IAAPA APAC Summit 2026

As one of the fastest-growing theme park markets, APAC is seeing continued development across destinations, each pushing the guest experience and redefining what a destination can be. With that momentum comes new opportunities for the entire region. In this opening keynote, Andrew Bolstein, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, and the Chair of the IAAPA APAC Regional Advisory Board, will share his insights on the outlook and opportunities for the theme park industry. 

Drawing on more than three decades of experience across the theme park industry, including his journey with Shanghai Disney Resort from its grand opening in 2016 through its ten years of success and his leadership today, Andrew will examine the key trends shaping guest experiences and explore how these trends are influencing the future of the theme park industry. He will highlight the critical importance of creativity, innovation, storytelling, and leadership. The session will also showcase how IAAPA and its Regional Advisory Board support industry advancement across APAC. 

Note: This session will be conducted in English.

Seibuen Amusement Park is committed to revitalizing the local community by collaborating with a wide range of regional partners, including Seibu Group’s railway and transportation businesses, the Saitama Seibu Lions baseball team, and local governments. Through these partnerships, the park continues to strengthen its connection with the community.

In this session, we will look back at the history of Toshimaen and its long-standing relationship with the local community, while sharing case studies of collaborations within the Seibu Group and joint initiatives with local governments. Through these examples, attendees will gain insights into how an amusement park can serve as a platform for community engagement and regional collaboration, and how attractions deeply rooted in their local communities can create lasting social value.

Note: This session will be conducted in Japanese.

Exceptional guest experiences do not happen by chance. They are built through culture, leadership, training, and a shared commitment to service excellence. This session explores how organizations can cultivate an environment where employees are empowered to create memorable moments for guests. Attendees will gain practical insights into developing a service-oriented culture, engaging frontline teams, and translating the principles of “omotenashi” into consistent, world-class guest experiences.

Note: This session will be conducted in Japanese.

Barrier-free experiences have become an important trend in the development of theme parks and tourist destinations. 

In this session, Universal Studios Japan will share new offerings that leverage technology and guest-centric design to overcome barriers and provide inclusive experiences.

Note: This session will be conducted in Japanese.

Creating lasting appeal for families requires more than popular characters and attractions. This session explores how destinations can remain relevant across generations by combining immersive experiences, local engagement, and continuous innovation. Using LEGOLAND Japan as a case study, attendees will gain insights into designing experiences that resonate with today's children while fostering long-term family connections, encouraging repeat visitation, and building a sustainable destination for the future.

Note: This session will be conducted in English.