Europe's premium event for the visitor attraction sector - IAAPA Expo Europe - is officially underway in Paris, France, for its 2019 edition.

The former Euro Attractions Show has undergone a rebranding this year, is expected to attract more than 15,000 participants – of which around 9,000 will be buyers.

The event this year features the largest show floor in its history, with 17,500sq m (188,000sq ft) of exhibition space for the 600+ companies represented at the event held at Porte de Versailles in the French capital.

It will offer 15 educational sessions, covering a wide range of important topics – from operations and creating guest experiences to communications and design.

Adding to these, there will be nine in-depth learning experiences. The speciality programme includes the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers at Disneyland Paris; a one-day waterpark forum; and an IAAPA Safety Institute session at Parc Astérix.The Leadership Breakfast, held on 18 September, will feature Nicolas de Villiers, président of Puy du Fou, as he shares the successes of the attraction and looks ahead to its international expansions.

“We are excited to return to “the city of light” for IAAPA Expo Europe,” said Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA. “The many attractions around Paris reflect the vast diversity of the global attractions industry. Much of that diversity will be represented here this week on the expansive trade show floor. We look forward to a conference filled with innovation, learning, and connection.”

Attractions Management is on-hand at the event. Check back here through the week for all the latest news coming from IEE 2019.