More than 40,000 people from over 100 countries are descending on Orlando, Florida, ahead of the largest visitor attractions show of the year – the IAAPA Expo.

Taking place at the Orange County Convention Center and serving the US$360bn (€326.7bn, £279.7bn) global attractions industry, more than 1,100 different companies will be exhibiting across 585,000sq ft (54,300sq m) of trade show floor.

Starting today (Monday 18 November), IAAPA is hosting the first sessions in its programme of more than 100 educational presentations by leading operators. Tomorrow (Tuesday 19 November), a kickoff event takes place at 9am, with the show floor opening at 10am.

Speakers this year include keynotes Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Lines; Vince Kadlubek, co-founder and CEO of creative firm Meow Wolf; and the always popular Legends panel, hosted by BRC’s Bob Rogers.

In these sessions, Duffy will look at the integral role attractions are playing in the cruise line sector, Kadlubek will discuss the consumer’s movement towards creative experiences, and the Legends Panel will go behind the scenes of the creation of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney theme parks.

The conference takes place from 18-22 November and the trade show from 19-22 November. Buyers and decision-makers from the world of theme parks, waterparks, FECs, museums, zoos and aquariums all in attendance at the show.

For the second time, the show floor will extend beyond the walls of the convention centre into an outdoor structure built for the event. Called the Exploration Station, this area creates exhibit space for more than 130 new exhibitors.

For news from a selection of visiting exhibitors, click here.