IAAPA is all about bringing together everything leisure and themed entertainment. It’s a showcase of what makes this industry one of the most exciting on the planet;, with technical innovations, networking and education at its heart. This guide aims to help you through an IAAPA expo, allowing you to get the most out of this huge event and opportunity. We'll walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing for your first expo to conquering the show floor with confidence.

IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, is like the epicentre of all things fun and thrilling. It's an organisation that brings together people who are passionate about amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centres, zoos, aquariums, and all the places we visit for fun and escapism.

The Expos are highlights on the calendar and dubbed the industry’s premier event. They aren’t just about the fun side of the industry, however; they’re also serious events where professionals come to conduct business. It’s vital to remember that even though you should have fun at an IAAPA Expo, you need to respect the needs of companies and clients in attendance.

Attendees at the NextGen concept showcase at IAAPA Europe 2022

Preparing For Your First IAAPA Expo

Before you dive in headfirst after deciding to attend your first Expo, there are a few things you should do and know to prepare yourself:

Registration and Badge Pick-Up

The first step to getting into an IAAPA Expo is registering. This is typically done online in advance through the IAAPA website. Be sure to have your confirmation email and any necessary identification when you arrive at the Expo to pick up your badge. Your badge is your golden ticket to the Expo and any events you sign up for, so don't leave it behind!

Accommodation and Transportation

Unless you're lucky enough to live right next door or nearby to an IAAPA Expo location, you'll likely need a place to stay. Look for hotels near the Expo venue, and make your reservations well in advance. Hotels tend to fill up quickly during these events and can become costly, which is not ideal if you’re looking to do an Expo on a budget.

As for transportation, think about how you'll get to the Expo each day. Are you renting a car, using public transportation, or walking from your hotel? Plan your commute to avoid any last-minute stress.

If you are travelling solo, don’t be shy of reaching out to fellow NextGen Showcase participants to organise travel or accommodation. This can make it both easier and cheaper.

Dress Code and Comfortable Footwear

When it comes to dressing for an IAAPA Expo, business casual is usually the way to go. You'll be meeting professionals from various corners of the industry, so it's a good idea to look presentable. However, remember to wear comfortable shoes.

You'll be doing a lot of walking, and those stylish but painful shoes won't be your friends by the end of the day/week. If you are buying new shoes specifically for an IAAPA Expo, do some mileage in them beforehand. Breaking them in so they don’t rub and leave you with painful blisters is one of the best tips you’ll ever need for an IAAPA Expo!

Packing Essentials

It goes without saying that there are certain essentials you’ll need to pack:

Chargers: Your phone, tablet, and other gadgets will be your lifelines for scheduling, maps, and networking.
Notebook and Pens: You'll want to jot down important information or ideas.
Business Cards: If you have them, bring plenty. Expos are all about networking and business cards are one of the most common aids to doing so!
Snacks and Water: The days can get long, and you'll want some quick energy. Whilst you can grab snacks and drinks on the show floor, it’s always good to have some of your own to hand if you want to avoid queuing at the vendor stands or restaurants.
Backpack or Tote Bag: You'll collect brochures, business cards, and freebies, so having a bag to carry them is a smart move.
Adaptors: If you are visiting a different country to attend an expo, you may need a different adaptor to charge or use your devices. Check which type of plug the host country uses and ensure you have one if necessary!
Passport/Identification: If you are travelling abroad to experience your first expo, don’t forget your passport!

Plan Your Schedule

Before you get to an IAAPA Expo, take some time to look at the schedule and the trade show floor online. Figure out which sessions, workshops, and events you want to attend. A lot is going on, so having a plan will help you make the most of your visit. Allocate a good chunk of time to walk the show floor and take it in, ensuring you have sufficient time to visit the companies you want to speak with. You can organise your schedule using the IAAPA Connect+ app on your phone.

Set Realistic Expectations

If you are new to IAAPA Expos, then you're certainly not expected to conquer it all in one day. Be open to new experiences, but also be realistic about what you can achieve. It's okay to take a break and explore at your own pace.

Now that you're all set with the basics, it's time to tackle the Expo itself!

Navigating an IAAPA Expo

Once you’ve done the prep work, the next leap to overcome for any IAAPA is navigating the vast show floor. An IAAPA show floor is an organised yet extensive collection of business booths and attractions. From arcade machines and simulators to augmented and virtual reality exhibits through to meeting pods, food and drink outlets and giant pieces of play equipment. It’s a collision of colour and corporate occurrences all at once!

Experiencing the activities at IAAPA Expo

The Expo Layout and Floorplan

First things first, check out the show floor map on the IAAPA Connect mobile app. These Expos are huge, and you don't want to get lost in the maze of attractions, exhibitors, and vendors. The floorplan will be your trusty guide (quite literally, as it can also be found on the floor as well), helping you find the booths and sessions you want to see. If there are certain companies or manufacturers you are interested in speaking with, the app will be able to help you identify their location and navigate you directly to them from your current location once at the Expo.

Comfort and Rest Areas

Walking around an Expo can be exhausting. Luckily, IAAPA Expos have designated rest areas where you can take a load off and recharge your energy. Keep an eye out for these spots; they're great for networking, too - whether they be lobby areas off the main hall or designated lounges.

Ask for Directions

Don't be shy about asking for help! If you're not sure where to find something, an IAAPA Ambassador will be able to assist in pointing you in the right direction. They will be dressed in IAAPA polos and hold branded batons, helping them stand out from the crowd, particularly in heavy foot traffic areas.

Factor Navigation Into Your Time

Use the first few hours of the Expo to find your bearings. Work through the rows of booths methodically to ease yourself into the atmosphere and workings of the show floor, rather than trying to dart around to specific sessions or booths immediately. By doing this, you’ll gain a greater understanding of how long it takes to get from one place to another which in turn, will help to ensure you arrive at any booth announcements, EDUSessions or panels on time!

The Power of Networking for Young Professionals

Networking is not just about collecting business cards; it's about building meaningful connections. Whether you are fresh out of education looking to get your foot onto the ladder, or a career change into the industry, networking is the first step to identifying like-minded individuals who could provide you the doorway into your dream role.

Networking Events and Opportunities

IAAPA Expos usually offer various networking events, like mixers, happy hours, or themed parties. These are fantastic opportunities to mingle in a more relaxed atmosphere. Attend these events, strike up conversations, and don't forget to exchange contact information!

Tips for Effective Networking

Be Approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and appear open to conversation. A friendly demeanour goes a long way.
Elevator Pitch: Prepare a concise and engaging introduction about yourself. What's your role, what interests you about the industry, and what are your career goals?
Listen Actively: It's not just about talking; listening is equally important. Show genuine interest in the people you meet. The huge calibre of industry talent present at an IAAPA Expo means you are certain to learn something new from anyone you speak with!
Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's a great way to learn from experienced professionals and build rapport.
Follow Up: After the Expo, follow up with the people you've met. Send a thank-you email, connect on LinkedIn, and keep the conversation going.
Exchange Business Cards: Have your business cards ready, but don't just hand them out like candy. Give them to people you've had meaningful conversations with. Remember that attendees will likely be given dozens of business cards throughout the Expo, so consider how your business card can stand out from the rest. Perhaps use an interesting material choice, or theme it to a personal brand or the specific area of the industry you are interested in?

Networking is not a one-time thing; it's an ongoing process that can lead to exciting opportunities and collaborations.

Educational Sessions and Workshops

IAAPA Expos are not just about showcasing the latest rides and attractions. They're also a hub for industry knowledge and innovation. During these events, you'll find sessions and workshops that cover a wide range of topics, from safety and technology to marketing and design.

All EDUdu Sessions and tours are promoted on the agenda ahead of time, and can also be logged into your schedule on the IAAPA Connect+ app. Some are free to attend, whilst others are ticketed events that will require signing up before the Expo. Behind the scenes EDUTours can sell out very quickly, so be sure to check and book ticketed events at the earliest opportunity.

NextGen Alumni presenting at IAAPA Europe 2023

How to Choose the Right Sessions

With so many sessions to choose from, it's essential to be selective with a jam-packed agenda. Here's how to pick the right ones for you:

Align with Your Goals: What do you want to achieve at the Expo or in your career? Whether it's gaining insights into a specific aspect of the industry or advancing your career, choose sessions that align with your objectives.
Balance Your Schedule: Don't pack your day with back-to-back sessions. Leave room for breaks and time to explore the Expo floor.
Diversity of Topics: Don't stick to one area; explore a variety of topics to broaden your knowledge! It’s a fascinating industry after all.
Speaker Profiles: Check out the credentials and experience of the speakers. Their backgrounds can also help to identify the type of content they will talk about and who you will learn from.
Interactive Workshops: If possible, attend workshops where you can get hands-on experience. Learning by doing or seeing behind the scenes is often more memorable.

Taking Advantage of Educational Resources

Take Notes: As mentioned earlier, bring a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key points. You'll thank yourself later when you're reviewing your insights!
Ask Questions: Most sessions allow for audience participation. Don't be afraid to ask questions or share your thoughts.
Connect with Speakers: If you're particularly inspired by a speaker, don't hesitate to approach them after the session. They might provide further insights or networking opportunities.

Exhibitors and Vendor Interactions

Now let’s take a look at the most notable components of any IAAPA Expo - the exhibitors and vendors. The Expo floor and its variety of exhibitors are the heartbeat of the event, showcasing the latest innovations and products in the industry.

Looking around at the NextGen concept showcase at IAAPA Europe 2022

Meeting with Exhibitors

Exhibitors at IAAPA Expos range from industry giants to startups with game-changing ideas. Meeting them can open doors to exciting opportunities and collaborations. Here's how to go about it:

Approach with Enthusiasm: When you approach a booth, be genuinely interested in what they have to offer. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Be Curious: Ask questions. Inquire about their products, services, and innovations. You'll gain valuable insights.
Show Respect: Remember that IAAPA is just as much about business as it is fun. Exhibitors can get really busy and are there to do business, so be mindful of their time. If they're engaged with someone else or about to head into a meeting, wait your turn or come back later.
Collect Information: Don't just rely on your memory. Collect brochures, business cards, and any other materials they provide at their booth.

Questions to Ask Exhibitors

It's great to strike up a conversation, but it's even better when you have some well-thought-out questions in your back pocket:

What's New?: Ask about their latest products or innovations.
Customer Success Stories: Inquire about how their offerings have benefited other businesses. It’s something they will be passionate about telling!
Demos: If they have a product or service to demonstrate, don't hesitate to request a demo or take a closer look at how they work.

Collecting Information and Freebies

Exhibitors love to give away freebies. These goodies can be a fun way to remember your visit and gain more insights. Don't be shy about collecting them, whether they be pens and notepads, to clothing or brochures. Some even have their own branded sweet treats and drinks!

Follow-Up

Don't let those business cards and brochures gather dust after the Expo. Follow up with the exhibitors you've connected with. Send a thank-you email, connect on LinkedIn, or see if they are open to scheduling a call to discuss anything further.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While IAAPA Expos are a lot of fun and a fantastic learning opportunity, there are a few misunderstandings and oversights that are relatively common. We want to help make your first IAAPA Expo as smooth sailing as possible, so don’t be afraid of making mistakes! Equally, however, let's help you steer clear of these pitfalls!

Overbooking Your Schedule

Sure, there are loads of exciting sessions, workshops, and networking events, but remember, you're not a superhero. Overloading your schedule can lead to burnout. Be strategic about what you attend, and leave some breathing room for chance encounters and spontaneous exploration.

Neglecting to Plan Ahead

While overbooking is an issue, the opposite can also be a problem. Failing to plan ahead can result in missed opportunities. Before you go, have a game plan in place, so you know where you want to be and what you want to see.

Forgetting to Follow Up

You met amazing people and exciting connections, collected business cards, and learned from pioneering industry leaders. But if you forget to follow up after the Expo, all that hard work could go to waste. Set aside time post-expo to send thank-you emails, connect on social media, and discuss potential collaborations.

Not Dressing Comfortably

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. IAAPA Expos involve a lot of walking. That's why it's crucial to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. You want to be able to focus on the event, not your aching feet!

Skipping the Rest Areas

Expos can be overwhelming, and it's easy to get lost in the excitement. But remember to take breaks, hydrate, and rest when needed. It's the key to keeping your energy levels up and making the most of your experience.

Going It Alone

While some solo exploration is great, don't be afraid to reach out to others. Attendees at IAAPA Expos are often welcoming and open to conversations. You might miss out on valuable insights and connections if you stick to yourself the whole time. The Showcase is the perfect opportunity to reach out to your fellow participants and find people to attend with!

Neglecting Your Well-Being

Expos are not just marathons of learning and networking; they can also be marathons of excitement and stress. Be sure to take care of your well-being, both physically and mentally. Get enough sleep, eat well, and manage your stress levels. If large crowds aren’t your thing and you find your social battery draining, take a moment to step back and focus on yourself! There is no shame in needing some ‘me-time’ at an event this scale!

Being Shy

If you're introverted or naturally shy, it's easy to stick to your comfort zone. But IAAPA Expos are a prime opportunity to step out and make connections. Don't let shyness hold you back.

Remember, everyone is there to network, learn, and have a great time!

Celebrating at the NextGen concept showcase at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023

With IAAPA Expo 2023 just days away, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the themed entertainment industry! From the latest exhibitor announcements to the fascinating EDUTours and EDUSessions, be sure to make the most out of your IAAPA Expo experience!

Written by Dan Wright, NextGen Showcase 2022/23 Alum

IAAPA Expos - A NextGen Showcase Guide For Young Professionals & First Timers