Article
IAAPA Expo 2026 Grows with Largest Trade Show Floor Ever
Expansion into West Building brings additional innovations and connections
Photo by IAAPA News
IAAPA EXPO 2026 PROMISES TO BE THE LARGEST SHOWCASE of innovation and connections in the organization's 108 years. With the expansion into the Orange County Convention Center's West Building, there's guaranteed to be new innovations, more interactive experiences, and additional opportunities to make connections with decision makers across the global attractions industry.
Largest Trade Show
Floor Yet
Surpassing 2018's milestone with 604,500 square feet and 1,247 exhibitors, this year marks the largest show floor in Expo history. With more exhibitors than ever before spread across the South and West Buildings, there are plenty of opportunities to spend each day of the show connecting with exhibitors, allowing attendees to source new products and discover solutions to move their businesses forward.
Within the new layout of the South and West Buildings, attendees will recognize the familiar pavilions that are staples of the trade show floor. On the South Building show floor, attendees can still expect to see the inflatable pavilion, show production and design pavilion, games and arcade pavilion, family entertainment pavilion, and outdoor exhibits. New on the South Building trade show floor this year will be the Sail Away Lounge and the Adventure Outpost Lounge. These two lounges will host meetups for communities within the industry and for constituencies, where attendees can connect and discuss industry trends and find solutions to current business challenges.
Western Expansion
Only a short walk across the pedestrian bridge or a ride on a continuously departing shuttle, attendees will find expanded offerings. The West Building will be home to IAAPA Expo favorites like the Opening Ceremony, held in the Chapin Theater on Tuesday morning, and the Haunting Grounds, an interactive haunt experience that expands to the show floor. IAAPA Central returns as the home for all things IAAPA membership related.
"Moving experiences such as the Chef Demo Stage and Haunting Grounds onto the show floor instead of on the concourse brings the community together in a whole new way," says Todd Andrus, vice president and executive director of IAAPA North America. "Experiences like this, that are woven into your show experience, are what sets IAAPA Expo apart. Our members are in the business of making memories, and it is only fitting that we offer these memorable moments to our
attendees," says Christy Spahn, vice president of IAAPA Expo operations and sales. The West Building is home to more than just interactive experiences on the
show floor. Attendees will find the Food and Beverage Pavilion, First Time Exhibitor Pavilion, EDUTalk stage, and for the first time, the new What’s New Theater showing video highlights from new products from around the world.
170+ Opportunities to Learn
Not only is IAAPA Expo 2026 notable for its number of exhibitors, but the education conference will host more than 170 educational eventsmore than ever before. EDUSessions will take
place starting on Monday and run through Thursday, bridging both the South Building and the West Building. Featured this year is the IAAPA Leadership and Talent Development Forum in which attendees learn from leaders from across the global attractions industry to explore the strategies, tools, and mindsets that drive meaningful workplace culture.
Learning will take attendees on location with EDUTours at major theme parks and other attractions throughout central Florida to see firsthand how best practices are applied in real life. There will also be educational opportunities on the show floor at the EDUTalk and Innovation Stages where 20-minute presentations will provide quick learning opportunities for all.
Connect Beyond the Show Floor
The historic event this November deserves a grand opening and that is exactly what is slated to take place on Tuesday morning in the Chapin Theater in the West Building. Attendees will be able to attend the Opening Ceremony that will feature a buzzworthy experience with the grand opening of the trade show floor to follow.
On Tuesday evening, the West Building will feature IAAPA After Hours, a new event just outside
the trade show floor. "This is a free event for all to come and celebrate the opening of IAAPA Expo. IAAPA is creating an accessible evening event to encourage attendees to make new connections and rekindle old," says Andrus.
The week culminates Thursday night at IAAPA Celebrates hosted by Universal Epic Universe theme park. After the positive response to the inaugural event last year, returning to Universal's newest park--and opening ticket sales to members and non-members alike--is the best way to celebrate a successful IAAPA Expo week. Ticket holders will receive exclusive access to the entire park, exceptional F&B offerings, entertainment, and the groundbreaking attractions. IAAPA Expo 2026 is an event attractions professionals cannot miss.
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