This September, the Euro Attractions Show (EAS) ramps up its educational programme, offering attendees more seminars, workshops, forums and presentations than ever before. Leading industry figures have been invited to discuss a variety of pressing issues and hot topics, and with hands-on workshops too, over 20 hours of educational content will be available.

According to Karen Staley, vice-­president of IAAPA Europe, the expo is a great way to see where the industry is going, but the educational programmes “actually teach you how to anticipate these developments by learning from best practices and experts from the industry.” Attendees also learn from others’ experiences. “People really look forward to the CEOs Talk and the Leadership Breakfast. Their ways of working, philosophies and visions broaden the horizon for many people,” Staley says.

The three-day event, from 23 to 25 September at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, will host 375 exhibitors and an estimated 8,500 visitors. It’s easy to get involved, with a range of educational activities for ­managers and leaders. “We always try to prepare a programme with a holistic approach, incorporating HR, marketing, new ideas and hot topics,” Staley says. “Based on last year’s feedback, we’ve focused on more practical seminars this year, such as Fright Fest – how to develop, market and manage a haunted attraction – and Old Wine, New Bottles, a panel session on how to refresh existing products and make them more profitable, extremely interesting for both management and executive staff.”

Then, the Institute for Attraction Managers is a regularly held training course with an edition to coincide with EAS. “It’s aimed at industry professionals with three years’ management experience who have demonstrated the potential and commitment to be on your senior management team,” Staley explains. “The programme includes extensive education on attraction finance, marketing, leadership, operations, safety and revenue operations such as F&B and retail.”

There is an event for attendees at an earlier stage in their careers; the Young Professionals Forum, taking place at the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam on 24 September. It’s a great opportunity for those relatively new to the industry to share, network and learn about the steps others have taken to develop a successful career. “We have speakers from Toverland, BRC Imagination Arts and CoasterLab,” Staley says. “Also, Professor Erwin Taets from VIVES Flanders Leisure Academy will share his experiences.”

With the largest exhibition floor in the history of the European event and the strong focus on inspirational and informative parallel sessions, the show looks set to be one of the most exhilarating yet.