Orlando hosts IAAPA 97

After two years in New Orleans, the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) trade show and conference is leaving the bayou for its "natural" home, the theme park capital of Orlando. The 79th IAAPA exhibition, preceded by four days' worth of seminars and training sessions, will be held November 19-22 at the Orange County Convention Center.

Celebrating "The Magic of Fun," IAAPA 97 is expected to attract 1,000 exhibitors collected in 4,200 booths, running the gamut from popcorn and ice cream vendors to companies like Vekoma and Zamperla, showcasing their latest thrill rides. Imax, Iwerks, and SimEx will likely be shuttling some of the anticipated 24,000 visitors in and out of their motion-simulation theatres as well on the show floor, which this year tops 750,000 sq. ft. (175,000 sq. m). Off-site events will include evening trips to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida.

For more information about IAAPA 97, call 703/836-4800, or set your browser to www.iaapa.org. Confirmed exhibitors as of mid-September include Alcorn McBride, BRC Imagination Arts, ECA2, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (TCI and Lighting Dimensions magazines will be exhibiting at the ESTA booth), Gemini Sound Products, The Great American Market, ITEC Productions, Landmark Entertainment Group, Laser Media, Laservision, Lazarus Lighting Design, Le Maitre Special Effects Inc., Lexington Scenery and Props, Lumenyte, Morpheus Lights, Ness Lighting, Production Arts, the Production Resource Group, Scenery West, Sega GameWorks, Soundelux Florida, SpectraF/X, Super Vision, Technifex, and the Themed Entertainment Association. Come one, come all.