LONDON, May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Leisure Industry Week (LIW) has announced two new partnerships for the Play & Attractions section of the 2013 event.

BALPPA (The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers & Attractions) and its Family Entertainment Centre Association (FECA) return as Partner Sponsor this year and will be hosting various subcommittee meetings during the show.  BIAZA (The British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums) is also set to align with LIW as a Partner Sponsor in a new agreement for 2013.    

BALPPA and BIAZA will both contribute to the series of business focused presentations within the LIW seminar programme. BALPPA will assist with the delivery of three targeted educational sessions based around their activities this year, while BIAZA will provide a programme of sessions dedicated to zoos and aquariums on the third day of the show, offering practical advice and knowledge on how to diversify and enhance your visitor experience and more.

These organisations will also be available for one-to-one conversations on the Attractions Lounge which will be a focal point of the Play & Attractions section of LIW 2013.

"We are delighted to be working with BALPPA again, and with BIAZA for the first time this year" said David Sanvoisin, Event Manager of LIW. "It's essential that LIW brings experts from within the industry to the show. Both of these associations will bring with them content which will enhance the visitor experience considerably, which is always an objective at the top of our agenda."

Paul Kelly from BALPPA said, "BALPPA is really excited about working with LIW again. It is a great opportunity for all our members to experience the revitalised show at the NEC."

Zara Gaspar, Communications manager at BIAZA said: "BIAZA is thrilled to be working with LIW. The event will allow our members to network with new businesses and will bring fresh ideas to the table. There is great potential in this partnership in helping the zoo and aquarium community provide the best services and experiences to the public."

LIW takes place from 24^th- 26^th September at the Birmingham NEC and is free to attend for leisure industry professionals.  Register your interest at http://www.liw.co.uk.

About UBM Live (organiser of LIW)

UBM Live connects people and creates opportunities for companies across five continents to develop new business, meet customers, launch new products, promote their brands and expand their markets.   Through premiere brands such as MD&M, CPhI, IFSEC, TFM&A, Cruise Shipping Miami, the Concrete Show and many others, UBM Live exhibitions, conferences, awards programs, publications, websites and training and certification programs are an integral part of the marketing plans of companies across more than 20 industry sectors.

About BALPPA

BALPPA is the non profit-making Trade Association which represents the interests of owners, managers, suppliers and developers in the UK's commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos and static attractions sector. 
BALPPA speaks for over 300 members - including iconic attractions such as the London Eye, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Madame Tussauds, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warner Brothers Studio - and ultimately for many millions of customers every year.

About BIAZA

BIAZA is a conservation education and scientific wildlife charity, which acts as the principal professional zoo body representing the responsible zoo and aquarium community in the UK. With over 100 members, its role is to develop and spread best practice within the UK and international zoo community, combining lobbying and campaigning with the development of policy in collaboration with the government and scientific organisations. BIAZA members support around 700 field conservation projects every year by providing financial support in excess of £11 million and by supplying skills, staff and equipment for conservation programmes worldwide.

SOURCE Leisure Industry Week (LIW), London