of the world.

We also want to further increase IAAPA EMEA’s regional activities, so we have plans to bring people together at smaller events at a more local level. In addition, the organisation wants to carry out benchmark studies to benefit its members, and we may be able to present these studies during these events. We’re working to make the organisation even better for its members.

What’s new at EAS?
It’s clear that the trade show has developed steadily over recent years. We’re proud that we add new seminars and sessions every year, such as the Lunch and Learn sessions. We don’t want EAS to be the same every year, so we always look at what worked well, what was interesting, how we can refresh our model, how we can offer more to attendees and how we can attract even more people to EAS.

For example, for the first time this year, EAS will offer attendees a zoos seminar and a trip the next day to Berlin Zoo.

What’s the difference between EAS and the IAAPA show in Orlando?
Despite its large size, EAS still has a very intimate atmosphere. People know each other and share their knowledge. In my opinion, that is something special to EAS.

What trends are you noticing in the European attractions industry?
We’re seeing an increase in destination development, not just at big theme parks building hotels – like Efteling and Europa Park – but also at the smaller parks that are building log cabins, for example, or zoos that are offering glamping. More attractions are developing into hospitality.

We’re also seeing less distinction between different attraction types. More amusement parks are adding waterparks. More waterparks are building hotels. Even zoos are now building watermarks.

Why attend EAS?
It’s a must for operators, attracting everyone from the little fish to the big attractions. It’s very inspiring and attendees gather plenty of ideas and learn new ways to innovate. It’s a great place to meet colleagues and learn from them, with even the top operators sharing their best practices and learnings.