If you own an entertainment company you probably are already looking forward to November. Not only is it the end of the season for many of us. It’s also the time for the annual IAAPA show in Orlando.

This year, the IAAPA attractions expo is November 17-20th at the Orange County Convention Center and it is SO addictive that if you go once, you go back again and again for years.

Along with the trade show, there are some great educational seminars so if you want to learn more on how to expand and market your business or the newest safety information and insurance guidelines then this is the place to be.

And the trade show itself is so huge it is absolutely overwhelming. Even those of us who have been going for the past 20 plus years, still have a difficult time remembering where a booth was that we really liked on the first day.

Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating IAAPA 2015

Plan Like a Pro

Before you even set foot at the show, identify the games and vendors you want to check out. Plot their booth locations on the floor plan to ensure you hit all your must-sees.

Dive into Discovery on Day One

As soon as you arrive, walk through as much of the show as possible. Visit the booths you’re most interested in and jot down the numbers of other intriguing ones you encounter. Keep an open mind—you might stumble upon something amazing you hadn’t considered!

Strategize and Secure Deals on Day Two

This is the day to get serious about visiting booths and planning your purchases. If you see something you love, buy it on the spot! It’ll save you time and ensure you get exactly what you want.

Network Like a Boss on Day Three

While you continue exploring, make networking your priority. Chat with people in the aisles, meet other company owners, and introduce yourself to new vendors. Building connections in this industry is invaluable. Even seasoned owners are eager to exchange ideas with newcomers. Your fresh insights are valuable—share them!

Embrace the Nightlife Magic

Don’t skip the IAAPA parties! Networking events at spots like Bahama Breeze or Howl at the Moon are where real deals and connections happen. Sometimes, the best opportunities are found outside the trade floor.

Stay Open to New Ideas and Opportunities

It’s important to stay open to new business possibilities while you’re at the show. One common mistake that is made is a company owner buying more of the same type of game just because that is all that they know. You have to ask yourself if another 5 bounce houses will increase your business. Or would you do better to add in some sports games or interactive rides. Whenever you make a purchase, ask yourself if that purchase will bring in NEW business or will it just replace something you already have.   There is nothing worse than buying a brand new slide only to realize that no one wants to rent the slide you already have.

At some point you will want your business to expand. Consider what type of new client do you want. Would it be corporate? School Carnivals or possibly college events? As you are planning your growth, have an end game in mind so you purchase the right kind of equipment for your end goals.

If you’re in a cold weather area, would you want to consider some indoor games and rides or possibly casino games? These would help you make more money in the winter months.

How about costume characters? There are many companies that do well with these and a costume rental can be upsold into all types of other products.

Concluding Your IAAPA 2015 Journey

Of course, we at Galaxy specialize in a completely different type of product than the standard inflatables. Our interactive games and rides are built to stand out from the crowd. Galaxy excels in helping clients build their business to new levels. Although many people start a business with just one Galaxy product, thousands more use Galaxy games to move into a totally new type of business.

Whatever you do at the show, make sure to visit the Galaxy booth to see our brand new innovative ideas for this year’s IAAPA show. We have our inside booth at #5400 and our two outside booths at #7340 & #7350. Make sure to introduce yourself to find out what our products can do for you and your business.

And have a FANTASTIC time at IAAPA 2015!