Barcelona: IAAPA Expo Europe 2025 Closes with Positive Results

(eap) This week, the Catalan capital was all about theme parks and attractions: Yesterday, the three-day IAAPA Expo Europe 2025, regarded as the largest trade fair of its kind in Europe, concluded at Fira Barcelona Gran Via with an overall positive outcome. According to the organizer, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), a total of 15,877 people attended the event (2024: 17,370). Among them, 11,477 were registered as “qualified buyers,” representing 9,370 companies from 121 countries. Covering nearly 21,000 square meters of exhibition space, more than 700 companies presented their new products and latest projects to industry professionals and executives. The trade fair program was complemented by over 60 “EDUSessions,” offering insights into key topics such as sustainability, guest experience, safety, and technology.

“IAAPA Expo Europe continues to serve as a vital meeting point for our industry, bringing together passionate professionals to share knowledge, explore trends, and build lifelong connections,” said Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President for IAAPA EMEA. “We are proud to see the industry come together once again in Barcelona.”

Our detailed after-show report with highlights from the exhibition floor in Barcelona can be found in the next issue of EAP, to be published on 3 November 2025. Next year, London will once again be the host of the European IAAPA trade show, where the international leisure industry will come together from 21-25 September 2026. ■