Russian association celebrates 10th show
The 10th anniversary edition of the RAAPA Show, the annual exhibition from the Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, took place within Pavilion 69 of Moscow’s All Russian Exhibition Centre from April 9 to 11.
Having started life in 1999 with only 40 exhibitors, the event has grown steadily year-by-year and in 2008 there were more than 170 companies taking part from 20 countries. Visitors numbers were around 6,000, according to organisers.
Among the participants there were a large number of international suppliers including Action Park, Polin Waterparks, Eastern-European Company, Fabbri Group, Interlink, Moser Rides, Heimo Animated Attractions, Mack Rides, KCC Entertainment Design, FX Simulation, Brunswick Bowling and Zamperla.
Preceding the trade show was the usual conference, where around 200 amusement industry professionals from all regions of Russia shared their insight and experiences with their counterparts from Europe and the USA.
At the end of the first day, an exhibitors’ reception was held in the Cosmos Hotel across the road, and on the third day an award ceremony took place on the show floor.
The RAAPA Show returns from April 15 to 17 next year, but ahead of that an autumn conference/mini-exhibition is planned at the same venue from September 17 to 19.
www.raapa.ru
EAAPA 2008
Russia’s newest amusement industry trade show took place recently for the first time, also in Moscow. The Crocus Expo was the venue for EAAPA 2008 from March 24 to 26.
Organised by Smile-Expo, this new event focused on gaming as well as amusement equipment, and the visitor attendance is thought to have reflected that, with several FEC owners putting in an appearance.
According to Rudik Kasyan, CEO of Smile-Expo, the idea for the event was born after a visit to IAAPA in Orlando. More than 60 exhibitors took part, and organisers claim an attendance of over 3,000, from Russia and other ex-Soviet republics. A conference was also staged as part of the event.
Happy with the results, Smile-Expo plans to do it again next year and EAAPA 2009 will run from February 11 to 13. And in case you were wondering, EAAPA is not actually a trade association!
www.eaapa.com
