Our directors recently attended the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando, the largest annual event for the global attractions industry. This year’s event broke attendance records with over 30,000 attendees. A strong indication of a thriving industry with a clear takeaway message that the demand for entertainment continues to surge.
Here are some key trends and insights the team have brought back.
The Rise of Japanese-Influenced Games and Merchandise
One of the most notable trends is the growing influence of Japanese-style games and merchandise in Western markets. This shift is being driven by the increasing appeal of collectibles and anime-inspired designs. Companies like Kiddleton, which recently acquired National Entertainment Network (NEN), are leading this movement, bringing popular Japanese gaming concepts to the forefront of Western amusement spaces.
We’re excited to trial similar innovations with our new capsule vending machines, inspired by the Gashapon model. These machines celebrate the culture of collectibles, offering a unique, engaging experience for users and aligning with global consumer trends.
A Thriving Industry with Surging Demand
The record-breaking attendance at this year’s IAAPA Expo highlights a thriving amusement industry. Entertainment experts presenting at the event spoke about the continued demand for innovative entertainment experiences, which reinforces our confidence in expanding our offerings across shopping centers in 2025. The integration of retail and entertainment spaces is a trend we’re fully embracing and will continue to invest in customer-focused amusement solutions.
Inspiration to Implementation
These market leading insights are fuelling our strategic decisions as we innovate and expand. Whether through introducing new games inspired by global trends or increasing the intensity on creating immersive, interactive experiences, Clearhill remains at the forefront of the amusement and retail entertainment sector.
Stay tuned for exciting developments in 2025, driven by inspiration from events like IAAPA and the shifting dynamics of the global market.
