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(News) IAAPA announced that it expects 4500 industry leaders to attend the education program, and show, of its Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2012. The trade show floor is open 5-8 June, and education programming will span 3-8 June. The event takes place in Hong Kong, SAR, China, and features five days of education programming and networking activities, such as Leadership Breakfasts, the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers, a daylong IAAPA Safety Institute, and other networking events.

The education conference will feature instructional sessions on topics such as employee engagement, attraction design and concept development, maximizing revenue, marketing, industry trends, and social media. Participants can also attend the Leadership Breakfasts on 7 and 8 June. Andrew Kam, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland, will speak 7 June about the company’s brand experience in Asia, its current and future plans, and ideas to remain on the cutting edge in the Asian attractions market. Wu Siyuan, chairman of OCT Vision, has been invited to deliver remarks in Chinese during the 8 June breakfast.

The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers is an intensive, 2.5-day program designed to foster the professional development of rising attractions industry leaders. The course is a blend of classroom instruction, case study, and classwork in five core management areas: finance, revenue operations, safety, marketing, and human resources.

The IAAPA Safety Institute, which is included in AAE 2012 registration, will provide information about current safety standards and regulations. This Institute will give attendees an overview of safety standards, a framework for regulations on safety operations, and an improved understanding of the importance of safety operations in the industry.

In addition, several networking events will take place at Hong Kong-area attractions. The opportunities to connect with colleagues will include the Young Professionals Reception, the Opening Ceremony, IAAPA events at Ocean Park Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland, a tour at Ngong Ping 360, and a post-Expo tour at Chimelong Resort.

Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier event for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in Asia. More than 4,500 professionals from 60 countries are expected to participate in the 2012 event, representing theme parks, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, casinos, and resorts. The trade show floor will showcase products and services offered by more than 275 companies from 30 countries in more than 100 products, including amusement and theme park rides; architectural and design services; coin-operated games, skill games, and redemption prizes; and food and beverage.