It wasn’t just exhibitor numbers that were up, but exhibitors too. A record 272 companies participated in the show, which ran from Tuesday to Thursday, January 30 to February 1, forcing organisers to add a third hall at the last minute.

“We are extremely pleased with these results,” reported Emmanuel Mongon, chairman of the board for the Euro Attractions Show (EAS). “The visitors were there, and all the main players were there. People were happy, and I think it’s not only because of the show, but because there is something happening again in the industry.”

Visitors came from more than 65 nations, representing facilities ranging from theme parks and fairgrounds to museums and science centres. Yet it seemed clear to many observers that a significant number were local visitors, and a large percentage travelling showmen with families in tow. Good for some exhibitors – and good for bar sales – but less important for others. Spain’s own amusement exhibition, the biannual Induferias in Valencia, didn’t happen last year, so there was probably also a lot of people ready to visit a show on Spanish soil.

Successful social events in Seville included the Tuesday night Welcome Reception, attended by more than 1,200 guests, Wednesday’s EAS Gala, enjoyed by 670 party-goers inside the city’s Old Casino building, and the TEA mixer, a post-show drinks get-together on Wednesday evening for those opting not to do the Gala.

More than 580 people participated in educational programmes offered this time at EAS, from full-day courses by Spanish trade association AEPA to presentations and panel discussions involving international industry experts. A sightseeing trip round historic Seville and a behind-the-scenes tour of the city’s Isla Magica theme park, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2007, both sold out.

Of frustration to some guests, however, was the fact that Isla Magica was not open the rest of the time, despite being touted as one of the city’s attractions by EAS organisers in advance. As for the Giant Ferris Wheel that appeared on much of the show’s literature, that had been removed months ago by operator World Tourist Attractions. So really the only amusement equipment most visitors got to see in Seville was at the show itself, and there were very few rides on show. Outdoor exhibits, for example, were almost all of the blow-up variety.

But the exhibitor list was impressive, with most major manufacturers and suppliers represented, albeit with smaller stands in several cases. Not all of them got their displays in time though, and a number of operational issues blighted the start of the show for some.

Positioned close to the entrance of the main hall, Hall 2, Mack Rides was well placed to pick up visitors as they entered the show. “The first day was very busy and we had some good meetings,” confirmed the company’s Sascha Rigling.

“Attendance is up, which is always good,” noted Peter van Bilsen of Vekoma Rides Manufacturing. “I have also enjoyed all the parties, we got a real flavour of Seville.”

According to Jack Mendes of Bob’s Space Racers: “For us, it’s been a good show. Traffic was up and we saw a lot more new people, people we didn’t know before, and that was very positive.”

“I have mixed feeling about the show,” said Olaf Mordelt of German animations specialist Heimo, which is currently installing a dark ride at Isla Magica. “There is a high attendance, yes, but I have not see all the people I needed to see. I think because of the location in Southern Spain we have seen few key players from countries like Germany, Holland, Belgium and the UK, and no Arabs or Asians.”

“There are relatively few people from outside Europe,” agreed Ruud Koppens of ETF Ride Systems. “I though we would see more visitors from the Middle East.”

It’s inevitable that as the Euro Attractions Show moves around the continent, it will pick up a different crowd each time, but poor air links to Seville (even most Europeans needed to catch at least two flights) surely stopped some potential visitors from making it. Who knows what the final attendance would have been had the show been located somewhere more easily accessible?

Well maybe we will find out next year when EAS visits France for a second time and the popular Côte d'Azur tourist resort of Nice. Show dates? Wednesday to Friday, January 23 to 25.

See the April 2007 issue of Park World for more pictures, including our exclusive shots from the EAS Gala.

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