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PROMOTION
Behind the Scenes of IAAPA Expo 2022 with Michael Shelton
01 Nov 2022
IAAPA Expo will take place on 14-18 November 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. / IAAPA
There is no place like IAAPA Expo, it’s the place to take in the most exciting sights, smells, tastes, and sensations that will take your career and attraction to new heights! The excitement, energy and opportunity are palpable. Whether on the show floor, in a session, or at a networking event, these invaluable experiences will inspire innovation now and in the future. We sat down with Michael Shelton to give you a behind-the-scenes look of IAAPA Expo, November 14–18, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Every year IAAPA Expo outperforms the last! What is new and exciting in 2022?

Each year we strive to enhance the visitor experience as IAAPA Expo is your destination for best practices, new perspectives, eye-opening ideas, and innovative products and services.

Here you can discover new ways to grow attendance, strengthen safety practices, guarantee guest happiness, and increase visitor spending. This year you can see innovation first-hand with over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing their products and make connections with more than 25,000 attendees all looking for new ways to enhance their guests’ experiences.

And that’s just a taste of what’s in store for you at IAAPA Expo!

The educational sessions this year are impressive. What sessions are you most looking forward to attending?

It’s so hard to choose, as the program is packed full of innovation, opportunity, and excitement about the future of attractions. If I had to choose, and in no particular order, I’m exited to hear from Owner and Creator of Gideon's Bakehouse, Steven Lewis, the Sublime Prince of the Esoteric Order of Cookie, to learn how he went from a 286 square foot bakery to its first flagship location in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

I’m eager to hear from Tom Mehrmann, President & COO, Universal Parks and Resorts, Pacific Rim as he will share his personal journey and the positioning of Universal Studios today with an outlook on the dynamic prospects ahead at the Leadership Breakfast*.

I’m also thrilled to have Andrew Wexler, CEO, Herschend Family Entertainment, as the keynote
presentation at this year’s Lunch and Learn as he will share insights into the company’s love strategy that has helped grow a 1950’s cave tour into one of North America’s largest family-owned attractions businesses.

What are you personally looking forward to at this year's Expo?

Our industry is always on the cutting edge of technology and creating great guest experiences. Every year I look forward to seeing the latest products that our industry has developed and how it will shape the future of themed entertainment. The show floor is a sight to be seen and there is no shortage of new ideas. Most of all, I look forward to seeing industry colleagues and meeting new attendees who are experiencing this incredible show for the first time.

How is registration going — are attendees ready to be back on site?

Absolutely! At six weeks out, we have nearly 45 percent more registered attendees compared to this time last year. We even just announced we contracted with our 1,000th exhibitor supporting the importance of IAAPA Expo and why it’s the premier event for the global attractions industry.

Even some of the special ticketed events like the Museum and Science Center Reception, Zoo and Aquarium Experience, and the EDUTour: Jurassic World Velocicoaster are nearing capacity.

We're very excited to gather the industry together in a big way at IAAPA Expo this fall.
I would be remiss if I didn't include a shameless plug for registering. Knowing that our attendees need as much flexibility as possible, we've extended our early pricing through Nov. 11, so you can save up to 30 per cent when you register.

*Formerly GM’s and Owners
IAAPA / International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
Address: 1448 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
PRODUCT NEWS
Disney partners with Dronisos on new drone show
Disneyland Paris has launched a new drone show, Disney Cascade of Lights.
SeaWorld Orlando provides details of new dark ride ahead of launch
SeaWorld Orlando has given a preview of the ride vehicles for SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a unique suspended dark ride set to open in 2026.
DreamLab uses Christie projectors to update St Louis Grand Hall Experience
The Grand Hall Experience at St Louis Union Station in St Louis, US, has recently undergone a major upgrade, involving new projection technology, media servers, and new and refreshed content.
TouchWood Play designs new kids’ club for Dubai’s Zuhha Island
Bespoke play environment design and manufacturer TouchWood Play has announced that it is responsible for the creation of a new Kids’ Club on Zuhha Island, Dubai.
AStation: Leading the ‘Attractions Revolution’
While others pour concrete and steel, AStation launches dinosaurs and heroes within weeks — no construction required. Its outlets are redefining entertainment with cutting-edge, location-based experiences, transforming plazas, art districts, and heritage sites into massive Mixed Reality playgrounds.
Efteling and Vekoma present ‘seat-on-wheels’ concept for wheelchair-accessible attractions
Together with experts and representatives of the Dutch association de Zonnebloem, theme park resort Efteling and ride manufacturer Vekoma have developed an innovative concept to increase inclusivity in theme parks, specifically aimed at guests who use wheelchairs.
Maurer Rides installs interactive indoor coaster at new Hi Space theme park in China
German rollercoaster designer and manufacturer Maurer Rides is installing what it describes as the world’s first interactive indoor rollercoaster featuring Spike technology at the new Hi Space indoor amusement park in Chongqing, China.
Mack Animation releases Grand Prix of Europe film
Feature film animation studio Mack Animation has released an animated film featuring German theme park Europa-Park mascots Ed and Edda.
New flying theatre experience gives unique views of Niagara Falls
A new $25m flying theatre experience has launched near Niagara Falls, New York State, exploring 13,000 years of Niagara’s geological and cultural history.
Red Raion: a decade of immersive storytelling
This year marks a significant milestone for Red Raion, the CGI studio that has become a trusted name in producing immersive content for the attractions industry.
Lead the way in one of Wales’ most ambitious new destinations
Canolfan Pentre Awel will be a hub of leisure and community wellbeing. Highlights include a 600-square-metre fitness suite, an 8-court sports hall and aquatic facilities
Efteling launches climate-friendly water show
Dutch theme park Efteling has launched its transformed Efteling Symphonica water show, which has been redesigned to bring it into line with the park’s sustainability goals.
+ More products  

COMPANY PROFILES
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

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

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
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PROMOTION
Behind the Scenes of IAAPA Expo 2022 with Michael Shelton
01 Nov 2022
IAAPA Expo will take place on 14-18 November 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. / IAAPA
There is no place like IAAPA Expo, it’s the place to take in the most exciting sights, smells, tastes, and sensations that will take your career and attraction to new heights! The excitement, energy and opportunity are palpable. Whether on the show floor, in a session, or at a networking event, these invaluable experiences will inspire innovation now and in the future. We sat down with Michael Shelton to give you a behind-the-scenes look of IAAPA Expo, November 14–18, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Every year IAAPA Expo outperforms the last! What is new and exciting in 2022?

Each year we strive to enhance the visitor experience as IAAPA Expo is your destination for best practices, new perspectives, eye-opening ideas, and innovative products and services.

Here you can discover new ways to grow attendance, strengthen safety practices, guarantee guest happiness, and increase visitor spending. This year you can see innovation first-hand with over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing their products and make connections with more than 25,000 attendees all looking for new ways to enhance their guests’ experiences.

And that’s just a taste of what’s in store for you at IAAPA Expo!

The educational sessions this year are impressive. What sessions are you most looking forward to attending?

It’s so hard to choose, as the program is packed full of innovation, opportunity, and excitement about the future of attractions. If I had to choose, and in no particular order, I’m exited to hear from Owner and Creator of Gideon's Bakehouse, Steven Lewis, the Sublime Prince of the Esoteric Order of Cookie, to learn how he went from a 286 square foot bakery to its first flagship location in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

I’m eager to hear from Tom Mehrmann, President & COO, Universal Parks and Resorts, Pacific Rim as he will share his personal journey and the positioning of Universal Studios today with an outlook on the dynamic prospects ahead at the Leadership Breakfast*.

I’m also thrilled to have Andrew Wexler, CEO, Herschend Family Entertainment, as the keynote
presentation at this year’s Lunch and Learn as he will share insights into the company’s love strategy that has helped grow a 1950’s cave tour into one of North America’s largest family-owned attractions businesses.

What are you personally looking forward to at this year's Expo?

Our industry is always on the cutting edge of technology and creating great guest experiences. Every year I look forward to seeing the latest products that our industry has developed and how it will shape the future of themed entertainment. The show floor is a sight to be seen and there is no shortage of new ideas. Most of all, I look forward to seeing industry colleagues and meeting new attendees who are experiencing this incredible show for the first time.

How is registration going — are attendees ready to be back on site?

Absolutely! At six weeks out, we have nearly 45 percent more registered attendees compared to this time last year. We even just announced we contracted with our 1,000th exhibitor supporting the importance of IAAPA Expo and why it’s the premier event for the global attractions industry.

Even some of the special ticketed events like the Museum and Science Center Reception, Zoo and Aquarium Experience, and the EDUTour: Jurassic World Velocicoaster are nearing capacity.

We're very excited to gather the industry together in a big way at IAAPA Expo this fall.
I would be remiss if I didn't include a shameless plug for registering. Knowing that our attendees need as much flexibility as possible, we've extended our early pricing through Nov. 11, so you can save up to 30 per cent when you register.

*Formerly GM’s and Owners
IAAPA / International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
Address: 1448 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
PRODUCT NEWS
Disney partners with Dronisos on new drone show
Disneyland Paris has launched a new drone show, Disney Cascade of Lights.
SeaWorld Orlando provides details of new dark ride ahead of launch
SeaWorld Orlando has given a preview of the ride vehicles for SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a unique suspended dark ride set to open in 2026.
DreamLab uses Christie projectors to update St Louis Grand Hall Experience
The Grand Hall Experience at St Louis Union Station in St Louis, US, has recently undergone a major upgrade, involving new projection technology, media servers, and new and refreshed content.
TouchWood Play designs new kids’ club for Dubai’s Zuhha Island
Bespoke play environment design and manufacturer TouchWood Play has announced that it is responsible for the creation of a new Kids’ Club on Zuhha Island, Dubai.
Maurer Rides installs interactive indoor coaster at new Hi Space theme park in China
German rollercoaster designer and manufacturer Maurer Rides is installing what it describes as the world’s first interactive indoor rollercoaster featuring Spike technology at the new Hi Space indoor amusement park in Chongqing, China.
Mack Animation releases Grand Prix of Europe film
Feature film animation studio Mack Animation has released an animated film featuring German theme park Europa-Park mascots Ed and Edda.
New flying theatre experience gives unique views of Niagara Falls
A new $25m flying theatre experience has launched near Niagara Falls, New York State, exploring 13,000 years of Niagara’s geological and cultural history.
Efteling launches climate-friendly water show
Dutch theme park Efteling has launched its transformed Efteling Symphonica water show, which has been redesigned to bring it into line with the park’s sustainability goals.
Sunkid reveals the Rocking Tower family ride
Family friendly attractions manufacturer Sunkid has revealed its latest attraction, the Rocking Tower.
Polish theme park launches new Vekoma coaster
Polish indoor theme park Mandoria has opened its new Aquila rollercoaster.
P&P Projects launches new brand and show model
P&P Projects has announced it is launching a brand-new branch called ThemedMotion that will specialise in the turnkey development of animatronics and animated figures.
Vekoma showcases new openings
Ride manufacturer Vekoma showcased several new projects at IAAPA in November.
+ More products   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

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

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS