The global attractions industry has one event that brings everyone together every year. IAAPA Expo 2026 is that event. It takes place November 16–20, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida. This year’s show is the biggest in the event’s history. Professionals from theme parks, zoos, water parks, museums, and family entertainment centers are all expected to attend.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning attendee, this guide covers everything you need to know. You will find details on dates, tickets, exhibitors, education sessions, and the most exciting new features this year.
Key Dates and Location at a Glance
Before you plan your trip, it helps to understand the event schedule. The 2026 show has two main components: the Education Conference and the Show Floor. They run on slightly different dates, so you need to plan accordingly.
| Event Component | Dates |
| Education Conference | November 16–19, 2026 |
| Show Floor | November 17–20, 2026 |
| Venue | Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando, FL |
| Address | 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819, USA |
The Education Conference opens one day earlier than the Show Floor. Therefore, if you plan to attend sessions, you should arrive by Sunday, November 15, at the latest. The Show Floor then runs through Friday, November 20, giving you four full days to explore the exhibits.
Additionally, the 2026 event marks a major milestone. For the first time, the show will expand into the OCCC’s West Building. This makes it the largest IAAPA Expo ever held.
Who Attends IAAPA Expo?
This event draws professionals from across the attractions world. Attendees include operators, designers, manufacturers, and executives. They come from theme parks, waterparks, hotels, resorts, arcades, zoos, aquariums, and beyond.
The mix of attendees makes the show valuable for anyone in the guest experience business. A small family entertainment center owner can walk the same floor as a senior executive from a global theme park brand. This creates a rare environment for learning and connection.
Ticket Options and Registration Packages
Registration is now open for IAAPA Expo 2026. There are several ticket options available, depending on your role and goals. Prices differ for IAAPA members and non-members. Registering early saves you money compared to on-site pricing.
Here is a breakdown of the main registration packages:
| Package | IAAPA Members | Non-Members |
| Show Floor Only | $289 | $499 |
| Show Floor + Education Conference | Included | Additional $449 |
| Student Registration | $50 | $100 |
| VIP Experience Gold | $398 | $990 |
The Show Floor package gives you four full days of access to the trade show floor. The Education Conference adds over 90 expert-led sessions on top of that. The student ticket is a great way for emerging professionals to access the floor at a reduced rate.
The VIP Experience Gold package offers extra perks. These include a dedicated pre-registration desk, AI-driven exhibitor recommendations, access to a VIP lounge, and a meet-and-greet with IAAPA leadership. A Diamond-tier VIP option is also available for the most exclusive experience.
Children under 18 can attend the trade show floor with a complimentary wristband, picked up at on-site registration with a registered adult. However, attendees under 18 are not allowed in education sessions or special events.
You can also save money by registering as a group. Groups of five or more IAAPA members receive a 20% discount on Expo entry.
The Show Floor: Over 1,100 Exhibitors
The Show Floor opens on November 17 and closes on November 20. It is the heart of the event. More than 1,100 companies from around the world will be on display. They will showcase the latest products, rides, technology, food concepts, and services for the attractions industry.
The 2026 Show Floor will span three buildings of the OCCC: the North, South, and the new West Building. This expanded footprint means more to see and more ground to cover. Plan your route in advance using the Connect+ app to make the most of your time.
Exhibitors range from major ride manufacturers and software providers to lighting designers, food vendors, and ticketing companies. Whether you are looking for a new attraction for your park or a better way to manage guest flow, there is likely an exhibitor with a solution.
What’s New: The West Building Expansion
The biggest physical change at IAAPA Expo 2026 is the addition of the West Building. Several popular and brand-new features will call this space home.
West Building highlights include:
- The Food & Beverage Pavilion, which has doubled in size and will feature live chef demonstrations
- Haunting Grounds, the dedicated area for the Halloween and haunted attraction industry
- The EDUTalk Stage, where short presentations and industry conversations will take place
- The What’s New Theater, a new space to discover the latest product launches
- The Young Professionals Hub, a dedicated area for emerging industry leaders to connect and grow
These additions reflect the growing breadth of the attractions world. The expansion also improves the flow of the show, giving attendees more room to explore without feeling crowded.
New South Building Experiences
The South Building also has two new additions in 2026. IAAPA will debut a pair of themed lounges designed to support networking and discussion.
The Cruise Lounge gives cruise industry professionals a space to rest, connect, and stay up to date on trends shaping that sector. The Glamping Lounge, meanwhile, focuses on the growing nature and adventure parks segment. Both lounges provide a more relaxed and focused environment than the busy show floor.
The South Building will also continue to host the traditional networking lineup. This includes sector-specific receptions, behind-the-scenes EDUTours, the Leadership Breakfast, and the Women in the Industry Networking Lunch.
Education Sessions: 170+ Opportunities to Learn
One of the strongest reasons to attend is the Education Conference. Running from November 16 to 19, it features more than 170 expert-led sessions. These cover a wide range of topics relevant to attractions professionals at every level.
Education session topics include:
- Operations and park management
- Technology and digital innovation
- Guest experience design
- Safety standards and best practices
- Sustainability and environmental responsibility
- Food and beverage trends
- Leadership and workforce development
Sessions are led by industry practitioners, executives, and thought leaders. They are designed to give attendees practical tools they can bring back to their businesses. Additionally, IAAPA members who attend sessions can earn continuing education units (CEUs) toward IAAPA recertification.
The EDUTalk Stage in the West Building will offer shorter, focused talks. These are a great way to learn quickly between exhibit hall visits.
Special Ticketed Events
Beyond the Show Floor and education sessions, there are several special events that require separate tickets. These events offer unique networking and entertainment experiences.
Returning signature events include:
- Sector-specific industry receptions
- The Leadership Breakfast
- The Women in the Industry Networking Lunch
- Behind-the-scenes EDUTours of local attractions
One of the most exciting special events is the exclusive IAAPA members-only evening at Universal’s Epic Universe. This limited-capacity event gives attendees private access to explore the park’s groundbreaking attractions. It is a rare opportunity to experience one of the most anticipated theme parks of the decade alongside industry peers.
Special event tickets are available during registration. Note that these tickets are non-refundable, so plan your schedule carefully before purchasing.
The Connect+ App: Your Expo Navigation Tool
IAAPA offers a free digital tool called the Connect+ App. It is designed to help you get the most out of your time at the show. The app includes the full session agenda, an interactive show floor map, and a complete exhibitor list.
The app also offers AI-driven exhibitor recommendations based on your profile. This means you get personalized suggestions about which booths to visit. VIP ticket holders get even more from the app’s recommendation features.
Download Connect+ before you arrive. It will help you plan each day and avoid missing sessions or exhibitors that matter to you.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
A few simple steps can help you have a smoother experience at the show.
First, register early to lock in the lowest price. Advanced pricing is always cheaper than on-site registration. Second, download the Connect+ App before you travel and spend some time setting up your profile. Third, book your hotel in Orlando as early as possible. The event brings thousands of visitors to the city, and nearby hotels fill up fast.
Fourth, review the education session schedule before you arrive. Sessions can fill up, so knowing your priorities helps you secure a spot. Finally, wear comfortable shoes. The show floor is vast, and you will likely walk several miles over the course of each day.
Conclusion
IAAPA Expo 2026 is set to be the most significant edition of the event yet. Taking place November 16–20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, it brings together the global attractions community under one enormous roof. With the new West Building expansion, there are over 1,100 exhibitors, more than 170 education sessions, fresh themed lounges, and exciting special events like an exclusive evening at Universal’s Epic Universe.
Whether your goal is to discover new products, develop your skills, or build industry relationships, this event delivers on all fronts. Registration is open now, and early tickets offer meaningful savings. Plan ahead, download the app, and get ready for an event that truly reflects where the attractions industry is heading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is IAAPA Expo 2026?
The Education Conference runs November 16–19, 2026. The Show Floor is open November 17–20, 2026.
Where is IAAPA Expo 2026 held?
The event takes place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), located at 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819.
Is registration open for IAAPA Expo 2026?
Yes. Registration opened in June 2026. You can register through the official IAAPA website at iaapa.org.
How much does a ticket cost?
IAAPA member Show Floor registration starts at $289. Non-member pricing starts at $499. Student tickets start at $50 for members.
What is the difference between Show Floor and Education Conference access?
Show Floor access lets you explore the trade show exhibits. The Education Conference adds over 90 sessions led by industry experts. IAAPA members get both included in their base price.
What is the Connect+ App?
Connect+ is the official digital app for the expo. It includes the agenda, exhibitor list, floor map, and AI-driven recommendations to help you plan your visit.
What is new at IAAPA Expo 2026 compared to previous years?
The biggest change is the addition of the OCCC West Building, which makes this the largest show ever. New features include the What’s New Theater, Young Professionals Hub, Cruise Lounge, and Glamping Lounge.
Can children attend IAAPA Expo?
Children under 18 can attend the Show Floor with a free wristband alongside a registered adult. They are not permitted in education sessions or special ticketed events.
What industries are represented at the show?
Attendees and exhibitors come from theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, haunted attractions, cruise lines, resorts, and more.
Are there group discounts available?
Yes. Groups of five or more IAAPA members receive a 20% discount on Expo entry. The discount applies automatically when you add the fifth person during the registration process.
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