Record-Breaking Event Recognized for Exceptional Global Impact and Industry Advancement
Today, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announced that IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 has been honored with the 2025 IAEE International Excellence Award, recognizing the event’s outstanding achievements as an international exhibition and its significant contribution to elevating the global exhibition industry.
IAAPA Expo Europe 2024, held at the RAI in Amsterdam, marked a historic milestone as the largest European show in IAAPA’s history. Among its achievements, the four-day event welcomed 17,370 verified attendees, representing a remarkable 41% increase from the previous year. The exhibition floor expanded to cover 18,670 square meters, providing a showcase platform for 685 exhibiting companies – an 8% increase year-over-year – to present their latest products and services to the global attractions community. Beyond the impressive show floor expansion, IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 delivered exceptional educational value and networking opportunities.
IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM presented the 2025 IAEE International Excellence Award at the awards gala held during IMEX Frankfurt in May. “It is a sincere pleasure to recognize IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 for exemplifying the power of international exhibitions to drive industry growth and innovation,” she said. “IAAPA’s commitment and success in creating meaningful connections, educational opportunities and business development platforms is truly commendable.”
“We are deeply honored to receive IAEE’s International Excellence Award, which is a testament to the hard work, vision and global collaboration that drive IAAPA Expo Europe,” added IAAPA Vice President of Expo Operations and Sales Christy Spahn. “This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for the international attractions community. With record-breaking attendance and the largest trade show floor in the event’s history, this year’s Expo not only exceeded expectations – it demonstrated the growing strength and global impact of our industry.”
The IAEE Awards Program celebrates outstanding achievement in exhibitions and events by IAEE members across 10 categories. These awards represent IAEE’s highest honors, and the remaining honors will be presented at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition taking place 8-10 December 2025 in Houston, Texas.
About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance, Snöball and Swapcard. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
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Media Inquiries:
Mary Tucker
IAEE Sr. Communications & Content Manager
+1 (972) 687-9226
mtucker@iaee.com
