Immersive Design Academy and IAAPA Announce Joint Partnership Supported by the IAAPA Foundation

Orlando, FL (Feb. 18, 2026) -- Immersive Design Academy (IDA), a global training program preparing emerging professionals for careers in themed attraction design, has announced a new partnership with IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. The collaboration is supported by scholarship and program funding from the IAAPA Foundation. Together, IAAPA and IDA are expanding access, visibility, and career pathways for the next generation of themed entertainment talent.

About Immersive Design Academy

Immersive Design Academy is an accessible, 11-month training program designed to bridge the gap between education and employment in themed attraction design. Operating as a simulated creative studio, IDA brings together approximately 100 students each year in six multidisciplinary, international teams to develop a fully realized themed attraction concept based on a real-world client brief.

Since launching in 2022, IDA has supported recent graduates and career switchers alike, helping them apply their existing skills to real industry challenges. Student teams have developed concepts ranging from family dark rides and themed zoo expansions to immersive dining and edutainment experiences—gaining hands-on experience in the full themed entertainment design process.

Global Visibility Through IAAPA Expos

As part of the partnership, IDA will host programming and student-focused events at IAAPA Expos worldwide. These sessions will provide students the opportunity to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and engage directly with potential employers. IDA will continue its Showcase of Student Work at IAAPA Expo Europe and IAAPA Expo in Orlando, while expanding participation at IAAPA Expo Asia and IAAPA Expo Middle East. All IDA students will continue to receive complimentary access to IAAPA Expos—strengthening their exposure to the global attractions community. 

“This partnership and the Foundation’s support will make a meaningful difference for our students, helping them launch their careers regardless of background,” said Emma Bashford, Producer, Immersive Design Academy. “Lars van de Crommert, Laura Marakowits and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with IAAPA and look forward to growing this relationship globally.”

Industry professionals and media are encouraged to attend IDA presentations and student showcases at upcoming IAAPA Expos to meet the next generation of themed entertainment designers and explore emerging creative talent.

IAAPA Foundation Support Expands Access

The IAAPA Foundation will provide 14 experiential scholarships to help students offset travel costs associated with attending IAAPA Expos around the world. These scholarships remove financial barriers and ensure broader access to industry exposure.

In addition, the IAAPA Foundation funding has supported IDA’s operational growth, including its registration as a not-for-profit organization, enhanced communications tools, development of a new student portal, mentor travel support, software licensing, and production of student showcase materials.

“Through our partnership with Immersive Design Academy, and with the IAAPA Foundation’s scholarships expanding access for emerging talent, we are helping students gain practical experience, build industry connections, and enter the workforce ready to contribute,” said Michael Shelton, Chief Operating Officer, IAAPA. “This effort strengthens the global attractions industry by investing in its future leaders.”

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Immersive Design Academy program is currently underway and will culminate in a final student showcase at IAAPA Expo 2026 in Orlando, Florida. 

Applications for the 2027 program will open in late 2026.

To learn more about IDA or register your interest, visit www.ImmersiveDesignAcademy.org.

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About IAAPA and the IAAPA Foundation

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, represents more than 9,000 members across over 100 countries and serves as the leading international resource for professionals in theme parks, attractions, water parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, and location‑based entertainment. Its mission is to inspire, grow, and protect the global attractions industry through member connections, while advancing excellence, safety, and professional development across the sector. 

The IAAPA Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization, exists to inspire and support life‑changing careers in the global attractions industry by providing academic, experiential, and professional development scholarships. The Foundation raises awareness of career pathways, partners with educational institutions worldwide, and invests in developing tomorrow’s industry workforce with a strong focus on access, equity, and leadership development.