The attractions industry is set to descend upon one of Europe’s most inspiring cities – Barcelona. And if it’s inspiration you’re looking for, the Euro Attractions Show is the place

A visit to Barcelona in September is a surefire way to widen your professional horizons in the attractions world, as Europe’s premier buying event and seminar programme arrives in Spain’s second most populous city.

With more than 9,000 attendees coming to the Euro Attractions Show (EAS), it’s set to be one of the busiest ever. In response, the organisers are promising 450 world-class exhibitors, a 12,000sqm (129,000 sq ft) trade show floor and a comprehensive education schedule based on what’s happening in the industry right now.

EAS 2016 is being held at the Fira Gran Via Convention Center from 18 to 22 September, with certain elements being hosted at PortAventura World, southern Europe’s leading theme park.

Who’s going?
EAS always attracts strong interest from its base in central Europe, especially Spain, France, Italy, Germany and the Benelux region. The event is increasingly popular among companies from the Middle East and Africa, due in part to IAAPA European operations taking on the entire EMEA region. Interest from the Latin America area is noted because of the event being held in a Spanish-speaking country.

What will I see?
On the exhibit floor – the largest in EAS history – buyers and decision makers can browse hundreds of different types of products and services. From rollercoasters and dark rides to family rides and water rides, from theming services to theatrical equipment and costume design, from POS and ticketing technology to food and beverage offerings and from resort and hotel development to waterpark design, attendees can find everything related to the leisure and attractions industry.

What can I learn?
The education programme covers lodging and resort development, dining experiences, intellectual property, pricing and yield management, edutainment possibilities, event organisation, revitalising attractions, developing VIP guest programmes and much more.

Who’s speaking?
The list of speakers includes a range of industry leaders, company owners and attractions operators, including representatives from Disneyland Paris, Efteling, Europa Park and Leolandia.

• Fernando Aldecoa, general manager at PortAventura World, is the star of this year’s CEOs Talk roundtable

• Ferrari’s Michele Pignatti Morano is discussing the power of the Italian brand as a park concept

• Sandy Clark, operations director at The View from the Shard, is talking about the benefits of VIP guest programmes

• Paul Chatelot, director for safety, prevention and the environment at Disneyland Paris, is presenting on developing an emergency response plan

• Margreet Papamichael, director economics, AECOM, is talking at a session on IPs in attractions

• Roland Kleve, managing director at Bobbejaanland, is sharing his ideas on how to renew and revitalise existing attractions

• Chris Perry, amusement executive at WhiteWater West, is giving a presentation making your park “epic”

• Søren Kragelund, president at Fårup Sommerland, is talking about how to implement lodging facilities at an attraction