Anyone attend the IAAPA show or are you a member?

[Brandon_K]

Just curious. I realize IAPPA doesn't exactly cater to our industry, but they certainly share some ties.

Membership is pretty steep in cost, even as a individual. The expo is in November in Vegas this year.

Anyone have any opinions?

[Allen H]

I attend IAAPA whenever possible, it is for our industry. It is just things that you have to think about using instead of seeing them laid out and packaged nicely for our industry. I am not a member, but I go to the show. Im really hoping the new Haunt association will work on getting a discount on show entry like the showman's association gets for carnival folks.
Allen H

[Brandon_K]

Thanks Allen. I'm going to try to make the show in November this year. At the very least it's a "business trip" to Vegas

[thrilltainment]

we're considering it...but boy it's expensive. gotta save up a bit.
have anyone else gone? what can we expect from it?

[SlightlySick Illusions]

I went to IAAPA when it was in Vegas. It was an amazing show I loved every minute of it.

[thrilltainment]

We attended as a vendor this past November in Orlando, it was a HUGE show. At least 5 times bigger than Transworld (HAAS+HCP combined).

There are actually a couple of haunt vendors that also attend the show, beyond that you'll find a lot more industrial products there. Many of the larger equipment may be beyond the average haunter's budget but they do offer a lot of inspiration. There is also a large section of inflatables, perhaps some haunts may consider those as an added revenue source.

My favorite part was actually going to Universal Studios and trying out the Harry Potter ride --- that was absolutely amazing! What's really cool is that even though you may recognize some of the equipment used in this attraction on the IAAPA show floor, the way Universal managed to mesh multiple rides and elements together into an absolutely seamless multi-dimensional adventure is astounding.

All-in-all, the cost may be high but you're looking at what the big boys play with and it may offer some inspiration for the haunt industry.