Visitors, exhibitors and speakers are gearing up for the annual IAAPA expo, taking place this week at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida.

With more than 27,000 people - working in and around the attractions industry - set to attend, IAAPA 2014 is the premier conference and trade show for the global attractions industry.

Among the big names in attendance, Merlin and Six Flags are both holding press conferences sure to excite the attractions industry, while this year's event is expected to generate more than US$50m (€40m, £31.8m) in economic impact for Orlando.

Attractions Management and AM2 will both be on hand at the event to provide live coverage, with big news sure to come from the attractions industry's premier names. The event will also feature more than 1,000 new product launches from existing companies, while educational sessions will take place throughout the week.