A sold-out trade show floor with 1,147 exhibitors and nine miles of trade show aisles is certainly an undertaking of historic proportions. Michael Shelton, executive director and vice president of IAAPA North America, commented on this milestone: “The incredible demand for exhibition space at IAAPA Expo 2023 captures the seriousness of the industry and the dedication to constantly reinvent itself. It's a direct reflection of the eagerness of our members and exhibitors to be part of an event that sets the stage for the future of attractions. We are thrilled to see the entire trade show floor completely sold out.”

Innovation is on display at this year's Expo, from the opening ceremony to the latest in guest experiences. “ IAAPA Expo is where the industry converges to shape the future,” said Jakob Wahl, president and chief executive officer for IAAPA, adding: “The atmosphere is electric, and we're thrilled to reunite the attractions industry and be the place where inspiration shapes the future of fun.”

With attendees from over 100 countries, the opportunities for collaboration and expansion are limitless.

 

Waterloo Tent & Tarp

Innovation and success can sometimes cause unexpected consequences.  Waterloo Tent has experienced backlog as one of the pains of the company's success. 

President Pete Downs said the company is backordered through October 2024, mainly due to lack of people to produce his products.  A large part of the delay comes from the demand for ride tops and canvases as Waterloo is one of the few companies that still produce these pieces. In fact,  even canvas vendors who started building smaller concessions, like 10x10 tents, have pulled out of the market, so Waterloo is taking on those projects again too, re-entering an area they had largely ceded to their smaller competitors. 



Downs has had to brainstorm and innovate to meet demand and satisfy his prized customers. He has subcontracted some items such as stock pieces for common applications that have set dimensions and can be sold right off the shelf.  This has helped to ease production pressure and helped speed up the delivery process.  However, due to safety reasons and protocols, they are not able to subcontract the manufacture of ride tops.

When subcontracting, Waterloo will provide the patterns, cut pieces, etc. and the subcontractor will finish the product.  Waterloo then checks the product for quality control.  Pieces like skirts for Dartron/Battech rides that have common patterns can be subcontracted by the company so that they can stock them for faster delivery. 

On the other hand, Majestic Scooters have over 800 pieces that have to be individually cut and welded together.  The process is very labor intensive and involves tasks that not many can complete properly, so this is a process that must be done in house.



Prices have seen an increase over the last three years, largely due to a 60% rise in material costs.  Polyester is an oil based product which is reflected in the cost of a barrel of oil. Transportation costs have also contributed to the rise in pricing. 

To meet the demands that come up in the industry from time to time,  Downs has begun offering special project pricing for employees who want to commit to overtime to take on an emergency project that may arise.  For example, if a show or park were to lose a canvas top in a storm and need an emergency replacement, Downs has to incentivize employees to work the overtime to get the project completed.  It is a commitment he makes to his customers and a big reason for the company's overwhelming success.  This overtime and incentivizing does come at additional cost however.  The rush-type orders typically add at least 20% to the standard cost.

The demand during the year has had Downs take a “all hands on deck” approach.  For instance, Bryan Schmitt and Gary Primer, both sales reps, have shifted back into production 25-30 hours a week on top of their normal 40 hour sales work week.  Both know the ins and outs of the amusement business as well as the Waterloo product line.  They both started in production at Waterloo, so they are very experienced.  They also took on the design process as well.  “They take the customer's idea, draw it up, place the order and then go out to the factory to build it,” said Downs.



During this busy time, Downs still was able to introduce a new product to the Waterloo line - made of 100% recycled materials from milk jugs detergent bottles etc.  They call the line “renue furniture" and it consists of bar stools, chairs, lounge chairs , bar tables etc .  The product line is geared toward water parks but could be used in many different applications.  They buy the materials from a company in Illinois and work with an Amish community to assemble them.    Royal Caribbean cruise line likes them because they don't rust and require no maintenance .  “They bought 30 of them to try out, but eventually will expand to 300 pieces,” said Downs.





 

IAAPA Brass Ring Exhibit Awards

Winners for the IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards were announced today. The tradition of the brass ring, a term now synonymous with spectacular achievement, dates to the 1800s when rings were hung on carousels to pose a fun challenge for riders. Successfully grabbing a ring while riding the carousel earned the rider a prize, often including an additional free ride. Most rings were made of iron, but a few were made of brass, so grabbing the brass ring was a coveted and celebrated treat.

The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards honor this tradition by celebrating achievements of excellence throughout the global attractions industry. Applicants were judged on their booth design, branding, staffing, product in booth, and overall appeal. More than 100 applications were submitted for these awards.

 

Winners from IAAPA Expo 2023 are as follows:

 

• 300 Square Feet or Less, First Place, Immersive Gamebox
• 300 Square Feet or Less, Second Place, Catalyst Engineering
• 400 - 600 Square Feet, First Place, HB Leisure Ltd.
• 400 - 600 Square Feet, Second Place, L3DFX
• 700 - 900 Square Feet, First Place, Crystal Lagoons
• 700 - 900 Square Feet, Second Place, Technifex
• 1,000 - 1,500 Square Feet, First Place, Wibit Sports GmbH
• 1,000 - 1,500 Square Feet, Second Place, Sandy Creek Mining Company
• 1,600 and Larger Square Feet, First Place, Gel Blaster
• 1,600 and Larger Square Feet, Second Place, S&S Worldwide, Inc.

Image Award Winner - Crystal Lagoons

“The winners of the IAAPA Expo Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards this year showcased an unparalleled dedication and creativity,” said Michael Shelton, vice president and executive director of IAAPA North America. “Their booths and products embody the very essence of innovation and pushing the boundaries for the future of the global attractions industry. It's awe-inspiring to witness the evolution of our industry through these remarkable exhibits, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and experiences that will undoubtedly shape the way we all create and enjoy attractions.”

 

Stay tuned for more information tomorrow from the 2023 IAAPA Trade Show.

2023 IAAPA Expo Trade Show Coverage