The IAAPA News Blog


Bringing a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success, Eryka joins IAAPA from her distinguished role as director of communications for The Central Florida Oversight District. There, she led comprehensive communication strategies, managed high-pressure media scenarios, and implemented impactful crisis management protocols. Eryka also played a pivotal role in fostering diversity and inclusion within the district. 
Read Article
IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced today a new partnership with Craft Standard Draft Cocktails, a pioneering company known for its expertise in ready-to-serve draft cocktails. As an IAAPA official partner, CS Draft Cocktails will be at the forefront of revolutionizing the beverage experience within the amusement industry, bringing high-quality cocktails to new locations with easy-to-use draft systems.
Read Article
Association leaders share industry observations and expectations
Read Article
With less than three weeks until IAAPA’s premier event for IAAPA Awards, the global association for the attractions industry has revealed its keynote speaker and additional panelists for IAAPA Honors 2024.
Read Article
New regional advisory committee chair aims to promote young people and give back to the industry
Read Article
Dubai, UAE (January 25, 2024) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced today that Ahmed Zakaria has been selected as the Director of Operations for the Middle East and will be establishing a local office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Read Article
Awarded annually, the IAAPA Individual Achievement Awards recognize significant achievement in the global attractions industry
Read Article
Author Salem Thyne previews his IAAPA FEC Summit keynote
Read Article
Industry peers explore the latest and greatest tech at CES 2024
Read Article
Vince Poscente races into IAAPA FEC Summit with an athlete’s strategy at winning in business.
Read Article
Orlando, Florida (January 3, 2024) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced today Storm Tussey-Haverly has been selected to serve in the newly created role of executive vice president and chief membership officer after a global search.
Read Article
Momentum is building as IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, prepares for its first summit of the year.
Read Article
Professional development and networking opportunities will be at the forefront of the summit
Read Article
The prestigious award will be presented at the IAAPA Honors ceremony
Read Article
Orlando, Florida (November 17, 2023) – IAAPA Expo 2023, the premier global event for the attractions industry, concluded its week-long extravaganza today, bringing together 36,173 attractions professionals on the floor from a total registration of 41,236. Of those, 26,453 were qualified buyers representing 18,135 buying companies, and 9,961 exhibitors representing 1,147 exhibiting companies.
Read Article
Orlando, Florida (November 14, 2023) – The global attractions industry has descended upon Orlando as IAAPA Expo 2023 officially opened its doors at the Orange County Convention Center today. The largest event of its kind, IAAPA Expo brings together industry professionals from around the world to showcase the latest innovations, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities within the attractions and amusements sector.
Read Article
ORLANDO, FLORIDA (November 1, 2023) – The trade show floor for IAAPA Expo 2023 is the global attraction industry’s go-to event for the latest in innovation, technology, creativity, and all-things-thrill. Attending an IAAPA Expo is an experience that influences decision making for years to come for theme parks, attractions, and entertainment destinations.
Read Article
ORLANDO, FLORIDA (October 24, 2023) – Putting passion, innovation, and creativity on display, 27 exhibitors and their respective operator partners are set to host press conferences at IAAPA Expo 2023. Everything from product partnerships and development to park expansions to general industry news will be shared during this year’s incredible event.
Read Article
Creating safe experiences for guests and employees is the top priority for the global attractions industry and fundamental to the IAAPA mission. In recent weeks, the world has seen an increase in the threat of terrorism and social media activity from terrorist organizations encouraging additional attacks. Now is the time for all industry professionals to remain extra vigilant in your security protocols to ensure the safety of your guests and employees.
Read Article
IAAPA reports record-breaking success
Read Article
IAAPA announces winners at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023
Read Article
Periales elected among seven new IAAPA board members
Read Article
Excitement builds as doors open at Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center
Read Article
Insight provided by key IAAPA members sheds light on what's ahead
Read Article
See Europe's greatest trade show floor come together
Read Article
EMEA safety manager Pierre van der Wijst speaks to the association's efforts
Read Article
ORLANDO, FLORIDA (Sept. 13, 2023) – IAAPA Expo 2023, the premier event for the global attractions industry, will spotlight a host of exciting new features and attractions for attendees, making it an event like no other expo event. In addition to the indoor exhibit space being sold out for the first time since 2019 – featuring more than a staggering 1,100 exhibitors – this year’s expo highlights an expanded exhibit space and sponsored programming that shines a light on major industry brands.


Read Article
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (September 13, 2023) – With just days to go until the much-anticipated IAAPA Expo Europe opens its doors, the excitement in Vienna is palpable. The premier event for the global attractions industry is set to take place from 25 to 28 September at the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, and it promises to be a celebration of innovation, leadership, and giving back.
Read Article
IAAPA, the Global Association for the Attractions Industry, is proud to announce the addition of three distinguished professionals to its leadership team. These strategic hires are set to drive IAAPA's commitment to advancing the attractions industry worldwide.
Read Article
IAAPA Connections event at Lagoon inspires and a ride on S&S’s Axis prototype
Read Article
ORLANDO, FL (August 2, 2023) – Registration for IAAPA Expo, the premier event for the global attractions industry, has opened, cementing the latest milestone in event management and show preparations for IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. IAAPA Expo will take place at the world-renowned Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from November 13-17.
Read Article
Your participation is vital to helping us understand how IAAPA can help you.
Read Article
Shining light on the global attractions industry
Read Article
Get a sneak peek of the conference
Read Article
The surf coaster opened to the public on May 27
Read Article
President and CEO Jakob Wahl shares new changes
Read Article
Watch the highlights from four days in Cancun, Mexico
Read Article
GKTW fundraisers scale down 32-story Orlando hotel
Read Article
Optimism is rising for a successful year across all regions
Read Article
Identifying the option that fits your needs
Read Article
Jim Pattison Jr. shares announcements following IAAPA Board of Directors meeting
Read Article
How Disney developed merchandise suited for the world of Tron
Read Article
Riyadh event offered resources and insights in a growing industry destination
Read Article
First look: Legoland Florida’s new ride is now open
Read Article
Funworld Live: IAAPA FEC Summit 2023 Preview
Read Article
EMEA Team performs site survey in Austria
Read Article
Marketing, Food and Beverage, and Best New Product Finalists
Read Article
Learn who's a finalist in 2022!
Read Article
Watch the Service Awards winners announcement
Read Article
Watch as IAAPA announces four inductees
Read Article
Cedar Fair’s creative visionary leaves lasting impact
Read Article
As IAAPA supports the growth of its members’ businesses and careers, it also looks to help develop the next generation of industry leaders.
Read Article
Rooted in the French Alps—with the internationally known resorts of Alpe d’Huez, La Grave, and Les Deux Alpes—the SATA Group is reinventing the mountain experience for both summer and winter.
Read Article
For several years, the IAAPA Foundation has been working to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in the global attractions industry and aid them in their professional journeys by offering academic and experiential scholarships.
Read Article
IAAPA has made several efforts to keep IAAPA Expo sustainable and environmentally friendly across its planning, organization, venue, and execution.
Read Article
During IAAPA Expo 2022, three charity events will raise funds for Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida, that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families.
Read Article
Uniquely designed for attractions professionals, the Education Conference program at IAAPA Expo 2022 will run Nov. 14-17 and feature myriad sessions covering trends and topics from around the industry.
Read Article
IAAPA Expo’s business- and leadership-focused institutes and symposia create opportunities for industry newcomers, new managers, and human resources (HR) professionals to discover management best practices and professional development tools.
Read Article
Through the exciting lineup of special events at IAAPA Expo 2022, attendees can hear about the global attractions industry’s latest projects, learn from industry executives, and forge business connections with leaders.
Read Article
This November, IAAPA Expo 2022 is ready to inspire attractions industry professionals when they gather at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Read Article
See photos from the most recent World's Fair
Read Article
Beloved Brazilian characters becomes part of a mobile art installation
Read Article
Sensory Access is a Seattle-based company that creates inclusion for people with hidden disabilities
Read Article
The IAAPA Foundation's mission is to inspire life-changing careers in the industry
Read Article
IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 will be held at ExCeL London from Sept. 12 to 15, with the trade show floor open from Sept. 13 to 15
Read Article
IAAPA Summit: Latin America, Caribbean and Post Tour 2022 showcased multiple attractions across Brazil
Read Article
Over 90 attendees came together for educational presentations, unique experiences, and networking opportunities
Read Article
Peter van der Schans discusses the upcoming London conference and trade show, set for Sept. 12-15 
Read Article
IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit 2022 touched on the attractions industry’s resiliency despite the struggles of recent years
Read Article
The deadline for applications is June 30, 2022
Read Article
The historical theme park brand is coming soon to China
Read Article
Michael Shelton has been promoted, and Peter van der Schans joins the team
Read Article
Three Dubai attractions, of all different backgrounds, shared insight on planning, design, and operation
Read Article
New attractions provide insight into design, sustainability, and operations
Read Article
The three-day event in Italy will offer networking, education, and exclusive tours
Read Article
View from 'Garden in the Sky' inspires as global expo takes a bow
Read Article
The Park Playground is a VR experience that can send guests of all ages on five different group-oriented adventures
Read Article
Connections, learning, and insight highlight first IAAPA event of 2022
Read Article
IAAPA Summit: Latin America, Caribbean is set to take place April 25-27
Read Article
IAAPA FEC Summit 2022 will head to Scottsdale, Arizona, for three days of education, connection, and fun, Jan. 23-25
Read Article
IAAPA's Board of Directors welcomes five new members to its ranks
Read Article
In October, attendees came from Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, representing attractions companies from around the globe
Read Article
The first Latin America, Caribbean Meet IAAPA took place in São Paulo, Brazil at the Jacarandá Restaurant and the second was held in Mexico City at Bistró Chapultepec Restaurant
Read Article
IAAPA Middle East Summit 2022, scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 21-23, will allow attendees to explore several attractions facilities across the region
Read Article
New IAAPA Member, Themics Philippines Inc., is a multifaceted company that creates themed architecture for attractions and leisure companies around the world
Read Article
As of Nov. 1, Wahl directly leads the operation of IAAPA’s regional offices, global sales, three global Expos, and additional member events around the world
Read Article
IAAPA EMEA Christmas Summit in Rust, Germany, was filled with color and entertainment


Read Article
Tips and suggestions for the best convention week ever
Read Article
On Dec. 9, attendees will gather at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, for IAAPA EMEA Christmas Summit
Read Article
Returning to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, IAAPA Expo will bring together attractions industry professionals from Nov. 15 to 19
Read Article
Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil has been welcoming thousands of spectators into its stadium since 2014
Read Article
IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit in Belgium offered attendees a unique opportunity to reconnect with peers while touring and learning from four facilities: Bellewaerde, Pairi Daiza, Plopsaland De Panne, and Walibi Belgium.
Read Article
Funworld previews the 2021 IAAPA Expo with exciting special events, engaging educational programs, and new opportunities down every aisle
Read Article
Golf, Run, and Walk to Support Give Kids The World Village with these charity events at IAAPA Expo
Read Article
IAAPA Expo's in-depth learning experiences offer unique opportunities to explore attractions management topics through
interactive, immersive sessions led by industry leaders and experts.
Read Article
Get exclusive access to Central Florida attractions through EDUTours
Read Article
We’re all different, and that’s normal!
Read Article
Expo Leadership Breakfast takes a twist
Read Article
In-person Expo welcomes the world
Read Article
PortAventura plays host to important conversation
Read Article
Climb aboard and join us for a look at the EDUTours to PortAventura during IAAPA Expo Europe.
Read Article
Inside the final preparations for IAAPA Expo Europe
Read Article
IAAPA Expo 2021 will be held Nov. 15 - 18. (Trade Show: Nov. 16 - 19)
Read Article
The Vancouver-based company creates experiential and escape room experiences
Read Article
Held in Barcelona, Spain, IAAPA Expo Europe will take place Sept. 27-30
Read Article
Summer's magic felt during a trip to Knoebels
Read Article
The award honors members who demonstrate a dedication to the attractions industry
Read Article
IAAPA Expo Asia heads to Shanghai, China, to reconnect attractions industry professionals
Read Article
Members gather for education, fellowship, and fun
Read Article
IAAPA gets sneak peek at new dining and entertainment concept
Read Article
New Intamin mega coaster debuts in style
Read Article
“IAAPA Safety Month: Latin America and the Caribbean” will present safety best practices, standards, and updates
Read Article
The Expo will present special events, a trade show floor, and more, Aug. 10-13
Read Article
A sneak peek inside Ocean Park Hong Kong's soon-to-open water park
Read Article
Reflections of an IAAPA Show Ambassador
Read Article
On April 5, 2021, IAAPA joined nearly 1,200 American businesses, U.S. Department of State designated program sponsors, US Travel, and many other trade associations, in urging President Biden to help prevent serious hiring shortage for the industry by addressing the concerns about the J-1 Visa program
Read Article
First in-person event for IAAPA Asia-Pacific in 2021
Read Article
Dippin’ Dots visits Team IAAPA
Read Article
Tracy Lanza shares the importance of marketing and content creation in inspiring a return to travel
Read Article
GKTW opens new ice cream parlor with help from IAAPA members
Read Article
New document designed to support members when speaking to government leaders
Read Article
Members and attractions professionals gathered at Ole Red Orlando at Icon Park

Read Article
IAAPA offers on-demand courses and industry training modules online
Read Article
The new program will transition to an assessment-based certification model
Read Article
Iconic water ski show returns to Legoland Florida Resort
Read Article
Conquering a fear of heights while helping Give Kids The World Village
Read Article
The summit will bring participants together for backstage tours and educational talks, June 29-July 1
Read Article