Today, the activities of the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit were concluded, with the participation of hundreds of local and international investors who came from
40 countries, in the presence of a large number of workers in the entertainment sector in the Kingdom, specialists and those interested in the industry.
The summit, which was organized by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), in partnership with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), witnessed 8 dialogue sessions over two days, in which 45 international experts from 9 countries participated. Moreover, there was an accompanying exhibition in which 24 local and international companies from 11 countries displayed their latest products and services that support the entertainment industry and meet its needs.
The dialogue sessions discussed several main themes aimed at developing the entertainment sector in the Kingdom and supporting it with the latest information, developments and procedures necessary to achieve its goals based on international standards.
The second day of the summit began with a presentation on retail in the entertainment sector. Then, a dialogue session discussed the real effects of Saudi Vision 2030 on the entertainment sector. Many experts shed light on major entertainment projects in the Kingdom and also reviewed future projects. After that, they discussed how to start new entertainment projects in the Kingdom, train and qualify human cadres, and increase the attractiveness of entertainment events with the growing demand for them.
Another session was held on human capital and preparing the next generation for the entertainment industry. The session discussed several basic topics about supporting the entertainment sector with well-qualified human cadres through which they can perform their tasks to the fullest, thus contributing to the achievement of the goals of the entertainment facilities.
Another session discussed the best ways to increase destination revenue. Expert speakers explained how key performance indicators are used to develop attractions, discussed techniques for optimizing secondary spending, and reviewed recent trends in marketing attractions.
The fourth session touched on the supply chain strategy of the entertainment industry and discussed ways to address challenges and opportunities in the supply chain of the entertainment industry, including sustainability and environmental, social and governance considerations. The session also discussed ways to acquire effective tools in supply chain management and reduce associated risks.
The first day of the summit witnessed a variety of presentations on entertainment destinations in the Kingdom, in addition to dialogue sessions that discussed a number of topics, such as the art of relations with visitors, areas of safety, the pivotal market for major entertainment projects in the Kingdom, design and management of huge ride operations, and others.
The summit was also accompanied by a professional development program for destination managers, presented by IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers, from March 5 to 7.
The program included training courses presented by international experts from 5 countries, targeting decision-makers and executives in companies and entities operating in the entertainment sector in the Kingdom. Participants received IAAPA-accredited certificates.
The organization of IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit comes within the framework of the General Entertainment Authority’s endeavors to develop the entertainment sector in the Kingdom and support it with the latest international standards to meet the increasing demand for entertainment events throughout the Kingdom.
