Formerly the Asian Attractions Expo, (AAE) the newly-rechristened IAAPA Expo Asia (IEA) takes its first steps under its new name from 11-14 June.

Taking place at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai, China, IEA is Asia's leading international business event for industry professionals in the region.

More than 8,500 people from 60 countries are expected to attend, travelling from locations Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. There, they will descend on Shanghai to buy, learn and network at the hub of Asia's multi-billion dollar attractions industry.

Over 400 companies will be exhibiting products over the course of three days, presenting the latest products and services including rides, virtual reality attractions, motion simulators, waterpark attractions, videogames, design and theming services, ticketing solutions, food and beverages, and more. At 13,000sq m, the trade show floor will be the largest in the event's history.

Joe Schott, president and general manager at Shanghai Disney, is set to deliver the event's keynote speech during the Leadership Breakfast on 13 June. Also set to speak are Luke Riley, senior vice president of Village Roadshow, and June Ko executive director and vice president of IAAPA Asia Pacific Operations. Also on offer will be IEA's education programme, which takes place over four days and offers a wide variety of learning opportunities.

Attendees to the show will also be able to take part in a number of special events and networking opportunities throughout the week. Key highlights include the Opening Night Reception at the new Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, a safety EDUTour of Shanghai Disney Resort and a post-show four-day tour of Hangzhou.

"Attendees will experience the largest trade show floor in this event’s history," said June Ko, executive director and vice president of IAAPA Asia Pacific Operations.

"We’ve expanded the conference with more networking events, a robust education conference, and developed new opportunities for students and young professionals to learn more about the attractions industry.

"IAAPA Expo Asia is the place where the global attractions industry comes together to connect, learn, and grow."