This past week, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo 2017 was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, where over 1100 exhibitors from around the world showcased their products and services to well over 30,000 industry professionals.
The massive show floor, with more than 9 miles of aisles for attendees to explore, is a sensory experience with all of the flashing lights, interesting displays, sounds of games, and smells of food wafting around.
One recurring theme throughout the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 show floor was virtual reality. A number of exhibitors used the technology in one way or another, and guests lined up to experience it in all its different forms.
Seeing adults in business attire playing games may be an odd site out in the real world, but at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017, it’s a pretty common site.
Many of the attendees also bring their families; what better way to tell if children will like a particular product than to actually have kids experience it and give their opinion.
An entire section of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 show floor was dedicated to the latest and greatest games.
The IAAPA Attractions Expo is often used by large manufacturers and parks to unveil what’s coming for the next year, including roller coaster cars and other attractions.
Some exhibitors brought entire attractions, like an outdoor skydiving simulator.
Since not every large scale attraction can be displayed, many companies used models to showcase their product.
One company displayed their realistic scale models of significant landmarks for use in attractions. The detail in their models was amazing.
It’s not just rides and attractions at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017. All sorts of products and services were on display, including many that help support the day to day operations of a theme park.
One could easily wander the show floor of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 for all four days and still not see and experience everything.
Walking Around is an occasional series featuring the work of photographer Matt Hopkins. Be sure to follow Matt on twitter and facebook, and visit his website for all your commercial photography needs!
Join in the conversation online by using the official IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 hashtag #IAE17. For the latest on theme parks, attractions, dining venues and more across the region, be sure to follow Touring Central Florida on twitter @TourCentralFL & @androckb, and give our facebook page a like.