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NEWS
First ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit to focus on VR and 'authentic reality'
POSTED 01 Mar 2023 . BY Tom Walker
The first ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit will be held in San Diego Credit: IAAPA
IAAPA will host its first-ever North America Trade Summit this month
Taking place in San Diego, California, from 20 to 23 March, the four-day event will feature seminars and an exhibition
The keynote will be given by George Walker, CEO of The League of Extraordinary Dining
Walker will outline how the popularity of virtual reality is shifting into a desire for what he calls "authentic reality"
Attendees to IAAPA’s first-ever North America Trade Summit will hear about how the visitor attractions industry has evolved from a service economy into an experience economy.

Taking place in San Diego, California, from 20 to 23 March, the four-day event will feature a keynote speech from George Walker, CEO of The League of Extraordinary Dining. The League of Extraordinary Dining – a new company that merges themed design with experiential dining.

Walker will outline how the popularity of virtual reality is shifting into a desire for what he calls "authentic reality" – and how technology enhances the guest experience, rather than drives it.

Other speakers include Erika Kohler, interim executive director, San Diego Zoo; Jim Lake, president, SeaWorld San Diego; and Troy Sacco, SVP of Sales & Marketing, Five Star Parks & Attractions.

As well as a programme of seminars, the Trade Summit features networking opportunities and an exhibition for industry suppliers.

“The first-ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit is sure to inspire all who attend,” said Michael Shelton, vice president and executive director, IAAPA North America.

“It is a rare opportunity to learn from industry leaders, connect with attraction suppliers and visit top attractions in the San Diego area for a behind the scenes look at how other members are adapting to our ever-changing landscape.”
RELATED STORIES
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The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser experience at Walt Disney World, Orlando, is among the winners of this year's Thea Awards.
  FEATURE: Show review: IAAPA Expo Europe


The industry came together in London to meet, celebrate and plan. We round up some of the show’s highlights
  Jakob Wahl appointed IAAPA's chief operating officer


Jakob Wahl has been named executive VP and chief operating officer of global attractions industry body IAAPA.
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Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
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The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
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NEWS
First ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit to focus on VR and 'authentic reality'
POSTED 01 Mar 2023 . BY Tom Walker
The first ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit will be held in San Diego Credit: IAAPA
IAAPA will host its first-ever North America Trade Summit this month
Taking place in San Diego, California, from 20 to 23 March, the four-day event will feature seminars and an exhibition
The keynote will be given by George Walker, CEO of The League of Extraordinary Dining
Walker will outline how the popularity of virtual reality is shifting into a desire for what he calls "authentic reality"
Attendees to IAAPA’s first-ever North America Trade Summit will hear about how the visitor attractions industry has evolved from a service economy into an experience economy.

Taking place in San Diego, California, from 20 to 23 March, the four-day event will feature a keynote speech from George Walker, CEO of The League of Extraordinary Dining. The League of Extraordinary Dining – a new company that merges themed design with experiential dining.

Walker will outline how the popularity of virtual reality is shifting into a desire for what he calls "authentic reality" – and how technology enhances the guest experience, rather than drives it.

Other speakers include Erika Kohler, interim executive director, San Diego Zoo; Jim Lake, president, SeaWorld San Diego; and Troy Sacco, SVP of Sales & Marketing, Five Star Parks & Attractions.

As well as a programme of seminars, the Trade Summit features networking opportunities and an exhibition for industry suppliers.

“The first-ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit is sure to inspire all who attend,” said Michael Shelton, vice president and executive director, IAAPA North America.

“It is a rare opportunity to learn from industry leaders, connect with attraction suppliers and visit top attractions in the San Diego area for a behind the scenes look at how other members are adapting to our ever-changing landscape.”
RELATED STORIES
TEA announces 2022 Thea Award winners, with Disney, Futuroscope, Kevin Murphy and Roland Mack among those honoured


The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser experience at Walt Disney World, Orlando, is among the winners of this year's Thea Awards.
FEATURE: Show review: IAAPA Expo Europe


The industry came together in London to meet, celebrate and plan. We round up some of the show’s highlights
Jakob Wahl appointed IAAPA's chief operating officer


Jakob Wahl has been named executive VP and chief operating officer of global attractions industry body IAAPA.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

A former national ski team racer, ProSlide® CEO Rick Hunter’s goal has been to integrate the smoot [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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