IAAPA Announces Special Events and Program Schedule for Asian Attractions Expo 2018

IAAPA Announces Special Events and Program Schedule for Asian Attractions Expo 2018 Events include Opening Night Reception at Ocean Park Hong Kong, Leadership Breakfast Keynote Address by Dr. Allan Zeman, and Animal Welfare Forum ORLANDO, Fla., US (1 April 2018) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) invites attractions industry professionals from around the world to take part in professional networking opportunities and impactful education programs during Asian Attractions Expo 2018 (AAE 2018) in Hong Kong, China, 5-8 June 2018. More than 8,000 participants are expected to attend the international conference and trade show for the multibillion-dollar attractions industry to exchange ideas, establish business connections, and learn from global experts.

This year’s AAE 2018 special events schedule includes a celebration of IAAPA’s 100th Anniversary during the Opening Night Reception at Ocean Park Hong Kong, and a leadership breakfast featuring a keynote address delivered by Dr. Allan Zeman, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group. Opening Night Reception at Ocean Park Hong Kong Celebrating IAAPA’s 100th Anniversary (6 June) Attendees will network with industry peers from around the world, enjoy specialty food and beverages, and toast to IAAPA’s 100th anniversary while experiencing the unique attractions at Ocean Park Hong Kong. Dr. Allan Zeman, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman Leadership Breakfast with keynote speaker of Lan Kwai Fong Group (7 June)

The leadership breakfast provides senior-level attractions industry professionals the opportunity to learn and network with regional and global colleagues. Dr. Allan Zeman, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, a major property owner and developer in Lan Kwai Fong - one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist and entertainment districts - will deliver the event’s keynote address.

A resident of Hong Kong for more than 45 years, Dr. Zeman will share insights about developing world-class destinations, creating successful attractions, and positively contributing to the region’s tourism industry. Dr. Zeman previously served as Chairman of Ocean Park from 2003 to 2014, and under his leadership, the theme park experienced tremendous growth, and was transformed into an iconic travel destination. Animal Welfare: Trends, Issues, and Strategies Forum (5 June) In addition to 15 general education sessions led by industry leaders, the Animal Welfare: Trends, Issues, and Strategies Forum is open exclusively to IAAPA members will update attendees about the issue, perceptions, and trends facing attractions and facilities with animals. Over the past decade, public attention and concern about the welfare and rights of animals has grown exponentially. The implications of these trends are significant and profoundly affect zoos, aquariums, attractions, and parks that display or feature animals. Jim Hekkers, retired managing director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, will lead a forum that explores the key components of the issues while providing actionable information to help organizations understand, cope with, and proactively manage potential public criticism. Please note: Admission to the events listed above requires a separate ticket in addition to Asian Attractions Expo 2018 registration. To purchase tickets to these events, and to register for AAE 2018, visit www.iaapa.org/asianattractionsexpo. About Asian Attractions Expo Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier international event for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Asian Attractions Expo 2018 takes place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong, China 5-8 June, and includes a 9,500-net-square-meter trade show floor, a comprehensive industry education program, networking events, and visits to some of the region's premier attractions. More than 8,000 attractions industry professionals from more than 50 countries will participate in the 2018 event. @IAAPAHQ #AAE18

About IAAPA Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) began as an advocacy office in 1918. Since that time, IAAPA has become the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the global attractions industry. As a non-profit organization, IAAPA represents more than 5,300 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions; water parks, resorts; family entertainment centers; zoos, aquariums; science centers, museums; and industry manufacturers and suppliers.

IAAPA helps members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry worldwide.

The association's global headquarters is in Orlando, Florida, US. The non-profit organization maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; Mexico City, Mexico, and Alexandria, Virginia, US. To learn more, visit www.IAAPA.org or connect through social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA100