IAAPA is the biggest global network of attraction industry trade shows. Here is what IAAPA is, where the events happen, and why Bagjump attends every year.

If you work in adventure parks, trampoline parks, family entertainment centers, water parks, or amusement parks, you have almost certainly heard of IAAPA. It is the global trade association for the attractions industry, and its annual expos are where operators, suppliers, and developers from around the world meet to see what is new, sign deals, and plan their next attractions.

Bagjump has been a regular exhibitor at IAAPA events for years, and we get asked all the time by newer operators what IAAPA actually is, which show is the right one to attend, and what to expect. So we put together this short guide.

The Four Main IAAPA Expos

There are four regional IAAPA Expos, each with its own character and audience.

IAAPA Expo Europe

The European edition rotates between major cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vienna, and London. It typically attracts around 15,000 to 20,000 industry professionals over three or four days and is the main networking event for European operators. Bagjump attends IAAPA Expo Europe regularly because it is the closest major show to our headquarters in Innsbruck, Austria.

IAAPA Expo (Orlando, USA)

The Orlando show is the biggest of them all. Held every November at the Orange County Convention Center, it draws over 40,000 attendees from across the world. If you attend only one IAAPA in your career, this is the one people usually recommend. The scale is on another level, with hundreds of exhibitors, live demos, and full-size attractions on the show floor.

IAAPA Expo Asia

Held annually in Southeast Asia, IAAPA Expo Asia rotates between cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. It is the fastest-growing regional show, reflecting the rapid expansion of the attractions industry across Asia. Family entertainment centers and indoor parks make up a large share of the exhibitor base here.

IAAPA Expo Middle East

The Middle East summit is the newest addition to the IAAPA calendar. Held in Abu Dhabi, it reflects the massive investment in adventure parks, family entertainment centers, and destination resorts across the Gulf region. This one has quickly become one of the most important events in the region and a key stop for anyone building attractions in the Middle East.

For the latest dates and locations of each expo, check the official IAAPA events calendar.

Who Attends IAAPA

IAAPA Expos attract a wide mix of professionals from across the attractions industry:

• Amusement and theme park owners and operators
• Family entertainment center (FEC) operators
• Adventure and trampoline park operators
• Water park and resort managers
• Museum and science center directors
• Zoo, aquarium, and cruise line operators
• Suppliers of attractions, safety equipment, technology, food and beverage, and merchandise
• Developers, investors, and consultants planning new projects

If your work touches attractions in any way, there is a version of IAAPA that is relevant to you.

What Happens on the Show Floor

Each IAAPA Expo runs across three to five days and typically includes:

• Hundreds of exhibitors showcasing new attractions, rides, safety systems, and technology
• Live demonstrations of new products
• Educational conferences and sessions on operations, marketing, safety, and design
• Networking events, awards, and industry receptions
• Guided park tours of local attractions (particularly in Orlando and Asia)

For operators planning a new attraction, IAAPA is often where the vendor shortlist gets built. For suppliers like Bagjump, it is where multi-year installation projects begin.

Why Bagjump Attends IAAPA

Adventure parks and trampoline parks are evolving rapidly. Operators want attractions that engage a wider audience, increase dwell time, and generate year-round revenue. That is where Bagjump fits in.

We have been building landing airbags in Innsbruck, Austria, since 2010, and our systems now support adventure parks, ski resorts, gymnastics facilities, and event operators across more than 60 countries. Every Bagjump airbag uses our patented replaceable air pillar system and is certified to EN ISO 23659:2022-11, the international standard for landing airbags.

Our IAAPA booths always focus on showing operators what is possible with airbag-based attractions. Here are the key concepts we bring to the show floor.

Freedrop Towers

Freedrop towers offer multiple jump heights to serve both families and adrenaline seekers, with recommended public jump heights up to 10 meters. They are one of the most photographed attractions in any adventure park and appeal to nearly every age group. Learn more about our Large Jump Tower.

Trampoline Airbag Stations

High-throughput attractions with 10+ jumps per minute, ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments. These are the backbone of most modern trampoline parks. We covered the full range in our 5 Bagjump airbag attractions for trampoline parks guide.

Tubing Landing Airbags

Year-round attraction concepts that work with snow in winter or artificial surfaces in summer. These deliver broad appeal across all age groups and are especially popular with ski resorts building out summer programs. See the AirPit Standalone product page for more.

Jump & Slide Parks

Modular attraction setups combining slides, jumps, and trampolines, with customizable layouts to fit different park sizes and concepts. Our Jump & Slide Parks have become one of the most popular concepts for operators looking for a flexible, revenue-generating adventure park addition.

These attractions can be installed as permanent features or used for seasonal activations, events, and brand experiences.

Designed for Performance and Revenue

Bagjump systems are designed to help operators maximize the value of their space.

By introducing airbag attractions, parks can:

• Activate unused areas to generate additional revenue
• Increase time spent in the park
• Encourage repeat visits with new experiences
• Expand appeal across multiple demographics

These systems are suitable for adventure parks, high ropes courses, ski resorts, and event setups, providing flexible deployment options for operators. For a deeper look at the numbers, see our article on the return on investment of a Bagjump airbag.

Flexible, Scalable, and Year-Round

Bagjump attractions can be tailored to match your park concept, audience, and available space.

Whether you are building a new park or enhancing an existing facility, solutions can be configured as:

• Permanent installations
• Seasonal attractions
• Mobile setups for events or activations

This flexibility lets operators adapt their offering and generate revenue across different seasons and use cases. For operators who want to see what is available second-hand or at reduced prices, we occasionally list available inventory here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IAAPA stand for? IAAPA stands for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. It is the largest global trade association for the attractions industry.

How many IAAPA Expos are there each year? There are four main IAAPA Expos each year: IAAPA Expo Europe, IAAPA Expo (Orlando), IAAPA Expo Asia, and IAAPA Expo Middle East.

Which IAAPA Expo is the biggest? The Orlando show in November is the largest, drawing over 40,000 attendees from around the world.

Do you have to be an IAAPA member to attend? No. IAAPA Expos are open to industry professionals whether they are members or not, though members receive discounted registration.

Does Bagjump attend every IAAPA Expo? Bagjump attends IAAPA Expo Europe, IAAPA Expo (Orlando), and IAAPA Expo Middle East regularly. Meeting requests can be made through the Bagjump contact page.

What kind of attractions does Bagjump show at IAAPA? Bagjump typically showcases freedrop towers, trampoline airbag stations, tubing landings, and Jump & Slide Park concepts, plus live demos of the internal air pillar structure. Learn more about our approach on the Why Bagjump page.