The global attractions and leisure industry is gathering in London for IAAPA Expo Europe 2026, which takes place in the capital next week.
Organisers have unveiled a wide-ranging schedule featuring an expanded educational programme, new show floor showcases, and dedicated networking events for trade professionals across the sector.
This year’s education programme features more than 180 speakers across over 70 educational sessions. To accommodate the expanded schedule, the show will host the IAAPA Theatre, sponsored by Angry Birds, alongside three dedicated conference rooms, up from the usual two.
A series of educational sessions will explore key trends and technologies shaping the industry. On Tuesday 22 September, the session “The Future of the Attraction Industry: Drawing on research from IAAPA’s Vision 2035 task force” will examine emerging trends, potential disruptions, and opportunities expected to shape attractions over the next decade.
On Wednesday 23 September, “The Rise of Edutainment: Blending Immersion and Education in the Next Gen of Attractions” will evaluate how immersive technology and AI-driven personalisation are transforming educational venues and combining learning with entertainment.
On Thursday 24 September, “The NFL Playbook for Immersive Experiences” will focus on how experiential storytelling and live moments can build stronger emotional connections, deepen visitor loyalty, and extend audience engagement.
Signature networking events
The event schedule includes several signature gatherings for trade attendees. Exclusively for IAAPA members, the Opening Reception combines a two-hour networking event with a 90-minute performance of the pop concert experience ABBA Voyage.
The annual Leadership Breakfast will bring together two growing brands under the core theme of rapid growth, scalability, and international expansion. Speakers include Robert Dahl, CEO of Karls, whose company announced an expansion into California last year, and Wouter Dekkers, CEO of Momentum Leisure, whose group continues to expand in Poland and Central Europe. Both leaders will present business cases focused on entering new international markets.
Indoor Entertainment Day returns to the schedule for attendees tracking developments in indoor leisure. Concepts pioneered in the UK market frequently spread across Northern Europe, making the UK event a venue to observe upcoming trends.
Meanwhile, the signature EDUTour will take participants behind the scenes at Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. The tour offers rare access for attendees and has officially sold out.
New food showcase and targeted industry meetups
New for 2026, a dedicated Food & Beverage area will debut on the show floor. The space will host 20 companies demonstrating culinary innovations and food items, reflecting the role of food service as a core component of the guest experience in parks and venues worldwide.
Networking events will also take place for specific sector groups, including the Indoor Entertainment, Theme Park, and Water Park communities. The Middle East and North African Reception will return alongside three new regional gatherings: a DACH Region Reception, a Poland Reception, and a France Reception.
In addition, the Women in the Industry Networking Lunch has been confirmed as a permanent signature event on the IAAPA Expo Europe calendar following strong demand from attendees at previous shows.
Major announcements
Exhibitors will host press conferences during the trade event to launch new products and announcements. Vekoma Rides Manufacturing and Efteling will present details of a new family attraction and ride experience at Booth S4316.
At Booth S1226, The Gravity Group, MagicLand, and MV Rides will reveal the zero car for MagicLand’s €15 million family wooden coaster, which is scheduled to open in 2027.
Furthermore, DOF Robotics will introduce a licensing collaboration bringing the Smurfs IP into immersive attractions for the first time, alongside the global industry debut of SphereFly at Booth S317/S417.
Attractions Daily is an official trade media partner for IAAPA Expo Europe. Follow us on social media for the latest updates, or alternatively, register for this year’s show here.
