IAAPA Expo Europe, the continent’s largest industry event for attractions professionals, is preparing for a landmark gathering in Barcelona, Spain.
This year’s event takes place at Fira Barcelona Gran Via from Monday, 22 September to Friday, 26 September 2025. Over 17,000 industry professionals are expected from a wide array of sectors, including theme parks, water parks, indoor entertainment centres, museums, experiences, resorts, and zoos.
IAAPA, the leading global association for the attractions industry, is bringing innovation, education, and unparalleled networking opportunities to the event. With more than 700 exhibitors and 60 educational sessions on the schedule, the Expo is designed to be a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends, technological advancements, and groundbreaking solutions shaping the future of attractions.
Broad itinerary
A series of specialised events is planned to enhance the attendee experience. A notable addition is a new EDUTour focused on the cruise industry, offering attendees a special experience aboard the MSC World Europa. This unique tour will explore how the cruise sector is integrating immersive entertainment and theme park-style attractions to create memorable guest experiences at sea.
Supporting diversity and professional development, the event will introduce an all-new Women in the Industry Networking Lunch, a separate-ticketed event led by Europa-Park’s Katja Mack and Lasting Impressions’ Maya Mattar. This session is designed to provide a supportive and empowering space for women to connect and share their experiences.
Additionally, a new Networking Lunch and Job Fair will provide a fresh take on a career-focused segment, offering young talent a relaxed environment to connect with industry professionals, discover job opportunities, and build new contacts.
The signature Leadership Breakfast is also a centrepiece of the Expo, offering a platform for executives to discuss pressing industry challenges and innovative strategies. This year’s session will feature insights from Parques Reunidos CEO Pascal Ferracci and B Lab Europe Co-Founder Daniel Truran.
Exploring European experiences
Beyond the main exhibition hall, attendees can participate in a variety of industry-focused days. These full-day programs are structured around specialised tracks for in-depth discussions on key topics such as safety, sustainability, indoor entertainment, and water parks. The schedule is rounded out with a series of receptions, providing valuable informal networking opportunities for attendees.
Emphasising the value of the event’s educational content, an IAAPA representative said: “Attendees will also gain critical insights from leading professionals and subject matter experts across the global attractions industry. Expo Europe’s EDUSessions will cover a diverse range of topics, including, but not limited to, operations, repeat guest visitation, artificial intelligence, and more. Each session provides an opportunity for attendees to equip themselves with practical strategies to help elevate their organisations and careers.”
The IAAPA representative further noted how the event will connect with its host city. “In addition, this year’s EDUTours and networking events will create meaningful connections between the event and the vibrant city of Barcelona—bringing industry professionals into local venues, attractions, and cultural hubs while showcasing the city’s role as a world-class destination for innovation and experience-driven entertainment.”
IAAPA Expo Europe will also continue its commitment to supporting the next generation of talent through a fundraising initiative for the IAAPA Foundation. For the third time, attendees can contribute by purchasing a traditional Spanish chocolate bar from Xócala, a social economy company that provides employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
More details on this year’s event can be found at the IAAPA Expo Europe website.
