Opening of IAAPA Expo 2025 – Program Highlights for Participants
© EAP-Magazin
(eap) Today, the global industry association International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is once again opening the doors to its largest trade show format, the IAAPA Expo in the North/South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Across an exhibition space of more than 46,000 square metres, professionals from around the world have the opportunity to visit the stands of over 1,100 exhibitors, some of which extend into the outdoor area, through Friday this week.
All product categories are represented: from large and small rides to water slides and play structures, planning and design services, costumes, arcade machines and merchandise, as well as modern software solutions and a wide variety of products for the F&B segment.
Anyone wishing to try out freefall towers and similar attractions first-hand will find what they are looking for at the show: the Italian manufacturer SBF Visa, for example, is operating several mobile rides in its indoor and outdoor stand areas, including a “Spinning Coaster 2.0”, a “Drop’n Twist Tower” featuring a new over-shoulder restraint system, and a pirate ship. With 800 square metres indoors and an additional 350 square metres outdoors, the company’s presentation is one of the largest on the entire show floor. The US-American company RCI Adventure is attracting visitors with a “Sky Tour®” installation – a zip-rail attraction inviting guests to glide through the air. In addition, numerous simulators – e.g. motion- and/or VR-based – can be tested directly on site.
For selected product segments, IAAPA has again set up special presentation areas this year. In the North Concourse, outside the main show floor, the Street Market can once more be found, where hungry participants can enjoy food and try out trendy F&B creations. Things turn spooky in the “Haunting Grounds” area in the North Concourse section of the exhibition hall. Here, specialised providers present various ideas and concepts for transforming temporary Halloween attractions into year-round experiences with a horror theme. There is also a “Digital Sign Innovation Lab” (likewise in the North Concourse), where professionals can learn about different digital signage solutions developed to support smooth guest communication.
The extensive supporting programme accompanying the trade show – much of which takes place outside regular show floor hours – includes numerous lectures and workshops on current industry-relevant topics, EduTours offering behind-the-scenes insights into leisure operations, and networking events. While last night saw the ceremonial recognition of the new inductees to the IAAPA Hall of Fame during the “IAAPA Legends: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair” at the convention centre, today at 8:30 a.m. the Opening Ceremony will kick off in the “IAAPA Theatre” in the North Concourse. During this event, the current IAAPA Chairman, Italian national Massimiliano Freddi, will officially pass the baton to his successor, Luciana Periales, President and CEO of the Argentinian Neverland Park.
Participants can join in the ticketed Opening Reception this evening from 6 p.m. in the IAAPA Theatre. Those wishing to see a drone show have the opportunity from 6:15 p.m., when Sky Elements will send its high-tech flying machines skywards for artistic choreographies. Starting at 7:30 p.m., the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) will host its “TEA Mixer”, this year taking place in a section of the new Epic Universe theme park. At this international gathering of designers, creatives and industry professionals, the winners of the “32nd Thea Awards” will be announced.
On Wednesday morning, the traditional Leadership Breakfast will be held, during which Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, will provide insights into recent developments within the operator group. A talk specifically dedicated to Universal’s new Epic Universe park (cf. EAP 4/2025), entitled “Legends of Epic – The Creators of Universal Epic Universe”, will follow on Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m.. Later that evening, European industry professionals can gather for the “EMEA Reception” at the Palm Tree Club at Pointe Orlando (International Drive).
Early birds can actively take part in the traditional charity run, the “19th Annual IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk”, which starts at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday morning in the Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee. The evening will then feature one of the major events of the entire show week: the official networking party “IAAPA Celebrates”, this time also held in Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park. As of Monday, 17 November, member tickets are still available at a price of 329 USD per person.
Read more about exciting new developments presented on the show floor in our full trade show report, to be published in EAP issue 1/2026, available as of 5 January. ■
