IAAPA Expo 2021

IAAPA Expo 2021 - Day 2

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originally posted on 11/17/2021

In a world where fun is so desperately needed once again, the IAAPA Expo has shown us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This being my first expo and having worked in the industry for two years now, I was excited to finally be exposed to everything this industry has to offer. From the free Dippin’ Dots to the DogeCoaster, and the S&S Axis Coaster to Peppa Pig, there is truly something for everyone.

Here are just some of the highlights from today:

Elizabeth Ringas interview Adam Sandy of Zamperla. Photo: ACE Collection. View full-sized image.

To start the morning off, Zamperla announced details on some of its latest attractions, including a Family Thrill Launch coaster, the Double Heart and the Zetta Swing. Some of the highlights of the Family Thrill Launch include a multiple-pass launch, a vertical spike and both forward and backward track sections. Zamperla will be offering three types of car models with it: a truck, motorcycle and sidecar (think Hagrid’s) and side-by-side motorcycles.

Photo: Courtesy Gerstlauer / Cotaland . View full-sized image.

Gerstlauer finally let the cat out of the bag with the unveiling of Palindrome, a new for 2022 Infinity shuttle roller coaster. Palindrome will feature a 95-foot vertical lift hill, 51 mph top speed, two inversions and a vertical “hop-stall” before riders experience the ride again, only backward. It will be the first Infinity shuttle roller coaster built by Gerstlauer in the United States.

Photo: Courtesy Gerstlauer / Cotaland . View full-sized image.

Triotech announced its new Hyper Ride, a revolutionary take on a multimedia-based dark ride. It’s changing the game with not only a motion-based vehicle, but motion-based seats as well. Triotech and Clifton Hill announced that the first one would be installed in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Set for opening next summer season, the brand-new attraction will be called Carnival Chaos Hyper Ride.

Networking is a major aspect of this trade show, and it’s also one of my favorites. As someone who started in this industry at 13 years old, networking has gotten me so far and has led me to my first “dream job” at Kings Island amusement park. During the expo, I was able to talk with Sandra Daniels, vice president of communications with Six Flags, a “celebrity,” if you will, in my field of public relations. Getting to speak with her and the advice she gave me has been the highlight of my week. If you want to help create the fun that people experience, I encourage you to find some way to volunteer and reach out. American Coaster Enthusiasts is a great way to get your foot in the door.

ACE President Robert Ulrich. Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.

Everyone was so happy to see one another again and eager to catch their friends up to date. At the end of the day, it’s all about bringing everyone together, discovering how new memories can be made through our imagination and skills. I’m personally very excited for the future of the attractions industry, and you should be too.