The Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (RAAPA) stages its 10th exhibition this month in Moscow. Park World previews RAAPA 2008.
Around 8,000 visitors from Russia and the CIS countries are expected to attend this year’s show, which kicks off on April 9 with an opening ceremony attended by IAAPA’s Bob Masterson and Charlie Bray. With more than 180 exhibitors, this anniversary event promises to be the biggest Russian showcase of modern amusement rides, machines and equipment ever – a far cry from the first exhibition in 1999 when just 40 companies participated.
Among the line-up this time will be Action Park, Eastern European Company, Fabbri, Heimo, KCC Entertainment, Mack Rides, Pax, Polin Waterparks, Qubica AMF and Zamperla. The show has also attracted strong support in recent years from a number of British companies, including Elton Games, Sarner and Simworx.
RAAPA now has a message for those potential exhibitors that have not yet taken part: “Western companies who have hesitated to bring their products or services to the thriving Russian market should now give more serious consideration to establishing a presence at the exhibition,” says a show spokesperson.
Starting two days ahead of the main show, RAAPA will also host a two-day conference (as seen above) in which amusement professionals from Europe and the USA will discuss current developments and business opportunities in Russia, as well as the state of the industry in general. The practical experience they will share is expected to be of use to Russian colleagues looking to develop amusement parks, waterparks and family entertainment centres.
RAAPA 2008 will be staged inside Pavilion 69 of the VVC exhibition centre, Moscow, from Wednesday to Friday, April 9 to 11. The associated conference takes place on April 7 and 8 at the same venue.
