IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 London Records Record Attendance

(eap) The latest edition of the European trade show for the attractions industry, IAAPA Expo Europe, ended at Excel London just a few hours ago – and according to the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), the event’s organiser, it achieved record results.

© EAP-Magazin According to the official figures, 16,530 “verified attendees” from a total of 18,719 registrations visited the show floor, including 11,710 “qualified buyers” representing 8,956 companies from 118 countries. Over the three exhibition days, trade visitors had the opportunity to discover new developments, trends and innovations within the attractions and leisure industry at the stands of more than 870 exhibitors. A diverse programme of accompanying events also provided numerous opportunities for professional development and networking.

According to IAAPA, this year’s show recorded 50 percent growth compared with the previous IAAPA Expo Europe held in the British capital in 2022. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the first European IAAPA trade show took place again in Barcelona in 2021, while the effects of the global health crisis were still clearly felt in 2022. This year’s results in London build on those of last year’s edition, also held in Barcelona, where 15,877 professionals attended, including 11,477 qualified buyers.

“The growth we’ve seen since we were last in London four years ago speaks volumes about the strength of the attractions industry,” said Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President, IAAPA ESA. “You could feel the momentum across the show floor all week long. From collaborative innovations being unveiled to new information being shared, Expo Europe is ultimately about bringing our industry together, and London gave us an incredible stage to do just that, while also looking ahead to what’s next.

The next edition of the trade show will take place in Vienna, Austria, from 20 to 24 September 2027.

Don’t miss our EAP trade show report from London in the next issue of EAP, published on November 2. ■