Every year, the attractions industry comes together for a convention created and managed by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). This is not just another convention on the annual calendar. For those in the attractions industry, it is the convention.
Mike Whincup, chief ride designer and marketing director at Galaxy Multi Rides, says IAAPA 2025 is a must for industry professionals.
“I’ve heard time and time again people say, ‘If you’re not at IAAPA Expo, then are you even in the attractions and amusements industry?’” said Whincup.
Whincup and others from the Galaxy Multi Rides team will certainly be there. IAAPA 2025 runs from Nov. 17-21 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The expo is expected to attract more than 40,000 attendees from 117 countries.
For Whincup, the expo is a natural extension of what makes the attractions and amusements industry so special. “Our whole industry is built on collaboration and innovation,” he said. “IAAPA Expo gives us a chance to meet our customers, vendors, and friends to discuss projects and new products.”
Galaxy Multi Rides to Exhibit at IAAPA Expo 2025
Every year, businesses in the attractions and amusements industry offer exhibits that showcase innovations and allow them to connect with potential buyers.
Galaxy Multi Rides will once again have an exhibit at the expo. Whincup said that the event, the world’s largest amusement and attractions industry gathering, offers Galaxy Multi Rides a chance to connect with past and future clients worldwide. The company, based in Port Charlotte, Fla, has sold attractions and participated in projects in more than 45 countries. This includes the design and installation of inflatable parks.
“With our long exhibiting record at IAAPA Expo stretching over decades, we benefit from being front and center on the global stage,” said Whincup. “Despite there being multiple regional IAAPA shows, the Orlando-based IAAPA Expo still remains the premier event for the attraction industry.
“We’re able to showcase our new product innovations and share our projects from the past 12 months, all while meeting new and existing customers.”
In all, IAAPA Expo 2025 is expected to attract 1,100 exhibitors to the 500,000 square foot trade show floor.
What IAAPA Expo 25 Offers
The Orlando event will attract people from across the amusement and attractions industry, including those who own or work for theme parks, water parks, museums, and family entertainment centers.
Exhibitors will offer a showcase of new ride technology, accessibility, AR/VR, gaming, and sustainability, according to IAAPA.
In addition, the North Concourse at the convention center will feature experiential zones. They include the Street Market, a culinary hub that will include live chef demos, and the Haunting Grounds, which features examples of how exhibitors are providing parks with new ways to create a year-round spooky atmosphere and elevate what they offer during the Halloween season. IAAPA also offers a Digital Sign Innovation Lab that features tools for guest engagement and digital signage.
The event also features speakers, panels, and special events. For example, there will be a Leadership Breakfast featuring Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, and a Legends of Epic panel featuring four people who helped create Universal’s Epic Universe.
For Galaxy Multi Rides and Whincup, the event offers a chance to see people they have known for decades in the industry. Whincup has been involved with IAAPA, serving on various task forces and committees for the past 11 years. He is currently on the North America Manufacturers & Suppliers Committee.
“I, personally, always look forward to seeing the innovation brought to the show floor every year,” said Whincup. “But I think it’s the people I look forward to the most. Meeting up with old friends across the globe and meeting new customers.”
