More than 120 companies had registered to exhibit their products or services by February 25, proof of the substantial growth this show has witnessed since it started back in 1999 with just 40 companies taking part. Visitor numbers have also expanded in this time, with 6,000 buyers attending last year, and cementing the show’s reputation as the premier exhibition for the attractions industry in Russia and the CIS countries.

Adding value is the accompanying conference programme, with presenters speaking from practical experience of designing, building and operating amusement parks, waterparks and family entertainment facilities (FECs).

The exhibit floor this year will showcase a large variety of products and services, from national and international names like Heimo, Mack, Pax, Zamperla, Simworx, Elton Games, Sarner, Fabbri, AMF and many more. Noticeable will be the large number of Russian companies now manufacturing and presenting products, from play equipment and kiddie ride to Ferris wheels and rollercoasters.

New exhibitors at last year’s show were impressed with what they saw. “I look for some very large growth of this exhibition in the coming two to three years,” remarked Marty Man Smith from the Brady Distributing Company in the US. “I am excited about the prospects Russia holds for our industry.”

Western companies who have hesitated to bring their products or services to this thriving market should now give more serious consideration to establishing a presence at the RAAPA Show.

RAAPA 2007 takes place at the All-Russian Exhibition Centre (VVTs) from April 12 to 14, with the associated conference starting April 10. For more information see www.raapa.ru, or phone +7 499 7603814. Potential exhibitors may also contact RAAPA representative TSI Ltd: tsi_ld@hotmail.com

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