May 20, 2026
Registration is now open for IAAPA Expo Europe, which returns to Excel London from September 21 to 25, 2026, with a record 21,000sqm show floor, 800+ exhibitors, 175+ industry speakers, and 60+ education sessions.
2026 sees expanded F&B programming, plus EDUTours to Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, and special events.
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. We’re proud to come back with our largest Expo to date, creating even more opportunities for connection, collaboration, and inspiration.”
Expanded Food and Beverage Programming
Food and beverage (F&B) innovation will be more prominent across both the education program and the show floor at IAAPA Expo Europe 2026. According to IAAPA benchmark studies, F&B can account for 30-35% of total park revenue, underscoring its growing importance as both a driver of guest experience and a business strategy.
F&B innovation was highlighted at this year’s IAAPA Honors, where a panel discussed how attractions should be making their food more experiential, making F&B a more critical part of the planning process.
2026 EDUTours
What makes IAAPA Expos so powerful for operators is the hands-on learning they offer, and EDUTours are an incredible opportunity to learn on-site from peers.
The 2026 EDUTour runs Monday, September 21, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, combining education panels, guided tours of Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, and networking. The full-day program is IAAPA member-only and requires Expo registration and a separate ticket (£160 advanced, £185 on-site). Transport between Excel London and the two resorts is provided.
Special Events at IAAPA Expo Europe 2026
The Opening Ceremony kicks off the Expo on Tuesday, September 22, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the IAAPA Theatre, premiering the “What’s New” video highlighting the latest innovations from across Europe and beyond.
The Leadership Breakfast, scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM, is aimed at C-level executives and decision-makers. This year’s discussion centers on rapid expansion and scaling an organization, with keynotes from Robert Dahl, CEO and Creator of Karls Erlebnis-Dorf, and Wouter Dekkers, CEO of Momentum Leisure. Tickets are £140 advanced for members and £235 for nonmembers.
The Opening Reception takes over the ABBA Arena on Tuesday, September 22, from 6:30 to 10:30 PM, pairing a networking reception with drinks, snacks, and live entertainment, capped by the 90-minute ABBA Voyage show. The reception is IAAPA member-only, and transport is not provided; the nearest station is Pudding Mill Lane.
IAAPA’s Other Events
IAAPA Europe joins IAAPA’s other 2026 regional events, including IAAPA Expo Asia and IAAPA Honors.
