What to Expect at IAAPA Expo Europe

IAAPA EXPO EUROPE—the largest international trade show and conference for the leisure and attractions industry in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region—will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from Sept. 27 to 30. Held at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via convention center, IAAPA Expo Eu-rope will bring together industry professionals to explore a trade show floor offering the latest innovations, learn from an inspiring education program, attend special events, and connect with colleagues. Here are some notable highlights from the schedule at IAAPA Expo Europe:

Trade Show Floor
Open from Sept. 28 to 30, the trade show floor will showcase the products and services of more than 450 exhibiting companies across two halls of exhibition space totaling approximately 14,000 net square meters. Influential buyers and decision-makers from all types of attractions will explore solutions to aid in post-COVID-19 recovery and the latest developments in rides, motion simulators, games, food and beverage, design and theming, virtual reality (VR), and more.

Special Events
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear keynotes from leaders, discover local attractions, and learn valuable insights at special events throughout IAAPA Expo Europe. On Sept. 28, the Opening Reception* at Tibidabo amusement park will offer attendees time to network and enjoy live entertain-ment, rides, and specialty food and beverages. Speaking on leadership with a twist, Sam Conniff, author of “Be More Pirate,” will present at the Lead-ership Breakfast* on Sept. 29. High-growth strategy specialist Dr. Rebecca Homkes will lead the Lunch and Learn* event on Sept. 29 centered on “Sur-vive, Reset, and Thrive: Strategy and Growth out of a Downturn.”

In-Depth Learning Experiences 
On Sept. 27, PortAventura World will host several events, including IAAPA Safety Institute,* an EDUTour* taking participants on an exclusive backstage tour of Spain’s largest theme park, and Sustainability Day.* A new full-day event for IAAPA Expo Europe, Sustainability Day will focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainable operations within the global attractions industry. Indoor Entertainment Day* at Fira Barcelona Gran Via on Sept. 27 is designed for owners and managers of indoor leisure facilities and family entertainment centers, with tailored education sessions and content. Water park professionals will gather for learning and networking on Water Park Day* at Water World and Aquadiver on Sept. 27.

Education Sessions
The Conference** at IAAPA Expo Europe will include almost 20 education sessions ranging in topics from facility operations to human resources. Expe-rienced industry leaders will help attendees grow their businesses and careers by presenting new ideas, applicable insights, and professional devel-opment tools. The Opening Keynote on Sept. 28 will feature a presentation by travel journalist and tourism advisor Doug Lansky, who will speak on future-proofing the attractions industry. During the “Cheers to our Mistakes” session, industry executives will share their biggest mistakes and the key learnings that came from them.
Health and Safety

IAAPA is focused on providing a safe and healthy environment for attendees, exhibitors, and team members at IAAPA Expos. IAAPA is working closely with partners at Fira Barcelona Gran Via and the local health department to develop and implement a comprehensive plan focused on a safe and suc-cessful IAAPA Expo Europe 2021. Visit IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpoEuropeHS for health and safety guidelines. 

*IAAPA Expo Europe registration and separate ticket required to attend.
**Admission to the Conference is free for IAAPA members with IAAPA Expo Europe registration. Nonmembers must purchase the Conference add-on in addition to Expo registration.