IAAPA Expo Asia 2025 Marks Record Growth with 40% Surge in Attendance in Shanghai

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Lauren Heath-Jones

IAAPA Expo Asia 2025, the premier trade event for the global attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region, concluded on a high note this week, drawing more than 7,000 attendees to the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SINEC) from June 30 to July 3. The four-day event recorded a remarkable 40% increase in attendance compared to the previous year, reflecting the sector’s dynamic recovery and growing regional influence.

Organized by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), this year’s expo featured an expansive tradeshow floor covering 8,600 square meters (92,570 square feet), where over 350 international exhibitors showcased the latest in attractions technology, services, and immersive entertainment solutions.

High-profile delegates, including Disney Parks International Managing Director Jill Estorino and Trip.com Group Vice President Cecilia Qin, joined a diverse pool of 5,651 buyers representing 85 countries. The event also served as a powerful networking hub, fostering connections that are expected to drive innovation and partnerships throughout the industry.

With the theme “Find Possible,” the expo offered over 20 educational sessions that explored critical topics such as artificial intelligence, storytelling in attractions, health and safety, social media strategies, and live entertainment trends. Attendees also benefited from curated EduTours to key regional attractions, including Shanghai Disney Resort and the upcoming Legoland Shanghai Resort, offering hands-on learning experiences.

A major highlight of the event was the Opening Ceremony, described as a “mesmerizing theatrical production” rooted in Chinese philosophy. The performance took audiences on a journey through the themes of creativity, balance, and transformation, reinforcing the cultural depth and innovation synonymous with IAAPA events.

“IAAPA Expo Asia 2025 delivered an impressive experience. As an association, we take great pride in creating spaces where people and ideas come together,” said Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA.“The connections made here in Shanghai are the foundation of lasting partnerships.”

Echoing this sentiment, Jack Chan, executive director and VP of IAAPA Asia-Pacific, added, “Shanghai continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the attractions industry in this region. IAAPA Expo Asia is a platform that unites global expertise with local innovation to drive progress across the entire Asia-Pacific market.”

Building on this year’s success, IAAPA Expo Asia 2026 is already scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from June 9 to 12, 2026, with strong early momentum 206 companies have already secured over 5,382 square meters (57,931 square feet) of exhibitor space.

As the attractions industry looks ahead to its next phase of growth, IAAPA Expo Asia continues to stand as a cornerstone event for collaboration, innovation, and opportunity in the global market.