Anyone been to IAAPA? Could use advice

[JesterMn]

With IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) bringing their convention to Las Vegas (after many long years in Orlando) in November, I'd sort of like to do. But I've never done it before.

I'm not even sure if it's open to the public or not. I am an ACE member, and as I once heard, ACE members are welcome. But not quite sure how to go about it, and which are the "best" days to go. Are the conventions and extra events open to participants as well? Are they extra?

Any tips and insight would be welcome!

[AE_Fan]

As far as I know, you have to be part of the industry to attend. While I have heard of ACE members attending, I will be pretty blunt here.

For the most part, while it is neat to see everything and see what's new...don't expect much interaction with the vendors since they are at IAAPA to do business. While I know there are some that don't mind talking to the GP, the place is not here for the GP plain and simple.

*Update* Just found out that it is possible for the public to attend, however your looking to spend $100+ depending if you've registered or not. But still, it's really not for the public. You have to dress nice, and depending on the manufacture...you may not be able to test a product out or ride the portable rides because your not part of the industry or a possible client.

[JesterMn]

I am aware of it being for industry... I'm not necessarily looking for free handouts or rides, or to "scoop" any insider knowledge. But I've seen trip reports before, and it's pretty close to me, and I think it could be fun to see the booths and vendors, if nothing else. (Although I've heard it's actually not as good as it once was, but since I've never been before, I'll have nothing to compare it to.) I did see tickets are quite expensive, but since this would be something I wouldn't do often, that's okay with me...

[AE_Fan]

Fair enough, as for what days to attend I'd say attend the first day that the trade show is open. Things can get really busy later on in the event and the trade show floor is pretty huge. (Though I admit it might not be much of a nightmare since it's split in two levels. In Orlando the whole floor was spread out all over.)

As for it not being as good as it once was, I'd say two factors come into play on that.

1. Size of the outdoor exibits.

In the past the outdoor section was huge with a bunch of rides, however the last few years it's really shrunk down considerably with fewer rides and mainly just inflatables.

2. Any new ride concepts or big announcements.

This is pretty simple, whenever a company shows off a really exciting new concept or make a big announcement of any kind...the place is just buzzing with excitement. However in the last few years, there's been no real big announcements or concepts. I'd say the lack of new concepts and rides can be due to the economy, parks really don't want to take a chance with a new kind of ride that could fail on them at this point.