Mona Keijzer, state of secretary for the Department of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands, was on hand for the launch of this year's European Attractions Show (EAS) - the largest in the event's history.
Taking place at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre in Amsterdam, Keijzer welcomed the more than 12,000 people expected to attend this week's show, saying that EAS and its IAAPA members were "enabling people to have fun", also calling the event "the ultimate show and tell".
"I feel like a child in a candy shop," said Keijzer. "We've never seen an attractions event of this scale in the Netherlands."
Travelling from locations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond, visitors from more than 100 countries have come to Amsterdam, with 525 exhibitors showcasing their offerings over the next three days. This year’s conference also features the largest education programme in EAS history, with a wide variety of learning opportunities on offer across every attractions sector.
"You all work in a business created to make people smile and not many people can say that," said Keijzer.
"As outsiders we don't often see all of the work that goes into giving people a good time. We don't think about things like safety measures, but it's something that you work on all year round.
"IAAPA has provided a platform to discuss these things for 100 years now. From amusement parks to zoos, I congratulate you all on organising a century of serious fun."
Keijzer, who took up her position in 2017, added that despite its relatively small size, more than 22 million people visit attractions in the Netherlands each year. The Netherlands also offers a strong manufacturing pedigree, with companies such as rollercoaster specialists Vekoma among the world's elite.
"The Netherlands is small country, but it has a lot of amusement parks and attractions that greatly benefit our economy," she said.
"Attractions are in the business of making memories. I'll never forget the ones I had as a child, whether that was at a small playground or a giant amusement park. Ideas will be presented over the next few days that will create new memories for the next generation. I wish you a great EAS and good business in the future."
Check back with Attractions Management during the week for all the latest breaking news coming from EAS 2018.
