IAAPA Expo Europe 2023, the premier event for the leisure and attractions industry, brought together professionals and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest innovations, connect with industry leaders, and celebrate the growth and resilience of the attractions sector.
Participation at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 was a valuable experience for the Waterboyz team, brimming with precious information and significant opportunities. This international exhibition serves as a hub for the leisure and attractions industry, and the Waterboyz team made the most of this occasion. Here are some of the valuable insights and advantages they gained from their participation in this prominent event:
- Global Exposure: IAAPA Expo Europe brought together professionals and experts from all over the world, providing the Waterboyz team with a global perspective on the leisure and attractions industry. This exhibition allowed them to understand trends and practices from various countries, which is invaluable for a company aiming to remain competitive on an international level.
- Innovations and Trends: At IAAPA Expo Europe, the Waterboyz team had access to the latest innovations and technologies in the field of attractions and entertainment. They could explore new products and services that can enhance the customer experience in amusement parks and other play areas. This allowed them to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and bring innovations to their own offerings.
- Expert Knowledge: The event included educational sessions and presentations by industry experts. The Waterboyz team had the opportunity to learn from thought leaders and gain knowledge firsthand about best practices, attraction management, and business strategies in the industry.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Participation in such a significant event also served as a source of inspiration and motivation. The Waterboyz team witnessed the achievements of other companies in the industry and was encouraged to continue to strive for excellence and innovation in their own field.
- Market Insights: The Waterboyz team gained a deeper understanding of the market and customer requirements. This allowed them to better adapt to the changing needs of their target audience and develop more effective marketing and sales strategies.




"IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 provided an excellent platform for establishing contacts and expanding the business network. The Waterboyz team was able to interact with other industry professionals, create potential partnerships, and discuss collaboration opportunities," said George Toda, CEO of Waterboyz Romania.
As a unique destination for industry experts, IAAPA Expo Europe is the perfect event for professionals from:
- Amusement and theme parks
- Integrated hotels and resorts
- Water parks
- Family entertainment centers
- Historic/cultural/tourist attractions
- Museums and science centers
- Hotel resorts
- Shopping malls
- Zoos and aquariums
- Location-based entertainment venues
- Cruise lines
IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 exceeded all expectations, with over 12,000 participants and the presence of 633 exhibiting companies, highlighting the strong optimism and dynamism in the industry," stated Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA.
The education conference, a cornerstone of every IAAPA expo, included 169 speakers, with women representing 30% of the panelists. An all-female panel during the Wednesday 'CEO Talk' featured Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris; Amanda Thompson, OBE, ICAE, CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach; and Susanne Mørch Koch, CEO of Tivoli Gardens.




The exhibition event also featured a stronger presence of the IAAPA Foundation, which supports future talent for the global attractions industry. Over 12,000 euros were raised through the sale of custom Lebkuchen cookies, a traditional Austrian delicacy, open donations by attendees, and an in-person auction event. The auction, which included items donated by the industry, such as park visits, behind-the-scenes tours, overnight stays, and more, raised over 5,000 euros in just 30 minutes.




IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from September 23-26.
Through their participation in IAAPA Expo Europe 2023, the Waterboyz team obtained a significant amount of valuable information to help them develop their business and provide better experiences to their customers. This event once again demonstrated the importance of continuous education and networking