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Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo 2024

With almost 42,000 industry professionals descending on Orlando for this year’s IAAPA Expo, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event

IAAPA Expo 2024 is here, with this year’s show set to be the most well-attended in the event’s history.

Taking place from November 18 - 22, almost 42,000 industry professionals and 1,100 exhibitors have descended on the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida for the show, which is the premier event for the global attractions industry.

This year’s Expo features an extensive trade show floor and a comprehensive education programme, offering 245 sessions covering topics such as experiential storytelling, crisis management, environmental design, extended reality and more.

New additions to the 2024 Expo include the IAAPA Street Market. Located on the North Concourse, the street market showcases food and beverage suppliers from around the world, with visitors able to sample treats including IAAPA’s signature cocktail; the IAAPA Coaster Cosmo.

As well as the IAAPA Haunting Grounds and the Sega-sponsored IAAPA Attendee Lounge, attendees will also be able to participate in an attractions industry-themed game of Monopoly that encourages visitors to interact with leading manufacturers and suppliers on the trade show floor.

This year’s Expo will also host three drone shows in partnership with drone entertainment agency SkyElements. The aerial displays will light up the night sky above the convention centre at 6:15pm and 8:05pm on November 19th and again at 6:15pm on November 20th.

“With growth comes innovation, and we are thrilled to bring so many new and exciting additions to IAAPA Expo this year,” said IAAPA president and CEO, Jakob Wahl.

“Our North America team has truly outdone themselves. There are a number of creative activations that can only be seen at the Expo.

“Expo week is sure to be an exceptional one and we cannot wait to welcome attractions industry professionals, partners, and subject matter experts from across the globe.”

Here’s everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo 2024.



Opening on November 19, the sold-out trade show offers 545,000sq ft (50,632sq m) of show floor, with more than 1,100 companies from around the world showcasing the latest products and services.

Here are some of the innovations being exhibited at this year’s event.



Accesso is showcasing the latest release of its accessoPassport platform at this year’s IAAPA Expo, with the product being exhibited alongside Accesso’s line up of attractions technology solutions.

Powered by accesso’s eCommerce capability, accesso Passport is an end-to-end SaaS platform that delivers a seamless and intuitive visitor experiences by enabling guests to purchase tickets, season passes, parking and food and beverage during their visit.

The new version of accessoPassport features a completely revamped user interface and user experience and features several updates to streamline operations and drive revenue.

“Accesso Passport offers a depth of capability that’s unmatched in the industry,” said accesso CEO Steve Brown.

More here



Alterface is set to introduce its “Imagination Playground,” with the custom-built demonstration space set to offer attendees a look at the company’s signature interactive technology.

Featuring four stations, the Alterface Imagination Playground offers experiences showcasing how the company’s technology can be integrated into larger attractions.

According to the supplier, while many themed gaming systems are centred around shooting, Alterface can offer new options for gameplay that “broaden the concepts of interactivity and immersion”. With each station, attendees are able to offer a brief experience showcasing how the technology might be integrated into a larger attraction.

“The Alterface Imagination Playground is designed to challenge established ideas of what interactive attractions can be,” said Stéphane Battaille, CEO of Alterface.

More here



Attractions.io is set to launch its new AI Assistant at this year’s IAAPA Expo, with the technology created to act as guests’ go-to guide during an attraction visit.

Offering personalised recommendations and real-time support throughout the guest journey, Attractions.io has been developing the AI Assistant for 18 months, building on the idea that a connected experience enhances guest satisfaction and creates opportunities for operator growth.

Joining the rest of the Attractions.io mobile app platform, AI Assistant will utilise real-time data to tailor responses to meet the exact needs of customers.

Connecting data points including ticketing, wayfinding, menus, and wait times, the AI Assistant features a number of capabilities.

More here



Brogent will reveal several exciting projects and partnerships for the coming year during this year’s expo.

The media-based attractions developer will reveal more information during a press conference, taking place at 11:00am on November 21 on Booth #5731.

Visitors to the stand will also be able to discover the company’s “latest innovation” in flying theatre technology - s-Ride. The attraction boasts a unique riding position and a budget-friendly design that allows operators of all sizes to offer a premium flying theatre attraction at a competitive price point.

The s-Ride will be showcased alongside Brogent’s entire attraction portfolio, which includes the i-Ride, m-Ride and v-Ride 360 models.

More here



Dronisos is spotlighting its ongoing partnership with Disneyland Paris.

A leader in drone entertainment, Dronisos has been working with Disneyland Paris since 2018, implementing drone technology in the park’s indoor shows, creating drone displays for both permanent and temporary nighttime spectacles and providing creative and technical support.

In 2022, the company was named an official technology partner of Disneyland Paris, following the success of ‘Disney DLight.’

Created to celebrate the park’s thirtieth anniversary, Disney DLight was a daily nighttime show that was performed almost 500 times. It was originally scheduled to close in August 2022, but was extended for more than a year and won Best Live Show in the 2022 Park World Excellence Awards, before closing in September 2023.

More here



Holovis is exhibiting its second generation 360Golf experience at this year’s IAAPA Expo, with the experiential design and immersive technology firm showcasing the experience with a demo course on the stand.

Billed as a “reinvention of mini-golf,” 360Golf offers seamless tracking and automated stroke-counting technology inside the golf balls themselves, with the technology gamified to deliver a fun experience as players advance around the course.

Developed in partnership with Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS), the game combines Holovis’ high-tech capabilities with AGS’ 30-plus years of mini-golf design experience, and has been well received by both the public and attractions operators since its 2021 launch.

Recently debuted on three courses at the Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort in the UK, the new version features enhanced technology to provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience for guests and operators alike.

More here



Rollercoaster and water ride manufacturer Reverchon will debut a new generation Flume ride, with details of the new attraction being revealed at the show.

The spinning coaster pioneer will also showcase to attendees a new ride safety system, having developed new individual safety bars as part of its mission to continuously improve ride safety and experience, with the new restraints offering flexibility to suit all riders, as well as adaptability for earlier ride versions.

Reverchon will also be exhibiting its new Spinning Coaster Stall Turn. Recently launched in the US, the Spinning Coaster Stall Turn is an enhanced version of the company’s Spinning Coaster attraction and includes several new features to provide an elevated rider experience

More here



Simworx will be showcasing its extensive portfolio of dynamic media-based attractions, with several members of the team on hand to discuss upcoming projects and opportunities.

Visitors to Booth #2067 can learn about the company’s upcoming openings, including the launch of the Brass Ring-nominated Pegasus Flying Theatre attraction, which will open in Istanbul, Turkey in the coming months, as well as several projects in the UK, US and Saudi Arabia.

The company has also recently expanded into the sports entertainment sector, following a partnership with C360 International which saw the development of a new immersive 360-degree in-stadium viewing experience.



Triotech will unveil an exciting new project during this year’s IAAPA Expo, with the company revealing the attraction’s details during a press conference on November 19th.

Taking place on Booth #1361 at 3:30pm, the company will unveil a large-scale project, developed in partnership with leading Saudi Arabian attractions developer Seven. Few details are currently known about the project, however, it will feature a popular IP and is slated to open at multiple locations across Saudi Arabia.

During the show, Triotech will also be showcasing several of its latest attractions including Into the Deep, Saga City of Light and Primordial.

More here



Vekoma is unveiling a “unique and surprising” new rollercoaster in partnership with Mexican resort developer; Grupo Vidanta.

The company will introduce the ride in a press conference, taking place on the Vekoma stand (Booth 5124) at 2:10 pm on November 19.

Few details are currently known about the attraction, however, it will launch at the Vidanta World theme park in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, and, according to Vekoma, will offer a thrilling and highly-themed ride experience set in a “natural and lush” landscape.

Vekoma will also announce multiple openings for 2025 during the Expo, with the rollercoaster manufacturer having several projects scheduled to launch in Canada and the US in the coming 12 months.

More here



WhiteWater will unveil several new products and attraction categories during this year’s IAAPA Expo, with the new additions encouraging operators to “rethink” the modern water park, beyond anchor attractions and capacity absorption.

More details on the new products will be revealed throughout the show, however, a WhiteWater release described the attractions as the fusion of “slides, rides and play,” offering “never-before-seen” experiences that maximise space, increase capacity and extend visitor sessions.

“Whitewater’s team of designers, architects and engineers work hard to stay ahead of the curve, creating trends instead of following them,” said a WhiteWater spokesperson.

This is achieved “by leveraging WhiteWater’s complete range of waterpark attractions, and some less expected ones, redefining what a waterpark looks like for future generations.”

More here



This year’s education programme will include more than 245 sessions and special events with highlights including the always popular Legends Panel.

Returning for its 22nd year, this year’s Legends Panel, titled ‘Legends Who Share Their Secrets’, takes place in the Learning Hub sponsored by Miral from 4pm - 5:30pm on November 20.

Helmed by BRC Imagination Arts CEO and chairman Bob Rogers, this year’s panel is inspired by the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail, and will see panellists share invaluable insight, offering insight and strategies gleaned from their respective careers.

Speakers include Margaret Chandra Kerrison; author of Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds: A Writer’s Guide, Joe Pine; author of The Experience Economy, and Bob Weis; author of Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering.

‘Using Artificial Intelligence To Your Advantage’ will explore how attractions operators can utilise artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday marketing and sales operations to maximise ROI. Speakers include Anthony Palermo, co-founder of Connect&GO; Jessi O’Daniel, ICAP, general manager of Shipwreck Island Waterpark in Panama City Beach, Florida; and Tyler Jacobs, director of guest engagement at Morey’s Piers.

Elsewhere, ‘Unlocking Inclusive Thrills: Rider Accessibility in Amusement Parks with ASTM F24 Standards’ will examine rider accessibility in amusement parks and attractions, guided by standards set by ASTM F24 and will seek to educate attendees on how these standards shape inclusive and diverse experiences for thrill-seekers of all abilities. Speakers include Anthony Rossi, managing director of attraction development and maintenance administration at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania; and Mark Stepanian, president of CAVU Designwerks.



In addition to the comprehensive education programming, this year’s IAAPA Expo will include a number of special events and networking opportunities taking place throughout the week.



Opening Reception
When: November 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: IAAPA Theater

Day one of the trade show concludes with the annual Opening Reception.

Attendees can mingle with industry peers from around the world and celebrate the launch of this year’s show over food and drinks.,

Tickets for the opening reception are priced at US$99 (€93, £78) for members and US$169 (€160, £133) for non-members.



EDUTour: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – A Grand Attractions Reimaginging
When: November 20, 7:30am - 10:15am
Where: Magic Kingdom, Disneyworld

Participants on the tour will be able to experience the recently-opened Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and see first-hand how Disney utilised new technologies, state-of-the art effects and music to transform a tired attraction into an exciting and fresh experience.

EDUTour: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – A Grand Attractions Reimagining is a ticketed event, with tickets costing US$199 (€188, £157) for members and US$329 (€311, £260) for non-members. Buses leave from the Orange County Convention Center’s South Concourse at 7:30am and return at 10:30am, attendees are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before departure. Breakfast will be provided.



EDUTour: Brick-by-Brick: Legoland Florida’s Newest Projects
When: November 21, 7:00am - 10:00am
Where: Legoland Resort

Attendees will get an exclusive look at several upcoming and recently-completed projects at the Legoland Resort in Winter Haven, Florida.

The tour will also include a behind-the-scenes at the new Sea Life Aquarium, which is currently under construction, as well as hear from park leadership about the new and revamped attractions.

EDUTour: Brick-by-Brick: Legoland Florida’s Newest Projects is a ticketed event, with tickets costing US$199 (€188, £157) for members and US$329 (€311, £260) for non-members. Buses leave from the Orange County Convention Center’s South Concourse at 7:00am and return at 11:00am, attendees are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before departure.



IAAPA Celebrates
When: November 21, 8:00pm - 11:30pm
Where: Epcot

Day four of the IAAPA Expo concludes with an “unforgettable evening of networking and conversations between industry peers and friends” in a special, ticketed event at Disneyworld’s Epcot.

Guests can enjoy a dessert reception, a fireworks display and exclusive access to several major attractions including Guardians of the Galaxy, Spaceship Earth, Frozen, Soarin’ and Mission to Space!

One-way transfers will be available along the Shuttle Routes and Walking Hotels to IAAPA Celebrates, with the first buses departing at 7:00pm from the first hotel on the route.

Tickets for IAAPA Celebrates cost US$199 (€188, £157) for members and US$349 (€330, £275) for non-members.



TEA International Mixer
When: November 19, 11:30pm - 3:30am
Where: SeaWorld’s Ports of Call Ballroom

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is hosting its annual international mixer at SeaWorld’s Ports of Call Ballroom.

Open to members and non-members alike, this year’s mixer will celebrate the winners of the 2025 Thea Awards and will feature food and live music, with attendees able to ride Pipeline: The Surf Coaster.

“Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect and celebrate with our community,” said a TEA release.

Tickets for the TEA International Mixer start from US$105 (€99, £83)

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Planet Attractions’ is in attendance, with editor-in-chief Tom Anstey roaming the show floor, to bring you the latest news and updates directly from the show and meeting the many companies that bring visitor attractions to life.