IAAPA Expo 2024 - Day 1 Recap

On November 19, IAAPA Expo 2024 began welcoming more than 38,000 representatives from the attractions industry at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Photo: Rob Ascough

The four-day celebration, highlighted by more than 1,100 exhibitors and over 150 educational programs, introduced new pavilions like "Haunting Grounds," focused on Halloween-themed attractions, and a "Street Market Sensations" concourse, where attendees could explore culinary trends through live demos and tastings.

Photo: Rob Ascough

At 9 a.m., the always-popular opening ceremony began with speeches by IAAPA North America Vice President and Executive Director, Michael Shelton, Chair of the Board Wuthichai Luangamornlert, First Vice Chair Masamilliano Freddi and President and CEO Jakob Wahl. These were interspersed with stunning live entertainment that would not have been out of place in the world’s finest venues, as well as videos highlighting impressive attractions industry additions from around the globe and new Hall of Fame inductees.

Photo: Rob Ascough

Photo: Derek Perry

After the hour-long ceremony ended, the trade show floor with space exceeding half a million square feet opened to attendees, and Premier Rides wasted no time making the first splash of the day by presenting a car to be featured on AlpenFury. The dual launch roller coaster currently under construction at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan, Ontario) will break numerous records for a roller coaster in the country and will bring the park’s count to a staggering 19 gravity-powered machines for riders of all ages and levels of experience.

Photo: Jon Roost

Photo: Rob Ascough

Photo: Rachel Hawkins

Zamperla was next and while its large exhibit did not feature any rides as in years past, they nonetheless created excitement with the announcement of the company’s new Family Thrill Launch coaster. Set to open in 2026 at Parc Spirou (Monteux, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France), the ride will involve two different experiences: the first half features a 40- mph launch up into numerous elements before wrapping around the towering spike and returning to the load station; the second accelerates the train again over the same launch section at 47 mph, passing over the switch through additional elements and reaching the top of the spike, where gravity takes over and allows the second half to be experienced backward.

Photo: Jon Roost

Without an official announcement or media event, Bolliger & Mabillard’s exhibit nonetheless attracted attention for displaying a car for Rapterra — the launched wing coaster debuting at Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia) for the 2025 season. The company is also debuting Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge — at nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) next year, making it a good time to be a coaster enthusiast in the region.

Photo: Jon Roost

Expo attendees were thrilled to see a preview of Hersheypark’s (Hershey, Pennsylvania) new Screamin’ Swing, Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, from S & S Worldwide, and one of the gondolas (they were equally thrilled to be presented a neart-endless supply of Twizzler candies). Reaching a height of 137 feet and speeds of 68 mph, it will be a record-holder for the Screamin’ Swings when it debuts for the 2025 season on a hilltop spot above Spring Creek.

Photo: VindantaWorld

BON Luxury Theme Park (with BON standing for “beauty of nature”), part of the larger VidantaWorld in Jarretaderras, Nayarit, Mexico, is shaping up to be the recipient of five roller coasters from Vekoma. Tecuani — a dual launch thrill coaster — was announced along with the unveiling of one of the coaster’s vehicles. Many in attendance agreed that the park never on anyone’s radar walked away with one of the more impressive announcements of the expo’s first day.

Photo: Derek Perry

Photo: Derek Perry

Thanks to the help of ACE volunteers, the ACE booth was both a welcoming place for those interested to learn more about the organization and members to take a break and mingle with others throughout the day. It culminated with Chris Kraftchick being named an ACE Honorary Member by ACE President Elizabeth Ringas. Kraftchick was acknowledged for the volunteer work he has done for the organization throughout the years, including temporarily accepting the role of operations director and serving as the regional director. Kraftchick’s daughter, Maddy, and ACE founding member Richard Munch were on hand for the plaque ceremony.

— Rob Ascough, Publications Director