The Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) exhibition opens on Monday marking the start of three days of networking, education, fun and games for this business event with a difference.

Some of the leading theme park and family entertainment centre equipment providers will be displaying their wares at the show in Dubai World Trade Centre, said organisers, International Expo-Consults (IEC).

The arena at DWTC will be a hive of activity with live demonstrations of full-scale rides and redemption games, while entertainers and characters will keep visitors on their toes as they walk around the show floor, it added.

'Now in its 17th year, Deal continues to go from strength to strength, with this year being the largest event in the show’s history. The expo will deliver on fun, entertainment, and most importantly, business opportunities,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, IEC chairman.

The event will welcome some of the amusement industry’s leaders, with regional and global names such as Amusement Services International (ASI), Falgas Industries, Rainbow Productions, Zamperla Middle East, United Distribution Company and Warehouse of Games, he added.

Brand names on display will include SEGA, Magnetic Cash, Westech, Intercard and Embed. In total, more than 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries are participating.

A two-day seminar programme will also run alongside the main exhibition. Organised by ALES UK (Association of Amusement Leisure Equipment Suppliers) the educational event will include keynote speeches, panel discussions and audience participation forums.

The expo will also host the 4th Annual Middle East Symposium in conjunction with the World Waterpark Association (WWA) till April 4.

The WWA event will see industry leaders, including developers and operators, discuss the happenings in the leisure industry across the globe.

The educational programme will cover the latest in marketing trends, innovations in attractions and products, best practices in safety in relation to operations and guest relations, among many other timely topics.

The WWA programme will include sessions on: ‘Riding the Latest Trends: What’s New in Attractions’, ‘Money Movers: An In-Park Revenue Roundtable’, ‘Lessons Learned Opening A Park’, and ‘Safety First: Making Safety A Daily Focus’.

The seminar kicks off at 1.30pm on day one of the show, April 4, with a session on ‘You can never stop learning - When, How and What to train’ by Beth Standlee of Trainertainment.

The other highlights include the ‘Middle East Amusement Industry Forum’ at 4pm, also on April 4.-TradeArabia News Service