The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has estimated that 24,000 people from 100 different countries took part in its 2008 Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida, US.

"Considering the state of the world economy and the fact that this was our second consecutive year in Orlando, we are pleasantly surprised with the attendance at this year's Expo," said IAAPA president and chief executive officer, Charles Bray. "26,500 people participated in last year's show in Orlando, which was one of our best events in the past 10 years. To be down less than 10 percent during these tumultuous economic times is amazing."

The expo featured 1,154 companies exhibiting to more than 13,000 buyers. Kevin Rohwer, director of sales, S&S Worldwide, said: "It's been a great show. We were reserved coming in with what's happened in the US economy and we've noticed some of the big park groups, instead of taking 12 people are taking four or five, but we've had good, quality meetings. People have been talking about specific needs. We're quite enthused; it's one of the better IAAPA expos I've been to in a long time. We came in reserved, but we're leaving pleasantly surprised."

Lucy Murphy, of Italian ride company Zamperla, added: "The people coming into the booth are coming to talk. You're seeing a lot of caution. The buyers are looking at all angles before making decisions, but we have made some sales. "There is optimism out there. People who already have projects in the works are moving forward with those. We've had quite a few folks come here with new developments, looking ahead, but they're taking small steps because of the economy."

Around 8,200 people also took part in more than 125 organised sessions including educational seminars, tours and roundtables. "Given these uncertain economic times, attractions operators craved new ideas and information about best practices to get the most out of their operations, and we believe that hunger contributed to the record turnout for the education sessions," said John Henderson, vice president of education for IAAPA. Next year's IAAPA Attractions Expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on 16-20 November 2009.

Photograph: The 2008 IAAPA Attractions Expo was held at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, US