Optimism High After Success Of RAAPA Show In Moscow

Although ignorance continues to link the developing Russian economy with its bleak Soviet Union days, the reported success of the April 11-14 Amusement Rides and Entertainment RAAPA trade show in Moscow indicates the market is ripe for growth.

The event, which took place at Moscow's All-Russia Exhibition Center, was organized by the Russian Assn. of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and supported by the U.S.-based International Assn. of Amusement Parks & Attractions.

Brought forward from its traditional annual calendar date in September in response to members' requests, the organizers of the 5th RAAPA show said exhibitors took up every space available.

Gerry Robinson, the U.K.-based honorary secretary of the International Assn. for the Leisure & Entertainment Industry, which has helped organize the RAAPA show since its 1999 inception, said more than 20 exhibitors from 11 non-Russian markets were present.

They included Heinrick Mach GmbH and HEIMO from Germany; FAB International in Luxembourg; the U.S./Italian group Zamperla Inc.; Italy's Moser Rides; Poland's Joy FHU; the Beijing Shibaolai Amusement Equipment Co. from China; U.S.-based Fantasy Entertainment in Hudson, N.H.; and British inflatable-costumes maker Delta Clothing.

Robinson said he wasn't surprised by the continuing international interest in the RAAPA show: "People forget there are 600 amusement parks in Russia."

They're not as sophisticated as the parks found in the major U.S., European and Asian markets, but they're rapidly developing, he added. There is also a huge demand in Russia for family entertainment centers and location-based entertainment.

Another development this year was the trade show's first seminar on FECs, after the focusing on safety issues the previous years. The seminar, presented by Wolf Vierich, chairman of London-based design consultancy Vitala Group, generated so much interest, the following day's "Forum on FECs" lasted for three hours instead of the designated one-hour.

FAB International, the international sales representative of German manufacturer Zierer, was a new RAAPA exhibitor this year.

Jeroen Nijpels, FAB's international sales and marketing director, said his company was compelled to be present following business inquiries from Russia and Ukraine via its Web site.

"Going there was worthwhile as there aren't that many areas left in the world where there's substantial development in the sector," said Nijpels, who expects to be doing regular business in Russia and its neighboring markets in three years' time. "There are serious customers over there for used equipment."

Robinson advises manufacturers and service suppliers seeking to enter Russia to be realistic and not take the gap in the marketplace for granted.

"Some companies try to do the hard sell and that doesn't work. A company like Zamperla has got it right. You need to set up joint ventures or be hands-on. You'll need to explore. If you look toward the long-term, it can work," he said.

While IAAPA is not actively involved in organizing the trade show, Jeff Bertus, VP of IAAPA Europe in Brussels, is optimistic for RAAPA.

Although unable to attend this year, Bertus said he was impressed by what he saw last September. "There are things going on in Russia, which is a huge country. There are people doing things there," he said.

The RAAPA events have been spearheaded and partly funded by Pax Designs, Russia's largest rides manufacturer. However, RAAPA said Pax wants to reduce its involvement gradually to establish the event's impartial credentials.