IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 4

The lights went out and all was still. Four days of bringing together every component of the amusement industry wrapped up as the record-breaking IAAPA Expo 2023 drew to a close. The announcements are done; contracts and discussions for 2024 and beyond are underway.

Photo: David Lipnicky. View full-sized image.

Each day of the expo has an unspoken different purpose. Day Four is no different. Each day is exhilarating, but on Day Four the pace is a little slower. There is more time to reconnect and build relationships and explore the other areas of the trade show floor.

Conversations were longer at the ACE booth as Joe Draves, Jerry Brick from Palace Entertainment, the Irvine Ondrey Engineering team, Mark Rosenzweig of 3dxScenic, Chris Gray from Skyline Attractions and many others stopped by to hear updates from ACE and meet ACE members visiting the booth. The conversations were filled with ideas of how to support the suppliers and updates from ACE, including the world’s largest ride, our 45th anniversary and upcoming events.

Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

While so much was happening in the ACE booth, other ACE volunteers were visiting booths to continue to foster our relationships in the industry. Visits were made to Zamperla, Bolliger & Mabillard, Give Kids The World, Ride Entertainment, MV Rides, Wiegland, Chance Rides, New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives and many more to follow up on conversations from earlier in the week or to connect.

Interviews filled the day to ask the questions that curious minds have. ACE Communications Director Derek Perry, ACE Podcast Coordinator Jessica Gardner and ACE Social Media Manager Doug Perry conducted interviews with Preston Perkes of S&S Worldwide, Carin Davits and Ricardo Etges of Vekoma, Jake Kilcup of Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), Adam Sandy and Michael Coleman of Zamperla and many other stars of the amusement industry. During the interview with Perkes, it was mentioned that the Transformers-themed Axis coaster will be approximately the same height as S&S’s prototype and will be located indoors on the level above automobile parking. At a top speed of 35 mph, riders will take two consecutive trips around the track. He also spoke about S&S Worldwide's new RailRyder single-rail family coaster concept that drew inspiration from their Steeplechase design. Proud of RMC's Brass Ring Award win this week, Jake Kilcup pointed out that RMC’s new Wild Moose concept really does fit into the same plot of land as a traditional wild mouse roller coaster and was inspired by the prelift section on Twisted Colossus. Other members of the ACE social media team highlighted ACE Founder Richard Munch and Intamin's Falcon's Flight lead car, which will be riding the tracks of the world's largest roller coaster ever built.

Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.

As the end of the show neared, one industry professional said it so well: “It is time for the real work to begin.” Everything in life only has the potential to be what one is willing to make of it, and leaving a tradeshow is a prime example of this. Brainstorming, ideas, relationship building, creativity and collaborations are ahead this winter for ACE and all the manufacturers, suppliers and park representatives in attendance.

Photo: Eric Holladay. View full-sized image.

After those few moments of dimmed lights and quiet, the postshow action immediately begins. Backdrops are disassembled, boxes are packed, a truck drives by to be loaded and the announcement is made to clear the aisles because the carpet is about to be rolled up for another year. Reminiscent of departure day from a week-long Coaster Con event, it's an incredible and confusing mixture of feelings: exhaustion, exhilaration, excitement and satisfaction of a week well executed.

Be sure to check out the Facebook, X and Instagram links at the top of the page for ACE's additional coverage of the Expo week activities.

— Elizabeth Ringas, President of American Coaster Enthusiasts

The annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo kicks off on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. There is much anticipation for this year's show, and ACE will be in the center of the action. For ACE's complete coverage of IAAPA Expo week, click on the links below:

Daily Recaps: (links to be activated after each day)

• IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 1
• IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 2
• IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 3
• IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 4