IAAPA Japan Asia Theme Park & Amusement Equipment Exhibition

The 2025 IAAPA Expo Asia was successfully held from July 1 to 3, 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Hosted by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), this year’s event, themed “Discover Possibilities,” returned to Shanghai after a six-year hiatus, marking the annual highlight of the attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

In terms of scale, the expo spanned 8,500 square meters, bringing together 350 exhibitors from around the globe. A total of 8,016 accredited professional visitors registered, with 7,093 attending in person, including 5,651 qualified buyers representing 85 countries and regions worldwide. The number of registered buyers and attendees increased by 40% compared to 2024, reflecting a significant boost in market confidence.

This edition featured a rich array of highlights, with international exhibitors and Chinese companies competing on equal footing as key attractions. International participants accounted for nearly half of the exhibitors, hailing from Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and other regions. DOF Robotics unveiled its Mars Odyssey immersive tunnel experience, equipped with a 270-degree video screen and a six-degree-of-freedom motion platform; Zhiwei Information introduced a compact flying cinema system adaptable to existing theaters and urban spaces; Zierer showcased its Drifter ground-based ride, making its Asian debut. Zigong Hualong Technology demonstrated lifelike dinosaur replicas capable of operating reliably in extreme temperatures ranging from 45°C to -20°C; Guangzhou Haihong Landscape created a dreamlike botanical kingdom through advanced audio‑visual and lighting technologies; while Guangdong Shenhu Ice & Snow Engineering presented snowmaking equipment designed to bring winter experiences to southern destinations. The exhibition also featured a comprehensive range of products, including rides, virtual‑reality attractions, dynamic simulation systems, digital entertainment solutions, thematic designs, and water‑based amusement facilities.

Complementary events added depth, establishing a high‑level platform for industry exchange. Throughout the expo, a diverse program of educational conferences, distinctive networking activities, and unique study tours enriched the experience. Notably memorable were the opening reception hosted by Shanghai Disney Resort and an educational tour offering behind-the-scenes insights into the operations of Shanghai LEGOLAND Resort. The event also welcomed industry leaders such as Ms. Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disneyland International, and Ms. Qin Jing, Vice President of Group, who shared their expert perspectives. During the expo, the winners of the IAAPA Bronze Ring Awards were announced: S&S Worldwide took first place in the 46-square-meter-and-above category; DeYi Company received the Image Award; Spy Game Junior claimed top honors in the 9–27-square-meter segment; and Nets Tribe secured first place in the 36–45-square-meter bracket.

The professional audience was robust, with high‑quality buyer profiles. The expo attracted qualified buyers from 85 countries and regions, spanning diverse sectors such as theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, museums, aquariums, and resort destinations. China currently boasts 4,437 large-scale attractions and amusement venues, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 19% over the next three years—far exceeding the global average. Shanghai is witnessing a wave of international theme park openings, including Shanghai LEGOLAND Resort, set to open on July 5, and the “Harry Potter” studio slated for 2027, further solidifying the city’s position as a premier global tourism destination.

The expo yielded tangible results and generated enthusiastic industry feedback. Exhibitors widely praised the high caliber of professional visitors, their clear purchasing intent, and the unprecedented level of internationalization and business matchmaking achieved at this event. IAAPA President and CEO Jakob Wahl commended, “The 2025 IAAPA Expo Asia provided an immersive experience for industry professionals, and the partnerships forged here will undoubtedly lay a strong foundation for the continued growth of the global attractions sector.” IAAPA Asia‑Pacific Executive Director Chen Liqiang added, “Shanghai—and the broader Asia‑Pacific region—are pivotal engines driving the development of the global attractions industry.”

The 26th IAAPA Expo Asia is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong, China, from June 9 to 12, 2026. To date, 206 companies have reserved a total of 5,382 square meters of exhibition space, continuing to provide an efficient platform for global collaboration and knowledge sharing within the attractions industry.