Chances are you have seen one of the nighttime spectaculars at one of Central Florida’s theme parks.

The world's attractions industry converged into the Orange County Convention Center Tuesday as IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, kicked off its 2023 expo.

The president and CEO of IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced Tuesday that he is set to retire.

SeaWorld Orlando was awarded two Brass Ring awards for its “Orca Encounter” educational show and its “Winter Wonderland on Ice” holiday show at Bayside Stadium.

IAAPA Expo, the global attractions industry’s premier event, will once again return to the Orange County Convention Center this November.

“Our industry is hurting,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. And our cast felt it.”Disney has since reopened its theme parks in Florida, Paris, China, and Hong Kong at limited capacity. Yet last month Disney announced it would be laying off about 28,000 employees at its U.S. resorts. “For the last several months, our management team worked tirelessly to avoid having to separate anyone from the company.”According to D’Amaro, Disney cut expenses, suspended capital projects, and modified its operation to run as efficiently as possible. He also said the kickoff to Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary will take place next year, promising to provide additional details at a later date.

ORLANDO, Fla. The global association for the attractions industry has canceled its 2020 expo set to take place in Orlando and will move sessions online. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions or IAAPA is the leading global conference and trade show for the attractions industry. Attendees can take part in many of the education sessions originally planned to take place at IAAPA Expo. IAAPA Expo serves as the global marketplace for the attractions industry. While we are disappointed we are unable to meet in-person this year, we are already looking ahead to IAAPA Expo 2021 in Orlando, McEvoy continued, We also appreciate the patience, support and commitment from our dedicated IAAPA Expo exhibitors.