IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 Wraps With Record-Breaking Week in London

LONDON, UK (24 Sept. 2026) – The premiere event for the leisure industry concluded today at Excel London following a milestone week of business, education, networking and discovery.

This year’s Expo welcomed 16,530 verified attendees out of 18,719 total registered, including 11,710 qualified buyers representing 8,956 buying companies across 118 countries. The trade show floor spanned over 22,800 square meters, the largest in IAAPA Expo Europe history, and featured more than 870 exhibitors showcasing new products, technologies, services, and experiences.

The record-breaking show floor represents 50% growth since the event was last held in London in 2022. Attendees represented the breadth of the global attractions industry, including amusement and theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centres, zoos, aquariums, museums, resorts, cultural attractions, and more.

“The growth we’ve seen since we were last in London four years ago speaks volumes about the strength of the attractions industry,” said Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President, IAAPA ESA. “You could feel the momentum across the show floor all week long. From collaborative innovations being unveiled to new information being shared, Expo Europe is ultimately about bringing our industry together, and London gave us an incredible stage to do just that, while also looking ahead to what’s next.” 

Beyond the trade show floor, the programme offered more than 70 educational opportunities featuring 190 speakers, connecting attendees with subject matter experts to explore the ideas and challenges influencing attractions today. Sessions covered topics ranging from the evolving guest experience and emerging AI technologies to safety, sustainability, leadership and operations.

Learning also extended beyond the convention centre doors through exclusive EDUTours across some of the United Kingdom’s leading attractions. The agenda included visits to Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, as well as A Merlin Entertainments Halloween, hosted at Thorpe Park, home to one of the UK’s leading Halloween events.

The event generated significant media interest across the region and internationally. IAAPA’s onsite Press Office welcomed more than 160 journalists and media professionals, with representation from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other markets. Coverage from outlets including De Telegraaf, London Daily News, The Caterer, and National World, highlighted new developments, emerging trends, and the continued growth of the global attractions sector.

Over the course of five days, IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 brought the attractions community together for learning, collaboration and discovery. IAAPA Expo Europe 2027 will be held in Vienna, Austria from 20-24 Sept 2027.

Thank you to our IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 sponsors:

Angry Birds, accesso®, Brogent Technologies, Inc., Charcoalblue International Ltd., Disguise Systems Ltd, DOF Robotics, Expression Capital Partners LLP, Garmendale Engineering, Gatemaster Technology Corporation, Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc., LEAPScheme Ltd, Lifesaver Power Ltd., MACK Rides, Mobaro, OpenAire, Outdoor Factory, ProSlide Technology Inc, QubicaAMF Bowling Products, ROE Visual, ROLLER, Sacoa Cashless System, Semnox Solutions, Singa, Storibox, TAIT, Toca Social, Universal Verification, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V., Water Technology Inc.

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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 strives to promote 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.

The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; and, Mexico City, Mexico.

Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA
 

Media Contact: 
IAAPA Press Office 
[email protected]