Excel London will host the most ambitious edition of IAAPA Expo Europe yet, bringing the global attractions industry together in a dynamic world city.
For the first time since 2022, IAAPA Expo Europe will return to London. From September 21-25, education programs will take place, with the trade show floor open September 22-24.
As host city, London places Expo at the heart of one of the world’s most innovative and commercially vibrant attractions markets. Whether attendees are seasoned veterans of the Expo circuit or registering for the first time, IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 promises a can’t-miss week of business, learning, inspiration, networking, and wonder.
“Returning to London after four years is both exciting and humbling,” says Peter van der Schans, vice president and executive director of IAAPA ESA. “The United Kingdom is home to IAAPA’s largest European membership base and continues to be a market with influence on indoor entertainment trends within neighboring regions. This return reflects both the strength of the U.K. market and the continued growth of our event. We’re proud to come back with our largest IAAPA Expo Europe to date, creating even more opportunities for connection, collaboration, and inspiration.”
Record-Breaking Show Floor
Last year, IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona set a new benchmark, and IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 expects to raise the bar again. For the fourth consecutive year, the show is set to break its own record, with more than 800 exhibiting companies displaying the latest innovations across 22,000 square meters of exhibition space at Excel London. The result will be the largest IAAPA Expo Europe trade show floor in the event’s history—a vast, energizing environment where the full breadth of the global attractions supply chain is on dis play—from ride manufacturers and technology providers, to theming specialists and digital experience designers.
New for 2026, a dedicated food and beverage zone will bring an exciting addition to the floor plan. Twenty companies will present their latest products and culinary concepts, covering everything from indulgent snack innovations to ice cream and revenue-generating catering solutions. For operators looking to diversify income streams and enhance the guest experience, this is a fresh destination within the show.
Inspiring Education
For the first time in 2026, education content will be spread across five dedicated spaces: the IAAPA Theatre sponsored by Angry Birds, three conference rooms, and the Innovation Stage. With more than 175 speakers and over 60 sessions, never before has so many educational opportunities existed at a single European attractions event.
The Leadership Breakfast will be a highlight of the education calendar. This year’s theme highlights rapid growth and scalability, illustrated through two powerful business cases. Robert Dahl, CEO of Karls, the German-based theme park brand that recently announced its expansion into California, and Wouter Dekkers, CEO of Momentum Leisure, whose group has shown strong growth in Poland and is now expanding across Central Europe. Together, they will present a compelling vision of what s possible when bold operators pursue growth across borders and formats.
For those looking to deepen their expertise in specific disciplines, the program’s breadth is unmatched. The Innovation Stage will once again give voice to emerging perspectives and new thinking, ensuring that the next generation of industry ideas gets the platform it deserves.
A Certified Sustainable Event
IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 has earned certification as a Sustainable Event by Greentime, following an independent third party review. Achieving a total score of 76% and meeting all mandatory requirements, the certification is a meaningful recognition of IAAPA’s commitment to responsible event management. The assessment covers the event’s footprint, from transport and waste management to working conditions, diversity, and financial sustainability.
An Opening Night Like No Other
The Opening Reception is the networking event of the year in Europe, and in 2026, the event takes on an entirely different dimension. This year’s event is a unique two-part experience: a two-hour reception to reconnect with colleagues and partners from across the industry, followed by a 90-minute concert at ABBA Voyage, the groundbreaking concert experience that redefined live entertainment in London. The Opening Reception is an evening that captures the spirit of the attractions business: creative, immersive, and utterly unforgettable. This event is exclusive to IAAPA members—and dancing shoes are highly recommended!
Networking Opportunities
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 networking program will continue to grow significantly. The familiar constituency-based receptions for indoor entertainment, theme parks, and water parks return alongside the well-established MENA Reception. New for this year, are additional geography-focused receptions, bringing together professionals from the DACH Region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), Poland, and France, acknowledging Expo’s growing relevance to operators across Europe’s diverse regional markets.
The Women in the Industry Networking Lunch—which made its debut at last year’s Expo—is confirmed as a signature event for 2026. Its return reflects the industry’s continued commitment to championing women in business and building a more inclusive community.
Signature Events Not to Be Missed
Several of IAAPA Expo Europe’s most popular events return in 2026, each with new content and renewed energy. Indoor Entertainment Day, reserved exclusively for IAAPA members, celebrates the U.K.’s status as a global FEC and indoor entertainment trendsetter. Participants can expect a vibrant program of keynotes, panels, and high alue networking, rounded off with behind-the-scenes visits to Swingers, The Crazy Golf Club, and other venues in the O2 Arena for candid conversations.
The signature EDUTour, one of the event’s perennial sell-outs (and thus reserved for IAAPA members), visits two of the U.K.’s best-loved destinations: Chessington World of Adventures Resort and Legoland Windsor Resort. Both facilities will offer behind-the-scenes access and direct operational insight that simply cannot be replicated in a conference room.
Also evolving for 2026, Water Park Day will be redefined as Water Park Forum, with a sharper focus on learning, peer networking, and a unique venue visit to Lee Valley White Water Centre, a facility that offers a very different perspective on water-based attractions.
