More than 41,000 buyers, suppliers and representatives of the attractions sector from more than 100 countries came together in Orlando, Florida, for the biggest attractions expo in IAAPA’s history. Attractions Management was in attendance.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, IAAPA shattered its own attendance record, with more than 41,000 people converging on the Orlando for the annual Expo
Showcasing more than 1,100 exhibiting companies, the trade show floor for this year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo was the largest in its history, with more than 55,000sq m (592,000sq ft) of exhibition space. For the first time in Expo history, the show floor extended beyond the walls of the convention centre into outdoor structures created just for the event. Dubbed the “Exploration Station”, the new area was dedicated to more than 140 companies exhibiting at IAAPA for the first time.
Education sessions played a big part once again at this year’s Expo, with presentations by leading operators on topics including industry trends, new technology, marketing and more.
Defy definition Bob Chapek, chair of Parks, Experiences and Products at Disney, delivered this year’s keynote speech.
Speaking during the GM and Owners’ Breakfast, Chapek offered personal insight into his more than 25 years of leadership at the global entertainment giant: “When Disney opened its first park in 1955, it set a new standard. Since that day we’ve invented and reinvented nearly every aspect of this industry, setting new standards along the way.”
Chapek spoke about Disney’s upcoming Star Wars lands, saying the anticipated new additions will “defy definition”.
He also revealed for the first time details about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster ride at Epcot.
“This will be a storytelling coaster,” said Chapek. “Each individual cab will be programmed to direct your eye to the story happening around you. You’ll be fully immersed from the minute you launch.”
Celebrating a century IAAPA celebrated its 100th year in style, as Universal Studios Florida hosted a special event on 15 November. Open only to IAAPA attendees, the week’s major networking session featured a special music set performed by Canadian rock band ‘The Barenaked Ladies’.
“IAAPA’s mission is to connect attractions professionals with each other and with new and innovative ideas,” said IAAPA’s new president and CEO, Hal McEvoy. “All that and much more happened in Orlando. It was an incredible week for us.”
IAAPA Attractions Expo by the Numbers
1,151 companies displayed innovative new products and services on 600,375sq ft (55,776sq m) of trade show floor space
26,000 qualified buyers attended the show
15,128 people participated in 149 education experiences which included multiple-day institutes and symposia, behind-the-scenes EDUTours at area attractions, panel and roundtable discussions, and constituency lunches
More than 3,600 people attended IAAPA Celebrates at Universal Studios Florida
Expo participants raised US$120,000 for Give Kids The World Village through a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, individual and corporate donations, and a hole-in-one challenge
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
More than 41,000 buyers, suppliers and representatives of the attractions sector from more than 100 countries came together in Orlando, Florida, for the biggest attractions expo in IAAPA’s history. Attractions Management was in attendance.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, IAAPA shattered its own attendance record, with more than 41,000 people converging on the Orlando for the annual Expo
Showcasing more than 1,100 exhibiting companies, the trade show floor for this year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo was the largest in its history, with more than 55,000sq m (592,000sq ft) of exhibition space. For the first time in Expo history, the show floor extended beyond the walls of the convention centre into outdoor structures created just for the event. Dubbed the “Exploration Station”, the new area was dedicated to more than 140 companies exhibiting at IAAPA for the first time.
Education sessions played a big part once again at this year’s Expo, with presentations by leading operators on topics including industry trends, new technology, marketing and more.
Defy definition Bob Chapek, chair of Parks, Experiences and Products at Disney, delivered this year’s keynote speech.
Speaking during the GM and Owners’ Breakfast, Chapek offered personal insight into his more than 25 years of leadership at the global entertainment giant: “When Disney opened its first park in 1955, it set a new standard. Since that day we’ve invented and reinvented nearly every aspect of this industry, setting new standards along the way.”
Chapek spoke about Disney’s upcoming Star Wars lands, saying the anticipated new additions will “defy definition”.
He also revealed for the first time details about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster ride at Epcot.
“This will be a storytelling coaster,” said Chapek. “Each individual cab will be programmed to direct your eye to the story happening around you. You’ll be fully immersed from the minute you launch.”
Celebrating a century IAAPA celebrated its 100th year in style, as Universal Studios Florida hosted a special event on 15 November. Open only to IAAPA attendees, the week’s major networking session featured a special music set performed by Canadian rock band ‘The Barenaked Ladies’.
“IAAPA’s mission is to connect attractions professionals with each other and with new and innovative ideas,” said IAAPA’s new president and CEO, Hal McEvoy. “All that and much more happened in Orlando. It was an incredible week for us.”
IAAPA Attractions Expo by the Numbers
1,151 companies displayed innovative new products and services on 600,375sq ft (55,776sq m) of trade show floor space
26,000 qualified buyers attended the show
15,128 people participated in 149 education experiences which included multiple-day institutes and symposia, behind-the-scenes EDUTours at area attractions, panel and roundtable discussions, and constituency lunches
More than 3,600 people attended IAAPA Celebrates at Universal Studios Florida
Expo participants raised US$120,000 for Give Kids The World Village through a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, individual and corporate donations, and a hole-in-one challenge
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
