Registration has opened for IAAPA Expo Europe 2026, which returns to London for the first time in four years.
The attractions industry event will take place at Excel London from 21-25 September and is set to be the largest edition in its history, according to organisers.
IAAPA said the show has grown by 50% since 2022 and will feature a record 21,000sqm exhibition floor, more than 800 exhibitors, over 175 speakers and more than 60 education sessions.
The event brings together operators, suppliers and developers from across the attractions sector, covering theme parks, visitor attractions, family entertainment centres, museums, water parks and location-based entertainment.
Food and beverage will receive greater prominence at the 2026 edition, reflecting its increasing importance as a revenue stream for attractions. IAAPA said benchmark studies show food and beverage can account for 30-35% of total park revenue.
Alongside the exhibition, the programme will include a leadership breakfast featuring Robert Dahl, chief executive of Karls Erlebnis-Dorf, and Wouter Dekkers, chief executive of Momentum Leisure. Delegates will also be able to attend behind-the-scenes EDUTours at Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.
The return to London is significant for IAAPA, with the UK representing the association’s largest membership base in Europe. The country has also become a focal point for indoor entertainment and immersive attractions, a segment that has seen substantial investment in recent years.
Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice-president, IAAPA EMEA, said: “Returning to London after four years is both exciting and humbling. The UK 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 UK market and the continued growth of our event.”
