After an eight-year hiatus, IAAPA Expo Asia Pacific returned to Hong Kong to showcase the future of entertainment, blending forward-thinking education with networking opportunities
Event brief
This five-day trade exhibition for the attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region returned to Hong Kong after eight years, driving forward-thinking ideas, industry insights, and meaningful connections. It brought together the entire ecosystem under one roof, allowing executives to not only discover the latest innovations but also build relationships, exchange ideas, and discuss the future of the industry with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Themed “Pursue the Wonder”, the Expo featured more than 300 exhibitors showcasing products and services ranging from emerging technologies to operational advancements, alongside expert-led education sessions.
Event highlights
In addition to the showfloor and education sessions, the event featured a series of high-level networking opportunities and events.
These included the Leadership Breakfast, featuring Su Zhigang, founder and chairman of Chimelong Group; the Women’s Leadership Luncheon, which brought together influential female leaders from across the attractions industry for conversation and connection; and a special opening reception at Hong Kong Disneyland.
What set this event apart from previous editions was the Connections Hub, a dedicated networking space on the showfloor where attendees could connect with peers, exchange ideas, and discuss real-world operational challenges in a relaxed environment.
Jack Chan, executive director and vice president of IAAPA Asia Pacific, said: “We also expanded our education programme to address some of the industry’s most pressing topics, including artificial intelligence, guest experience, sustainability, workforce development, and immersive entertainment. The goal was to ensure attendees left not only inspired, but with actionable ideas they could implement in their own businesses.
“Beyond the formal programming, networking remains one of the event’s greatest strengths. From receptions and roundtable discussions to the new Connections Hub, we intentionally created opportunities for meaningful conversations that often lead to new partnerships and business opportunities long after the Expo concludes.
“We also partnered with local attractions and tourism stakeholders to highlight Hong Kong’s vibrant entertainment and hospitality offerings, encouraging delegates to experience the destination beyond the convention centre.”
In addition, the event’s EDUTours gave attendees exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to some of Hong Kong’s leading attractions. This included an exclusive look at the design, sustainability, and operations of Kai Tak Sports Park, a tour of Kiztopia Hong Kong for family entertainment, and guided access to the zoological facilities at Ocean Park Hong Kong. These visits provided firsthand best practices and valuable operational insights that cannot be replicated in a classroom setting.
In total, IAAPA Expo Asia welcomed 5,447 verified attendees and 3,655 qualified buyers from 2,522 companies.
Challenges
As the attractions industry evolves, one of the biggest priorities was ensuring Expo Asia remains relevant and delivers value for a diverse audience. Attendees ranged from large global operators to family-owned attractions and emerging entertainment concepts, each with unique business needs.
Chan added: “Another important focus was curating educational content that reflected today’s rapidly changing landscape. Topics such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, workforce development, and changing guest expectations are reshaping our industry, and we wanted to ensure our programme addressed these issues through practical, real-world discussions.”
Event IAAPA Expo Asia
Organiser International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
Venue Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dates June 9 to 12, 2026
Attendance 9,102
