IAAPA Expo 2025 Sets New Benchmark with Record Breaking Attendance and Engagement

Orlando, Florida (Nov. 21, 2025) — IAAPA Expo 2025 has officially concluded, marking a record-breaking year for the global attractions industry. The premier event once again united thousands of professionals from around the world for five action-packed days of education, networking, and innovation. Held Nov. 17–21 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida, this year’s Expo surpassed all previous attendance records and reaffirmed its position as the must-attend gathering for industry leaders.

IAAPA Expo 2025 welcomed 38,520 verified attendees, drawn from a total of 43,840 registered participants, setting a new benchmark for participation. The trade show floor featured 28,598 qualified buyers representing 20,316 buying companies across 102 countries. Spanning more than 550,000 square feet of exhibit space, this year’s Expo showcased cutting-edge innovations from more than 1,100 exhibitors — representing the full spectrum of the global attractions community, including amusement and theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, resorts, and cruise lines.

“IAAPA Expo continues to grow not only in scale, but in global impact,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA. “Each year, we set new goals, see new technologies, partnerships, and creative ideas that are shaping the future of the attractions industry. The energy and innovation showcased in Orlando this week reaffirm IAAPA Expo’s role as the heartbeat of our global community.”

Beyond the vibrant show floor, IAAPA Expo 2025 featured more than 170 educational events led by top industry leaders, offering fresh insights on guest experience, safety, technology, and more. The education conference also included EDUTours to Port Canaveral for an exclusive look aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, as well as to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, where they explored behind-the-scenes operations, best practices, and innovative guest engagement strategies. 

The Expo also drew widespread media attention across the region and beyond. Major announcements included:

• SeaWorld Orlando unveiling a new Vekoma coaster.

• Dollywood debuting a new attraction in partnership with Mack Rides.

• Six Flags Over Texas revealing the “Tormenta” coaster, manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard Inc.

• Rocky Mountain Construction announcing new single rail coaster coming to Family Kingdom Amusement Park

• Zamperla partnering with Morgan’s Wonderland on “The WingZ,” an accessibility-friendly ride underscoring IAAPA’s commitment to inclusion and innovation.

Behind the scenes, the IAAPA Expo Press Office hosted more than 300 journalists, with national coverage in outlets including E! News, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, FOX Business, Today Show, CNN, and more. Local television stations such as WFTV Channel 9, Spectrum News 13, and FOX 35 also captured the excitement throughout the week, amplifying the association’s reach to audiences worldwide.

The IAAPA Foundation made a meaningful impact throughout Expo, raising more than $188,000 through on-site contributions from Sunday’s motorcycle run and Monday night’s IAAPA Legends: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair. With IAAPA’s matching donation, the total reached over $376,000, supporting global scholarships and educational initiatives that equip and develop the next generation of attractions industry talent.

Continuing the momentum of IAAPA Expo, the association will debut IAAPA Expo Middle East in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in March 2026. The inaugural event will bring together industry leaders from across the MENA region and beyond to spotlight innovation, technology, and investment opportunities shaping the future of leisure and attractions in the Middle East. From immersive design concepts to sustainable operations and integrated resort developments, the Expo will serve as a dynamic new platform for collaboration, learning, and growth in one of the world’s fastest-evolving markets.

IAAPA Expo 2026 will be held Nov. 16–20 and will expand across the North, South, and West concourses of the Orange County Convention Center -- and will be nearly 50% larger than this year. The expansion follows the event’s strong performance and the continued demand from more than 200 companies waiting to exhibit.

Thank you to our IAAPA Expo 2025 Sponsors:

accesso®, Allpoint Wireless, Aluvii, Inc., Aramark Sports + Entertainment, ART Engineering GmbH, Ballast Technologies, Inc., B Morrow Productions, Brogent Technologies Inc., Brookfield Properties, CAVU Designwerks, Chargerent, Chimelong Group, CieloIT, CLM Risk Management, Convergence, LLC, Disney Live Entertainment, DOF Robotics, Expression Capital Partners LLP, Frazil, Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc., GRUPO DICREJART, Hasbro, Intercard, Intuitive AI, J&J Snack Foods, J.T.M. Provisions Co., Inc., LightUpToys.com, Mattel, Inc., McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance, Modus, Moss Distributing, NutmegLabs, Inc., Polgün Waterparks & Attractions, Polin Waterparks, Polin Waterparks, ProSlide Technology, QubicaAMF Bowling Products, Ready Credit Corp, Redemption Plus, ROLLER, ROE Visual, Rovio Entertainment Corporation, S&S Worldide, Sacoa Cashless System, Sansei Technologies, Inc., SB Value, SEGA, Semnox Solutions LLC, Simtec Systems, Singapore Tourism Board, Sky Elements, Storibox, Storyland Studios, Inc., TAIT, The Nassal Company, THG, Triotech, Trustlayer, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V., Viña Concha y Toro, Vortex Aquatic Structures International, Visit Orlando/Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Water Safety Products Inc., Water Technology Inc. (WTI), YPFuns Global.

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About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and promotes the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.

IAAPA’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and, Mexico City, Mexico. Visit IAAPA.org or follow us on social media @IAAPAHQ | #IAAPA

Media Contact:
IAAPA Global Communications
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