FINAL_FW2607-08_DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 39
is possible when bold operators
pursue growth across borders and
formats.
For those looking to deepen
their expertise in specific disciplines, the program’s breadth
is unmatched. The Innovation
Stage will once again give voice
to emerging perspectives and new
thinking, ensuring that the next
generation of industry ideas gets
the platform it deserves.
A Certi昀椀ed Sustainable
Event
IAAPA Expo Europe 2026
has earned certification as a
Sustainable Event by Greentime,
following an independent thirdparty review. Achieving a total
score of 76% and meeting all
mandatory requirements, the
certification is a meaningful recognition of IAAPA’s commitment
to responsible event management.
The assessment covers the event’s
footprint, from transport and
waste management to working
conditions, diversity, and financial
sustainability.
An Opening Night Like
No Other
The Opening Reception is the
networking event of the year in
Europe, and in 2026, the event
takes on an entirely different
dimension. This year’s event is
a unique two-part experience: a
two-hour reception to reconnect
with colleagues and partners from
across the industry, followed by
a 90-minute concert at ABBA
Voyage, the groundbreaking concert experience that redefined
live entertainment in London.
The Opening Reception is an
evening that captures the spirit of
the attractions business: creative,
immersive, and utterly unforgettable. This event is exclusive to
IAAPA members—and dancing
shoes are highly recommended!
Networking
Opportunities
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 networking
program will continue to grow
significantly. The familiar constituency-based receptions for indoor
entertainment, theme parks, and
water parks return alongside the
well-established MENA Reception.
New for this year, are additional
geography-focused receptions,
bringing together professionals
from the DACH Region (Germany,
Austria, and Switzerland), Poland,
and France, acknowledging Expo’s
growing relevance to operators
across Europe’s diverse regional
markets.
The Women in the Industry
Networking Lunch—which made
its debut at last year’s Expo—is
confirmed as a signature event
for 2026. Its return reflects the
industry’s continued commitment
to championing women in business and building a more inclusive
community.
Signature Events Not to
Be Missed
Several of IAAPA Expo Europe’s
most popular events return in
2026, each with new content
and renewed energy. Indoor
Entertainment Day, reserved
exclusively for IAAPA members,
celebrates the U.K.’s status as a
global FEC and indoor entertainment trendsetter. Participants
can expect a vibrant program
of keynotes, panels, and highvalue networking, rounded off
with behind-the-scenes visits to
Swingers, The Crazy Golf Club,
and other venues in the O2 Arena
for candid conversations.
The signature EDUTour, one
of the event’s perennial sell-outs
(and thus reserved for IAAPA
members), visits two of the
U.K.’s best-loved destinations:
Chessington World of Adventures
Resort and Legoland Windsor
Resort. Both facilities will offer
behind-the-scenes access and
direct operational insight that
simply cannot be replicated in a
conference room.
Also evolving for 2026, Water
Park Day will be redefined as
Water Park Forum, with a sharper
focus on learning, peer networking, and a unique venue visit to
Lee Valley White Water Centre, a
facility that offers a very different
perspective on water-based attractions.
Angi Puigferrat,
marketing director
for IAAPA Europe
and Sub-Saharan
Africa, is leading
efforts that raise
awareness about
IAAPA membership
in the ESA region
and promotes
attendance at IAAPA
Expo Europe and ESA
events. Connect with
her on
:
IAAPA.org/Funworld | JULY/AUGUST 2026 | Funworld
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