T’was the eve before the Annual Conference, and all through the exhibit hall, vendors and staff were hurrying to finish the install.
By the time the doors officially opened the very next day, attendees were drawn in by a variety of amazing and awesome displays.
To the show floor they came, close to 7,500 NRPA members, to learn about and “kick the tires” on a wide range of products and services.
The latest in playground equipment and complex water features were just a few of the dazzling array of exhibits on view.
More than 300 companies enlivened the space, including a nimble slack line walker who traversed his inch-wide stage with grace.
Lassie, the original canine superhero, was also on hand. As the Save the Children’s ambassador for “Get Ready. Get Safe,” she demonstrated a plan to help protect children across the land during disasters and storms as best as we can.
Along with the serious business at hand, members had a chance to unleash the kid in them in this more than 350,000-square-foot play land.
They climbed through and over obstacles, slid down slides, scaled climbing walls, played hockey or tennis, even took turns being human bowling balls.
Around every corner, there was a chance to be had, to win some neat prize or make off with some swag.
Those who entered the Learning Playground and the Learning Lab were in for a treat, more often than not, they were out of their seats — engaged in some lively, off-the-wall sport or interactive learning feat.
There was plenty of networking, learning and buying — the buzz in the hall was truly invigorating.
As in Charlotte in 2014, the competition among exhibitors for the coveted Best in Show prize was keen. The judges were in an unenviable position because theirs was a truly tough decision. When the votes were counted and the results revealed, two companies had met the judges’ ideal of being most engaging and innovative indeed: Kay Park Recreation for best in-line booth and Playworld for best island booth. Two red ribbon runners-up rounded out the field: Berliner Seilfabrik for island booth and Save the Children for in-line booth.
Throughout the day, on a giant social media wall, members tweeted their comments to one and all, about their experiences in Mandalay Bay’s South Convention exhibit hall. Along with the swag, scavenger hunt, cash giveaways and prizes, 50th Anniversary Conference attendees and exhibitors agreed, their expectations this year’s show floor once again did exceed. So this year’s conference has ended and is now in the books. If you missed it, you may want to look at planning to join us as we recreate this wonderful scene in St. Louis, October 6-8 in 2016.