Delegates from more than 30 countries and five continents are about to descend on New Orleans for the World Waterpark Association’s annual symposium and trade show – the world’s largest gathering of water leisure professionals and development experts.

Taking place between 11-14 October, the 36th anniversary of the event is expected to draw more than 1,400 people representing owners, operators, developers, suppliers and designers from the waterpark sector, showcasing products and sharing ideas for the coming year.

Among those in attendance will be representatives from Great Wolf Resorts,Camelback Lodge, Wild Island Family Adventure Park, Wet ‘n Wild Brazil and more.With 238 companies showcasing their latest products and service innovations.

The WWA’s educational programme will also showcase more than 100 speakers, including keynote speakers Aaron Davis and Mike Donnelly. Davis will speak will speak about how championship leaders lead with “passion, purpose and love for their people,” while Donnelly, a Best Speaker recipient at last year’s WWA Show in Palm Springs, will share views on how to create and deliver a world-class customer experience that will work for any organisation.

“We strive to make every WWA Show a showcase for the latest trends and developments in the industry, whether it comes by hearing inspiring ideas from WWA’s all-star speakers or seeing exciting new product innovations and conversing with the people who are driving our industry forward,” said WWA president, Rick Root, speaking to Attractions Management. “Attendees can expect to hear fresh ideas and take home new, more effective ways to build their businesses and make their operations safer and more successful in 2017.”