Press Release
Disney Legends and Global Leaders Headline IAAPA Expo 2026 Signature Sessions
Industry icons among the speakers for the show’s nearly 200 education sessions as IAAPA Expo marks its largest year in history
ORLANDO, FL (Sept. 15, 2026) — IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, today announced more details on IAAPA Expo’s signature sessions, bringing together Disney Legends, renowned storytellers, global executives, and influential thought leaders from across the attractions industry. The featured programming is part of nearly 200 education sessions planned for the largest Expo in IAAPA history.
From the creative minds behind some of the industry’s most iconic experiences to leaders shaping the future of business, storytelling, and guest engagement, this year’s signature sessions will give attendees rare access to decades of expertise and practical insights they can apply within their own organizations.
Legends 2026 Panel – Legends of Disney
Wednesday, Nov. 18 | 4–5:30 p.m.
For this year’s edition of the Legends Panel, now in its 24th year, three renowned figures whose work has helped shape themed entertainment and storytelling across generations will take the stage together: Bob Weis, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering; Joe Rohde, retired Walt Disney Imagineer and Disney Legend; and Leslie Iwerks, Oscar- and Emmy-nominated, multi-award-winning filmmaker.
Moderated by Bob Rogers, founder of BRC Imagination Arts and 2010 IAAPA Hall of Fame inductee, the panel will draw on decades of experience to explore how storytelling drives project development and how strong creative collaboration can transform ideas into thematic environments, ride vehicles, films, and experiences that resonate for generations. Attendees will hear firsthand insights, strategies, and lessons from their careers, along with principles they can apply to their own work.
DEEP STORY: The Secrets of Transformational Story Making
Monday, Nov. 16 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Bob Rogers will explore how thoughtfully designed experiences such as attractions, museums, and brand centers can inspire deeper interest in a subject, region, or art form and ultimately influence the way visitors think, feel, identify, and act.
In conversation with Bob Weis, Rogers will share practical techniques, best practices, and ideas for creating transformational experiences that build meaningful connections with audiences and make a measurable impact beyond the visit itself.
Lunch and Learn
Monday, Nov. 16 | Noon–2 p.m.
Andrew Bolstein, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, will draw on more than three decades of global leadership experience across diverse markets, cultures, and operational environments.
Through stories from his leadership journey, Bolstein will share lessons on earning trust, leading through change, navigating cultural differences, and aligning high-performing teams around a shared vision. He will also explore how resilience, humility, and a commitment to developing people can strengthen organizations, deliver exceptional results, and elevate standards across the attractions industry.
Leadership Breakfast
Wednesday, Nov. 18 | 8:30–10 a.m.
Internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and management advisor Joe Pine II will challenge attractions professionals to elevate how they create experiences as more businesses compete for consumers’ time, attention, and engagement.
Pine will explore the need for organizations to strengthen the experiences they stage before looking beyond experiences to the next level of economic value: helping customers achieve meaningful transformations.
Cofounder of Strategic Horizons LLP, Pine has addressed audiences at the World Economic Forum, TED, the Consumer Electronics Show, and South by Southwest. His latest book, The Transformation Economy: Guiding Customers to Achieve Their Aspirations, was named one of Thinkers50’s 10 best new management books of 2026. He is also coauthor of the influential The Experience Economy, along with Authenticity, Infinite Possibility, and Mass Customization.
Together, these four signature sessions anchor an expansive education program designed for professionals across every sector of the attractions industry. As the global association continues to evolve, IAAPA Expo remains a premier destination for professional development, industry connection, and continued discovery. The 2026 education program will give attendees access to the people, insights, and ideas helping shape what’s next for the attractions industry.
Registration for press and industry professionals can be found here.
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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
ABOUT BOB ROGERS and BRC IMAGINATION ARTS
Bob Rogers is the Founder of BRC Imagination Arts, a full-service strategy, design, and production company that transforms how people feel, think, and connect. For 45 years, BRC has turned brand and cultural stories into destinations built for lasting change, powered by Deep Story™ and guided by a creative philosophy called Magic with Heart: the belief that imagination and precision belong together, and that the best work moves hearts and moves numbers in equal measure. Our portfolio includes Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium Tour, Great Wolf Lodges, and World Expo pavilions for nations and corporations across the globe, from Shanghai and Milan to Osaka 2025. Proudly independent, with more than 500 international awards, BRC remains the most trusted name in transformational experience design. In his book, DEEP STORY, A Complete Guide to Creating Transformational Experiences, Bob Rogers reveals some of the magic behind BRC’s 45 years of success.
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