✈️IPW 2019 Anaheim – The biggest tourism fair in the USA

The largest tourism event in the USA, IPW 2019 took place in the first week of June, between the 1st (Saturday) and 5th (Wednesday), in Anaheim, California.

International Pow Wow – IPW – is the largest tourism fair in the United States, and this year it took place in the city of Anaheim, famous for Disneyland California, but which attracted more than 6 people just for the IPW 2019 Anaheim event.

Bringing together more than 1,3 exhibitors and about 500 journalists from around the world, representing more than 70 countries, the convention was incredible and presented itself as a unique opportunity to network and open up possibilities for North American tourism.

Travel Tips, of course, was also present at IPW 2019, and shares the main highlights of the event here, so that our readers can get a taste of what it was like to participate in Anaheim this year.

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IPW 2019 Anaheim – The biggest tourism fair in the USA — Outside the Anaheim Convention Center, where the three-day event took place

The 2019 event
event reception
how is the event
Closing Event
What's New in the Next Edition in 2020

And IPW 2019 Anaheim

The 2019 edition of the IPW took place in Anaheim, California, just over an hour away from Los Angeles. The last time the destination hosted the event was in 2007, and in recent years it has invested more than US$ 4 billion to develop local tourism.

One of the highlights of the event was the California Plaza, which opened in front of the Anaheim Convention Center, where the IPW took place. The space was set up especially for the fair, with stations inspired by 14 Californian destinations, arranged to simulate a trip along Highway 1.

During the 5 days of the fair, several attractions took place in this new space, from entertainment shows to gym classes. There was a lot of music, food and regional drinks, all for a true Californian experience, promoted by Visit California and other partners.

>> Read more about the 2019 IPW host city in our Anaheim guide

Reception at IPW 2019

On the night of the 1st, Saturday, the first party took place, to welcome visitors to España. As is tradition, the organization was on behalf of Visit Tampa Bay, Visit St. Pete & Clearwater and Kissimmee Experience. The party was at the Marriott Anaheim, where the Brazilians stayed.

The next day, early in the morning, a special brunch for participating journalists was held at California Plaza. Everyone was welcomed with drinks, food, various musical performances, and there was even a zip line for those who wanted to get a little radical ?

But the opening party was at night, at Disney California. O Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, which opened a few days earlier, was closed for the IPW 2019 Anaheim. The little more than 6 thousand participants were able to enjoy the Millennium Falcon simulator and get to know this new area of the park exclusively.

>> Read more about our Disney California tips – Best attractions and how to make the most of it.

During IPW 2019 Anaheim

The fair, which is the largest of its kind in the country, is an immense opportunity to expand the network of contacts and meet new tourism partners. From Monday to Wednesday, there were several meetings and a lot of content shared between participants and exhibitors.

Journalists spent most of their time in the space called Media Marketplace, participating in meetings with North American destinations. Some presses also held press conferences, as was the case with Brand USA, Denver, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Orlando and California itself.

Travel agents, on the other hand, took advantage of the event to strengthen their business relationships at the Market Hall, another area of the fair, where there were exhibitions from various destinations.

There was also an award at the fair, the IPW Travel Writer Awards, for those who create travel content. One of the winners was TurismoETC, by my friend Luciano Palumbo, for the article Alabama Motorcycle Tour in the USA. It's worth reading!

Overall, in addition to a lot of insights and good trading with big names in US tourism, IPW 2019 Anaheim was a great chance to network and meet new people involved – as it is at every IPW event.

More attractions from IPW 2019 Anaheim

On fair days, in addition to work, there were good attractions to entertain the participants, even during coffee breaks and lunches. On the first day, we were treated to Broadway and Beach Boys shows.

Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, hosted a luau party for IPW 2019 Anaheim attendees on the night of the 4th, the penultimate of the event.

The celebration, all in luau style, had food and drinks and good musical attractions. But the biggest surprise was for the end, when rapper Snoop Dogg took the stage and commanded the sound until the end of the party.

On the final day of IPW 2019 Anaheim, the luncheon sponsored by Experience Kissimmee and Universal Orlando Studios was animated by singer Jason Derulo. At night, the entertainment took place at California Plaza, with a show by singer Natasha Bedingfield.

There were also other parties, such as the House of Blues Anaheim, organized by Visit Florida and partners, such as St. Pete & Clearwater, or at the Grove of Anaheim concert hall in Washington DC, San Francisco e New York.

>> Read our tips for this charming city of St. Pete & Clearwater – Find out what to do and where to stay.

Closing of IPW 2019

The IPW 2019 Anaheim ended at the traditional Knott's Berry Farm, an Old West theme park that is animated by the Peanuts, the doggy Snoopy gang. It was founded in 1940 and is considered the oldest in California.

Full of extreme rides, with roller coasters as tall as a 20-story building (and reaching 130 km/h in 3 seconds), the park is super fun and closed the IPW 2019 Anaheim with a flourish.

From there, I set out on an incredible itinerary to discover other regions of the United States, such as Yosemite Park.

Announcements at IPW 2019 Anaheim

Throughout the event, as happens in each edition, some news of North American tourism were announced. The main highlights of this IPW 2019 Anaheim were:

A Legoland Florida announced an expansion to its The Lego Movie World theme park, with three new rides, several never-before-seen attractions and the Access to Awesome pass, which allows early entry
O Universal Orlando Resort announced the dates of its end-of-year celebrations, along with the Christmas novelty of the part of the park dedicated to Harry Potter – The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
Roger Dow, president of the US Travel Association, announced the possible entry of España into the Visa Waiver program, which exempts Brazilians from visas to the country on trips of up to 90 days. For now, it's just a possibility, but we keep following the news on the subject to promptly disclose to Dicas readers!

Next Edition – IPW 2020 Las Vegas

The 52nd edition of International Pow Wow will be in Las Vegas, between May 30 and June 3, 2020. For the event, the city should receive some news, including new hotels and a new convention center. This will be the fifth time the city has hosted the largest US tourism fair.

Caesars Forum, an event space that will open next year, should host IPW 2020 activities. It will even have the largest column-free hall in the world. In addition to it, hotels in the Caesars chain will be renovated, and should welcome participants to the event next year.

Another possible novelty is the direct flights from España to Las Vegas. Operated only during the high season in the destination during 2018, the route may be operated again next year, depending on the event and the investment to attract more Brazilian tourists there.

For 2020, 20% more exhibitors are expected, in addition to buyers from all over the world. Registration is now open on the event's official website. And we, from Travel Tips, will mark our presence there! ?

>> You can get ready with our tips What to do in Las Vegas – The 9 best tips to enjoy the city.

>> Read also Where to Stay in Las Vegas – hotels we love and recommend.