Returning to London for the first time in over ten years, IAAPA Expo Europe is a one-stop shop for the latest tech, innovation and trends driving the leisure industry and creating magical and memorable guest experiences.
IAAPA Expo Europe splashes down in London next month as UK tourism and attractions ride the wave of recovery. IAAPA Expo Europe returns to the capital for the first time since 2011, driving innovation, technology, and sustainability across the recovering ‘experience’ market, attracting industry leaders from the biggest theme parks to hotels, local attractions, and zoos.
From rollercoasters to log flumes, apps, special effects, and smellscaping, the Expo takes place September 12 -15, 2022 and will be jam-packed with the latest tech and innovation from businesses, services, and suppliers across the globe, all responsible for creating magically memorable experiences at visitor attractions worldwide.
The event is the flagship European trade show of The Global Association for the Attractions Industry, with the UK representing the largest membership in EMEA including attractions Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Merlin Entertainments, parent company to The London Eye, Thorpe Park, and SEA LIFE Aquariums.
IAAPA is set to deliver one of the most dynamic Expos yet, with thousands of UK and international leisure industry professionals from around 90 different countries able to network with colleagues, explore the latest developments, discover new products and services, and expand their knowledge with the help and support of industry experts.
Over 500 exhibitors will take to the enormous trade show floor, encompassing fully half of the entire ExCeL Docklands exhibition venue. Opening on the 13th September, the event includes not only the trade show, but also a four-day education conference with leading industry professionals giving unique insights from the 12th.
Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA EMEA said: “With less than a month until we open the doors of the London ExCeL for IAAPA Expo Europe, the IAAPA team finalizes plans for incredible learning opportunities, networking moments, and more that can only be found at the leisure industry’s premier annual event.”
Conference highlights include:
Monday 12th September
Sustainability Day at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
A full-day programme dedicated to the important issues and topics facing the global attractions industry regarding environmental, social, and economic sustainable operations.
Water Park Day
Water park owners, operators, designers, and manufacturers come together to share best practices and learn about current trends in the water park industry including the psychology of play, water park health and safety issues, revenue operations, and design principles.
Tuesday 13th September
Foodalicious: New Trends and Ideas to Innovate Your Food and Beverage Experience
This session is a chance to learn from industry leaders who have been innovating food and beverage operations from pricing to promotion.
Metaverse 101
Learn more about the Metaverse – augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), NFTs, and Web3 and how it could impact the attractions industry. Find out how it can and will shape the future of the (virtual) world and beyond.
Wednesday 14th September
TEA Presents: The Things We Miss When Creating Attractions
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) takes a look at different areas of the attraction creation process. Speakers will highlight the importance of sensory elements, communication and accessibility in storytelling, designing with future operations in mind, and designing sustainably.
Young Professional Forum and Reception
IAAPA Foundation invites young professionals to network and learn from global attractions industry leaders and veterans. Attendees can ask their most pressing career-related questions and pick the minds and experience of successful attractions professionals. The forum is followed by a reception for young professionals for continued networking, discussion, and professional development.
Thursday 15th September
Planet Attractions Presents: How to Make Friends and Influence People – Working with Influencers
In a world where online opinion can make or break a business, it’s crucial for those in the consumer-facing attractions industry to understand how to work with their fanbase in a constructive way, helping them to create content and experiences which will ultimately benefit everyone involved.
