Industry Events
Industry Associations
📅 1–3 February 2026 | The Wigwam Resort, Glendale, Arizona
The FEC industry’s dedicated annual summit, held earlier in the year ahead of the main IAAPA Expo in Orlando. Think of this as the warm-up event for the serious players - three days of focused education, peer learning and networking with no distractions from the wider attractions world. This one is aimed at committed FEC operators and investors, so it’s best suited to those who already have funding secured or a building in place. If you’re still at the early planning stage, you’ll get far more value from this once the foundations are locked in.
🔗 https://iaapa.org/event/iaapa-fec-summit-2026
NAFDMA Agritourism Convention & Expo
📅 Dates: 3-7 February 2027 | Mohegan Sun, Connecticut
The premier annual convention and expo for the agritourism industry in North America, run by NAFDMA - the International Agritourism Association. Held each February, the convention brings together operators, owners and managers from across the full spectrum of agritourism - orchards, corn mazes, berry farms, pumpkin patches, family fun farms, farm shops and rural wedding venues. Five days of speakers, seminars, hands-on workshops, farm tours and an expo floor packed with industry-focused suppliers. If you own or operate any kind of farm park or agritourism venue in the US, this is the must-attend event of the year. You’ll find everything you need in one place and connect with hundreds of like-minded operators from across the country.
Amusement Expo International (AEI)
📅 Education: 15–16 March 2027 | Show Floor: 17–18 March 2027 | Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada
The biggest annual trade show for the out-of-home entertainment and amusement industry in the US. Sponsored by AAMA and AMOA, AEI brings together operators, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of coin-operated amusements, FEC attractions, redemption games and revenue-generating entertainment. Strong on product launches, supplier meetings and FEC-focused education. If you operate or are planning a socialtainment venue, this one is well worth the trip - we’re talking interactive darts, axe throwing, bowling, and everything in between. Whether it’s aimed at kids who love arcades or adults looking for a great night out, the latest in that space will be on show here.
🔗 https://www.amusementexpo.org
📅 28 June – 2 July 2026 | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee
The bowling industry’s premier annual convention and trade show, run by the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA). Held each summer in Nashville, Tennessee, Bowl Expo brings together bowling centre owners, operators, senior management and suppliers for five days of education, networking and an extensive trade show floor. If your venue has any element of bowling in it - whether you’re a traditional bowling centre, a hybrid FEC, a boutique bowling venue or a socialtainment concept - this is the one show where every major vendor and supplier in the bowling world will be under one roof. Lane technology, scoring systems, ball technology, digital entertainment, food and beverage, furniture, redemption, it’s all here. Quite simply, if bowling is part of your business in any shape or form, you need to be at this show.
IATP Annual Conference & Trade Show
📅 14–16 September 2026 | Wyndham Grand, Clearwater Beach, Florida
The dedicated annual conference and trade show for the trampoline and indoor adventure park industry, run by the International Adventure & Trampoline Park Association (IATP). Three days of expert-led education, safety innovation sessions, hands-on networking and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services for the sector. If you own or operate a trampoline park, ninja warrior course or indoor adventure centre, this is the essential annual gathering for your sector - and IATP membership alongside it is well worth considering.
🔗 https://indooradventureparks.org/conference
📅 16–20 November 2026 | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
As the world’s largest and most influential trade show for the global attractions industry, IAAPA Florida is attended by 40,000+ professionals from over 100 countries, with 1,100+ exhibitors across theme parks, FECs, water parks, zoos, museums, resorts and more. The show floor opens 17–20 November, with the full education conference running 16–20 November. Quite simply, this is the biggest show in the world for our industry and it deserves to be treated that way. If you’re serious about doing deals and learning from the best, block out a minimum of two days. The speaker programme alone is worth the trip.
For 2026, the show expands for the first time ever into a new West Hall, which is where you’ll find Robin and the VenueSumo team, so make sure you come and find them over there. It's worth attending no matter where in the world you’re based, but it’s worth knowing the supplier mix does lean slightly towards American vendors — which is exactly why it pairs so well with IAAPA Expo Europe.
EAG - Entertainment, Attractions & Gaming Expo
📅 12–14 January 2027 | ExCeL London, UK
The first major industry trade show of the calendar year and the European equivalent of the Amusement Expo in Las Vegas. Organised by BACTA, EAG has over 70 years of history and brings together suppliers and buyers from across coin-op amusements, visitor attractions, gaming, FECs, arcades, soft play, trampoline parks and leisure venues. Co-located with the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo and the London Casino & Gaming Show. If socialtainment is your world - bowling, interactive darts, axe throwing, arcades and everything in between - this is the European show to have in your diary.
📅 Education: 21–25 September 2026 | Show Floor: 22–24 September 2026 | ExCeL London, UK
As biggest attractions industry event in Europe, IAAPA Europe attracts 700+ exhibitors and thousands of operators from across the continent and beyond, covering the full range of attractions, FECs, rides, technology, ticketing, F&B, guest experience and venue management. As someone from the UK, Robin may be biased, but this is an absolute must-attend. It’s slightly smaller than the Orlando show and the vendor mix is different, which is precisely the point — if you’re weighing up whether to do both the European and US shows, do it. You’ll come away with a completely different set of suppliers, ideas and contacts from each. If you’re based in Europe, there really is no excuse to miss this one. And this year it’s in his home city of London — so if you’re coming, get in touch, it would be great for him to meet you there.
🔗 https://iaapa.org/expos-and-events/expo-europe
📅 3–4 November 2026 | Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France
LeisurUp is a focused, high-quality event running alongside MAPIC - Europe’s major retail and real estate platform - held each November at the iconic Palais des Festivals in Cannes. The show connects leisure operators directly with property owners, investors and developers who are creating new commercial and entertainment destinations across Europe and internationally. It’s a relatively small show compared to the major industry expos, but don’t let that put you off - the quality of conversations and networking here is excellent. This is a serious event for people who have an existing venue and are looking to expand, secure new locations or take a concept to new sites, as well as those exploring franchise opportunities. You’ll find a strong mix of leisure concepts, venue builders and property decision makers all under one roof. If growth and expansion are on your agenda, this one is well worth the trip to the south of France.
AIP Play Industry Conference & Gala Awards
📅 4 June 2026 | Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
The Association of Indoor Play’s flagship annual event, bringing together operators, suppliers and industry specialists from across the UK indoor play sector - soft play, role play, baby sensory, farm parks and inflatable venues. The full-day conference runs alongside the Play Industry Awards Gala Dinner, celebrating excellence across the sector. Free to enter for all UK indoor play businesses; no AIP membership required. The AIP is an association that is very close to Robin's heart — in his opinion, one of the most hands-on and resource-rich trade associations in the industry. If you’re based in the UK and operate anywhere in the indoor play space, this is a complete no-brainer. If you’re based outside the UK however, it’s probably not worth making the trip — the content and conversations are very specific to the UK market and UK politics, so you’ll get the most out of it if this is your home turf.
🔗 https://associationofindoorplay.org/events
NFAN Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition
📅 Dates: TBC — typically January 2027 | ICC Wales, Newport
The annual conference and trade exhibition for the UK’s farm park and rural attractions sector, run by the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN). Held each January at ICC Wales in Newport, the event brings together farm park operators, rural attraction businesses and trade suppliers for two days of speakers, workshops, networking and a trade show floor. The NFAN Awards gala dinner celebrates the best across the industry. If you own a farm park or are looking at diversifying your farm into more of a leisure attraction, this is the perfect show to attend - you’ll find everything you need under one roof. And while you’re at it, becoming an NFAN member is a a great idea.
🔗 https://www.farmattractions.net
📅 9 –11 June 2026 | RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ annual flagship conference, held this year at Edinburgh Zoo, is much more focused on the operational and conservation side of running a zoo or aquarium - animal welfare, education, research and sector best practice - rather than being a traditional trade show floor experience. If you own or operate a zoo, wildlife centre or animal attraction, it’s well worth attending. If your venue is more focused on rides, attractions and experiences with little or no animal element, it’s probably not the most relevant event for you. That said, it’s Edinburgh - one of the best cities in the UK - so there’s always a good reason to make the trip, and you’ll inevitably pick up ideas and make connections with other venue operators along the way.
📅 12–13 May 2027 | Olympia London
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ annual flagship conference, held this year at Edinburgh Zoo. This one is much more focused on the operational and conservation side of running a zoo or aquarium - animal welfare, education, research and sector best practice - rather than being a traditional trade show floor experience. If you own or operate a zoo, wildlife centre or animal attraction, it’s well worth attending. If your venue is more focused on rides, attractions and experiences with little or no animal element, it’s probably not the most relevant event for you. That said, it’s Edinburgh - one of the best cities in the UK - so there’s always a good reason to make the trip, and you’ll inevitably pick up ideas and make connections with other venue operators along the way.
🔗 https://www.museumsandheritage.com/show
📅 4–5 November 2026 | NEC, Birmingham
The UK’s largest event for innovation and growth in the tourism and visitor attractions industry, bringing together family attractions, holiday parks, hospitality venues and rural businesses. With 250+ exhibitors, 50+ seminar sessions and strong footfall from operators with real purchasing authority. Co-located with the Farm Business Innovation Show. Honest verdict - this one has felt a little unfocused in recent years, though there are signs it’s finding its feet again and growing in the right direction. If you’re UK-based and have a free day in November, it’s worth a look. That said, Robin wouldn’t recommend making a special trip or flying in from abroad - save that energy for the bigger shows.
DEAL - Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Exhibition
📅 4 June 2026 | Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
The Middle East’s longest-running exhibition for the amusement, leisure and family entertainment industry, held annually in February at Dubai World Trade Centre. DEAL brings together operators, investors, developers and suppliers from across the region covering FECs, rides, arcades, VR and immersive tech, waterparks and themed entertainment. It’s a show that has been bigger in the past, but it still attracts a solid cross-section of the regional industry and people do make the trip. If you’re based locally in the UAE or operating across the Gulf, it’s a good one to have in the diary. If you’re travelling from further afield, weigh it up against the new IAAPA Expo Middle East in Abu Dhabi launching in April 2027 - that may well become the more compelling regional event going forward.
🔗 https://www.dealmiddleeastshow.com
📅 9–12 June 2026 | Hong Kong, China
IAAPA’s premier event for the attractions and leisure industry across the Asia-Pacific region. Featuring a dynamic trade show floor, educational sessions and strong networking opportunities. Covers FECs, theme parks, water parks, arcades and entertainment technology across the APAC market.
🔗 https://iaapa.org/expos-and-events/expo-asia
📅 12–15 April 2027 | Abu Dhabi, UAE
A brand new IAAPA expo event launching in 2027, bringing the full IAAPA Expo experience to the Middle East for the first time. Abu Dhabi is a significant hub for entertainment and leisure investment in the MENA region, expected to attract operators, developers and suppliers from across the Gulf, North Africa and beyond.
🔗 https://iaapa.org/expos-and-events/expo-middle-east
International Aquarium Congress (IAC)
📅 2027 | HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park, Wuhan, China
Often referred to as the “Olympics of the Aquarium Industry,” the International Aquarium Congress is the only truly global gathering dedicated to the public aquarium world. Held every three years, it brings together decision makers, professionals, researchers and educators from aquariums across the globe to share the latest in animal husbandry, conservation, technology, management and education. The 2027 edition takes place in Wuhan, China - a significant moment as it marks the event’s return to China for the first time since Shanghai hosted it in 2008. If you own or operate an aquarium or are involved in the aquarium sector at a serious level, this is the one unmissable international event in your calendar. Just bear in mind it only comes around once every three years, so missing it means a long wait for the next one.
🔗 https://www.internationalaquariumcongress.com
AALARA Conference & Trade Show
📅 Dates: TBC - typically April 2027 | Gold Coast, Australia
The annual conference and trade show for the amusement, leisure and recreation industry across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region, run by the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA). Held each April on the Gold Coast, the event brings together operators, suppliers, manufacturers and industry leaders for four days of education, panel sessions, a trade show floor and three evening networking events, including a gala dinner. Site tours of leading Gold Coast attractions round off the programme. If you are based in Australia or New Zealand and work in any part of the leisure, attractions or amusement industry, this is the must-attend event of the year, there really is no excuse to miss it.
BPAA - Bowling Proprietors Association of America
The premier trade association for bowling centre owners and operators across the United States, representing traditional bowling centres, hybrid FEC/bowling venues, boutique bowling concepts and bowling pro shops. BPAA runs the International Bowl Expo - the bowling industry’s must-attend annual trade show - and provides members with legislative advocacy, education, marketing resources and business support. If bowling is any part of your venue offer, BPAA membership puts you at the centre of the US bowling world.
AMOA - Amusement & Music Operators Association
The other co-sponsor of the Amusement Expo International, AMOA represents operators of coin-operated amusement equipment across the US - arcades, FECs, route operators and more. Founded in 1948, AMOA is one of the longest-established trade bodies in the amusement industry and provides its members with legislative advocacy, education and networking resources. Works closely with AAMA and is a key part of the AEI ecosystem.
IAAPA - International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
The world’s largest global trade association for the attractions industry, representing over 1,000 member organisations across theme parks, FECs, water parks, zoos, museums, resorts and more in over 100 countries. IAAPA provides advocacy, education, safety resources and produces the annual IAAPA Expo in Orlando - the biggest show in the industry. If you operate any kind of leisure or entertainment venue, IAAPA membership is the most universally recognised affiliation you can have.
AAMA - American Amusement Machine Association
The leading trade association for manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of coin-operated amusement equipment in North America. AAMA advocates on behalf of the amusement machine supply chain, sets industry standards and is a co-sponsor of the annual Amusement Expo International (AEI) in Las Vegas alongside AMOA. If you manufacture or supply amusement machines, games or related technology into the US market, this is the key association to be part of.
NAFDMA - International Agritourism Association
The world’s leading trade association for agritourism operators, connecting farm parks, orchards, corn mazes, berry farms, pumpkin patches, family fun farms, farm shops and rural wedding venues across North America and beyond. NAFDMA provides members with education, networking, peer learning, business resources and runs the annual NAFDMA Convention & Expo - the must-attend event for the agritourism sector. If you own or operate any kind of farm park or agritourism venue in the US, NAFDMA is the association to be part of.
IATP - International Adventure & Trampoline Park Association
The dedicated trade association for the trampoline and indoor adventure park industry worldwide, founded in 2012. IATP supports park owners, operators and suppliers with global safety standards, staff training tools, business resources and a connected member network. Runs the annual IATP Conference & Trade Show, which is the go-to gathering for the trampoline and adventure park sector. If you own or operate a trampoline park, ninja warrior course or indoor adventure centre, IATP membership is essential.
The European division of IAAPA, representing attractions industry operators and suppliers across the European continent. IAAPA Europe runs the annual IAAPA Expo Europe - the biggest attractions trade show in Europe - as well as regional summits, education programmes and advocacy work with EU institutions. Membership gives access to the full IAAPA global network alongside Europe-specific resources, benchmarking data and legislative updates. The most important European-level association for any attraction operator or supplier active in the region.
VDFU - Verband Deutscher Freizeitparks und Freizeitunternehmen
Germany’s leading trade association for the leisure park and attractions industry, representing over 140 leisure facilities including theme parks, indoor attractions, zoos, water parks and experience worlds, alongside approximately 220 supplier and service companies. The VDFU is the most influential voice of the German leisure industry, lobbying government, producing industry research and facilitating networking and knowledge exchange across the German-speaking market. If you’re operating or supplying into Germany, Austria or Switzerland, awareness of VDFU and its membership base is important.
AIP - Association of Indoor Play
The dedicated trade association for the UK indoor play sector, representing soft play, role play, baby sensory, farm parks and inflatable venues. Founded during the COVID pandemic by experienced industry operators, AIP has rapidly become one of the most active and hands-on trade bodies in the leisure industry - lobbying government, advising on legislation, providing insurance partnerships and running the annual Play Industry Conference and Awards. If you operate an indoor play venue in the UK, AIP membership is an absolute no-brainer.
BACTA - British Amusement Catering Trades Association
The UK’s leading trade association representing the amusement and low-stake gaming entertainment industry, founded in 1974. BACTA represents the full amusement machine supply chain - from manufacturers and software engineers through to arcade operators, FEC operators, seaside pier businesses and adult gaming centres. Organises the annual EAG Expo at ExCeL London, the biggest amusement and attractions trade show in the UK. If you operate an arcade, FEC or amusement-based venue in the UK, BACTA is a highly relevant association to be part of.
ALVA - Association of Leading Visitor Attractions
The national membership body representing the UK’s most popular and iconic visitor attractions - museums, galleries, heritage sites, zoos, palaces, gardens, historic houses and major leisure destinations. ALVA represents over 2,200 tourist sites and lobbies government on behalf of the broader visitor economy. More relevant for larger, established visitor attractions rather than smaller independent venues, but a useful organisation to be aware of for credibility, benchmarking and industry intelligence.
ASVA - Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
The official trade body for the visitor attractions sector in Scotland, representing over 240 organisations across almost 500 individual sites. ASVA provides advice, industry statistics, networking, training and direct input to the Scottish Government and VisitScotland on issues affecting the attractions sector. If you operate a venue in Scotland, ASVA is the key regional association to engage with alongside any wider UK bodies.
BIAZA - British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums
The professional body representing zoos and aquariums across the UK and Ireland, focused on animal welfare, conservation, education and research standards. BIAZA runs regular conferences, working groups and training events for zoo and aquarium professionals and advocates on behalf of the sector with government and regulators. If you own or operate a zoo, wildlife centre or public aquarium in the UK or Ireland, BIAZA membership is the industry standard affiliation.
BALPPA - British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers & Attractions
One of the UK’s oldest and most established leisure industry trade bodies, founded in 1936. BALPPA represents over 300 member organisations across leisure parks, piers, zoos, theme parks, family entertainment centres, indoor play centres and visitor attractions. Provides members with government lobbying, health and safety guidance, networking, best practice sharing and legislative updates. A broad and well-connected association that covers a wide range of leisure and attraction operators across the UK.
AALARA - Australian Amusement, Leisure & Recreation Association
The peak national body representing the amusement, leisure and recreation industry across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. AALARA supports operators and suppliers across the full spectrum of the attractions and leisure sector - theme parks, FECs, arcades, water parks, zoos, trampoline parks and more. The association provides members with advocacy, education, safety resources, industry networking and runs the annual AALARA Conference & Trade Show on the Gold Coast - the must-attend event for the Australasian leisure industry. If you are based in Australia or New Zealand and operate any kind of leisure or attractions venue, AALARA membership is the essential affiliation for your market.