This year IAAPA Expo has expanded to not only encompass the South building but the West Building of the Orange County Convention Center as well. This expansion has allowed the trade show floor to grow by 50%, allowing for more businesses to showcase their innovations and solutions on the show floor along with offering over 170 educational opportunities. IAAPA is excited to welcome you for the first time and hopefully for many years to come.
IAAPA is excited to welcome first-timers to IAAPA Expo 2026. With this commitment in mind, IAAPA has designed several opportunities for first-time attendees to network with other first-time attendees along with seasoned professionals to make sure you are getting the most out of your IAAPA Expo experience.
Monday, November 16, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: W307ABCD
Are you attending the IAAPA Expo for the first time? Join us for this information session to ensure a successful and rewarding IAAPA Expo experience. This program is designed to equip first-time attendees with essential tools and resources to assist in navigating IAAPA Expo with ease and confidence.
Attendees can expect a welcome and overview from IAAPA North America's Vice President & Executive Director, Todd Andrus, and to participate in a lighthearted networking activity led by Heather Barnes, Chair of IAAPA North America's Education Committee.
Tuesday, November 17, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: West A/B Lobby
Continue the conversations started on the show floor in a fun, relaxed setting designed for networking and connection. Join fellow attendees in the West Building for IAAPA After Hours, a complimentary networking event featuring a cash bar, lively entertainment, and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new industry professionals, and build lasting relationships across the global attractions industry.
Don’t miss out on the First Timer’s Corner to connect with the IAAPA team who can help show you the lay of the land and connect you with other members.
Thursday, November 19, 5:00 – 5:20 PM
Location: IAAPA Central
New to IAAPA Expo? Join fellow first-time attendees at IAAPA Central in the West Building to connect with industry peers, swap tips, discover can't-miss experiences, and get insider advice on making the most of your Expo week.
IAAPA Expo is all about experiences, exploring new innovations and creating lasting connections. Some of the best opportunities to establish these connections are off the show floor at special ticketed events throughout the week. Don’t miss out on these events and the opportunity to create an exclusive IAAPA Expo week.
Thursday November 19, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Location: Universal Epic Universe
Close out an incredible week at IAAPA Expo with an unforgettable evening at Universal Epic Universe! Experience groundbreaking attractions, connect with fellow industry professionals, and celebrate the innovation and creativity that bring our industry to life. With limited capacity and exclusive access to the park, IAAPA Celebrates is the perfect way to cap off your Expo week with thrills, connections, and plenty of wonder.
Tuesday November 17, 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Location: Chapin Theater W320
Kick off your IAAPA Expo by attending the Opening Ceremony and the following opening of the trade show floor. The electrifying Opening Ceremony brings together leaders from around the world in a bold, refreshing way.
Celebrating the spirit of the attractions industry through vibrant performances and powerful storytelling, this immersive experience will set an inspiring tone for the days ahead.
See the full education agenda by using the link below. Don’t forget to generate your itinerary on this page by including your work location and title so you can get the best agenda for you!
The addition of the West Building at the Orange County Convention Center increases floor space by almost 50%. This creates a layout designed for maximum exploration and engagement, giving you valuable connections with qualified buyers across all sectors of the industry. Check out the show floor map to plan your IAAPA week now!\
Learn more about on-site information like registration information, parking, on-site experiences, and more.
The Connect+ App lets you easily find sessions, navigate the expo floor, and access real-time speaker and exhibitor details so you never miss a moment!
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*Times are subject to change. Please visit this site for the latest updates.
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