IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 Kicks Off in London
(eap) Show Floor, here we come! Today marks the start of the three-day IAAPA Expo Europe at Excel London, which, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), is the largest and most comprehensive edition of the European leisure trade show to date.
Across a record exhibition area of 21,000 square metres, extending mainly throughout the South Event Halls, more than 800 companies will present their latest developments and solutions for leisure facilities of all kinds. The North Event Halls N19-N23 will accommodate the IAAPA Theatre, conference rooms, the Member Lounge as well as further specialised providers of services and products.
A new feature this year is the “F&B Pavilion” in the South building, where, according to IAAPA, more than 20 food and beverage specialists will showcase their latest culinary products. This dedicated exhibition area reflects the growing importance of F&B for the guest experience at leisure facilities (also see our latest F&B special in EAP issue 3/2026). Further dedicated areas, also located in the South Event Halls, are reserved for first-time exhibitors and suppliers of inflatable products.
This year’s education programme comprises more than 70 sessions featuring a total of over 180 speakers. While several EDUTours and focused formats, including the Water Park Forum, Indoor Entertainment Day and IAAPA Licensing Forum, already took place yesterday, Monday, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a wide range of specialist presentations and panel discussions from today through Thursday. The traditional Leadership Breakfast, taking place tomorrow, Wednesday, is specifically aimed at industry executives. This year, entrepreneurs Robert Dahl (Karls Erlebnis-Dörfer) and Wouter Dekkers (Momentum Leisure) will share best practices, key learnings and strategies for success.
Various evening events will provide opportunities for networking, most notably today’s IAAPA Opening Reception at London’s ABBA Arena as well as the “TEA Mixer” hosted by the Themed Entertainment Association on Wednesday evening, which will bring together creative professionals from across the global leisure industry.
For an outlook on the products and solutions that suppliers will be presenting on this year’s show floor, see our trade show preview in the current EAP issue. And don’t miss the London tips from industry colleagues featured in the magazine!
Visit us at EAP stand #S1700, where the current September/October issue of EAP will be available for you. We look forward to seeing you! ■
