IAAPA Expo Europe returns to London next week, with trade association Experience UK expanding its presence on the exhibition floor.
The organisation is preparing a record-sized showcase designed to highlight British expertise across the global attractions market.
The sixth edition of the UK Pavilion will occupy stand S837 at ExCeL London during the trade show, which runs from 22nd to 24th September. Designed by Experience UK member Katapult and built by Illusion Design and Construct, the nature-inspired pavilion features a British aesthetic. A central feature of the hospitality and networking space will be an open-top red double-decker London bus.
This year’s pavilion will host 17 showcase partners alongside a wider delegation of 110 individuals representing Experience UK. The delegation aims to provide a platform for UK businesses to build international partnerships and pursue commercial opportunities across every stage of the attraction lifecycle, spanning creative design, technical delivery, operations and visitor engagement.
Industry partners
The 17 showcase partners selected for the pavilion are Christie, Cinchio, Cinesite, Electrosonic, Environmental Street Furniture, Illusion Design and Construct, Katapult, LEAPScheme, Mascots Inc, seeper, Spiro, The Flash Pack, UCargo, Ventola, Voxel Studio, Widdop & Co and Wild Republic.
In addition to the official showcase partners, a broader delegation of trade association members and industry professionals will take part in the week, with several exhibiting independently across the wider expo floor. The double-decker bus in the pavilion lounge will serve as a dedicated meeting space for delegates to connect with clients and establish international business links throughout the event.
Pre-expo networking
Ahead of the main exhibition floor opening, Experience UK will hold an Experience Talks roundtable on Monday 21st September at ExCeL London. The session brings together industry leaders, operators, landlords, investors, place-makers and policymakers to examine current opportunities and barriers within the UK Experience Economy. Insights gathered from the session will feed into a broader series of stakeholder engagement events designed to inform the development of a UK Experience Economy White Paper, addressing topics such as investment, property, policy and international expansion.
On the evening of 21st September, Experience UK will host its annual IAAPA Expo Europe Opening Night Mixer at The Lockdown Room in Canary Wharf’s London City Island. The Alice in Wonderland-themed evening, designed by JR Creative, is supported by headline sponsor UCargo, alongside Lodestar, Preloaded, Fever, Blooloop, London & Partners and Katapult. The event features interactive entertainment including a SingPods karaoke booth, scenic elements by Luminous Show Technology and an arrival experience created by The Flash Pack.
Breadth and strength
Speaking on the upcoming event, Ian Clappison, Chief Executive Officer of Experience UK, noted the opportunity presented by the show’s return to the UK capital:
“September is shaping up to be an incredible week for the UK Experience Economy, and having IAAPA Expo Europe back in London gives us a fantastic opportunity to put British creativity and expertise firmly in the international spotlight.
“This will be our biggest UK Pavilion yet, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our members, creating new international connections and bringing the industry together here in London.
“With 17 showcase partners, a wider delegation of over 110 individuals and a brilliant programme of networking around the show, it’s going to be a fantastic celebration of the breadth and strength of the UK Experience Economy.”
Registration is still open for IAAPA Expo, for which Attractions Daily will be a media partner. Find out how to register here.
