IAAPA Expo Europe, which takes place at London’s ExCel, returns to the capital for the first time since 2011, driving innovation, technology, and sustainability across the recovering ‘experience’ market, attracting industry leaders from the biggest theme parks to hotels, local attractions, and zoos.
From rollercoasters to log flumes, apps, special effects, and smellscaping, the Expo takes place on September 12 -15 and will be jam-packed with the latest tech and innovation from businesses, services, and suppliers across the globe, all responsible for creating magically memorable experiences at visitor attractions.
The event is the flagship European trade show of The Global Association for the Attractions Industry, with the UK representing the largest membership in EMEA including much-loved attractions Blackpool Pleasure Beach and industry-giant Merlin Entertainments, parent company to The London Eye, Thorpe Park, and SEA LIFE Aquariums.
Over 500 exhibitors will take to the trade show floor. Opening on the September 13, the event includes not only the trade show, but also a four-day education conference with leading industry professionals giving unique insights from September 12.
Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president of IAAPA EMEA, said: “With less than a month until we open the doors of the London ExCeL for IAAPA Expo Europe, the IAAPA team finalises plans for incredible learning opportunities, networking moments, and more that can only be found at the leisure industry’s premier annual event.”
Conference highlights include:
September 12:
Sustainability Day at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
A full-day programme dedicated to the important issues and topics facing the global attractions industry regarding environmental, social, and economic sustainable operations.
Water Park Day
Water park owners, operators, designers, and manufacturers come together to share best practices and learn about current trends in the water park industry including the psychology of play, water park health and safety issues, revenue operations, and design principles.
September 13:
Foodalicious: New Trends and Ideas to Innovate Your Food and Beverage Experience
This session is a chance to learn from industry leaders who have been innovating food and beverage operations from pricing to promotion.
Metaverse 101
Learn more about the Metaverse – augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), NFTs, and Web3 and how it could impact the attractions industry. Find out how it can and will shape the future of the (virtual) world and beyond.
September 14:
TEA Presents: The Things We Miss When Creating Attractions
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) takes a look at different areas of the attraction creation process. Speakers will highlight the importance of sensory elements, communication and accessibility in storytelling, designing with future operations in mind, and designing sustainably.
Young Professional Forum and Reception
IAAPA Foundation invites young professionals to network and learn from global attractions industry leaders and veterans. Attendees can ask their most pressing career-related questions and pick the minds and experience of successful attractions professionals. The forum is followed by a reception for young professionals for continued networking, discussion, and professional development.
September 15:
Planet Attractions Presents: How to Make Friends and Influence People – Working with Influencers
In a world where online opinion can make or break a business, it’s crucial for those in the consumer-facing attractions industry to understand how to work with their fanbase in a constructive way, helping them to create content and experiences which will ultimately benefit everyone involved.
Brave Investments
The IAAPA Europe Economic Impact Study provides the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts generated by the attractions industry at the regional and country level. IAAPA will share preliminary results from the latest report, followed by a discussion with leaders on things they wish they knew before making a capital investment.
