IAAPA Expo 2025: What’s New, Returning, and Can’t Miss

ORLANDO, FL (Sept. 9, 2025) -- The premier event for the global attractions industry is less than three months away from opening its doors at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Nov. 17-21, 2025. IAAPA Expo 2025 is the ultimate annual gathering where attractions professionals from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, discover business solutions, and spark innovation for their teams and organizations.

Professionals in the business of fun are gearing up for the rush of energy as the Opening Ceremony concludes and the crowd spills onto the bustling concourse and down the escalators on to the vibrant show floor. The aroma of Ben’s Soft Pretzels drifting through the air as industry leaders reconnect, network, and experience firsthand the products and services shaping the future of attractions.

Highlights of IAAPA Expo 2025 include, but are not limited to:

• LEGENDS: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair – The prestigious gala returns on Monday, Nov. 17, to honor this year’s inductees. This 2025 IAAPA Hall of Fame honorees include Keith James, Gerardo Arteaga Oehninger, Dolly Parton, Gary S. Wachs, and Su Zhigang. These five trailblazers will be celebrated throughout the night with industry friends and family.

• Leadership Breakfast featuring Mark Woodbury – Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, Woodbury will headline the Expo’s signature special event, offering powerful insights into the bold ideas and creativity that have defined his career and helped shape the themed entertainment industry.

• IAAPA Celebrates – IAAPA members can experience the all-new Universal Epic Universe during an exclusive, special ticketed event. The Thursday night event includes access to groundbreaking attractions, select food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, and character meet-and-greets across Universal’s newest theme park.

• Women in the Industry Lunch – After overwhelming interest and excitement in year one, this offering moves to the IAAPA Theater to celebrate the leadership and achievements of women across the attractions industry. This year’s featured speaker is Lauren Hodges, Ed.D., expert in human performance sciences and owner of Performance on Purpose. Dr. Hodges will share insights on resilience, performance, and purposeful leadership to inspire attendees both personally and professionally.

• Industry EDUTours – Attendees can go behind the scenes at Central Florida’s world-famous attractions, including SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, Fun Spot America and LEGOLAND Florida Resort, exploring how these destinations continue to elevate and offer unique guest experiences.

• Haunting Grounds – Following a sold-out debut in 2024, Haunting Grounds returns as a must-visit themed area. This immersive zone connects attendees with exhibitors specializing in Halloween attractions and experiences, offering solutions to elevate seasonal events with frightful fun.

• Legends of Epic Panel– Moderated and curated by Bob Rogers, founder and chairman of BRC Imagination Arts, this annual session will return to IAAPA Expo 2025. This year’s panel features Eric Parr, Jody Keller, Steve Blum, and Katy Pacitti – four of the extraordinary talents who helped create Universal’s Epic Universe.

This year’s IAAPA Expo will also feature:

• 1,100+ exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in attractions, entertainment, and hospitality
• 170+ education sessions led by industry experts across diverse career tracks
• 10+ networking receptions and countless opportunities to collaborate
• Thought leaders and visionaries from every sector of the global attractions industry

Looking Ahead

“IAAPA Expo is where the global attractions industry comes together to share ideas, discover trends, and celebrate our shared passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences,” said Rob McNicholas, Executive Vice President and Vice President of IAAPA North America. “This year in Orlando, attendees can expect unmatched opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired.”

IAAPA Expo 2025 sets the stage for an exciting new chapter. In 2026, the annual conference will expand into the OCCC’s West Concourse, creating even more space for innovation, learning, and connection. That same year, IAAPA Expo Middle East will make its debut in Abu Dhabi, marking another milestone in the continued growth of IAAPA’s global portfolio of premier events.

Members of the media and attendees may register here.

Visit www.IAAPA.org/Expo for more information.

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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
[email protected]