Last time I went to IAAPA Expo 2025 without a plan, I basically walked a marathon and ran on caffeine fumes. I wandered into the Orange County Convention Center, got pulled in by every giant ride, drank more coffee than any human should, and suddenly it was 4 p.m. and I realized I hadn’t eaten anything that wasn’t popcorn.
Don’t blame me. There’s a lot going on in my brain.
This year will be different. I’m going in with a short list and a map to the booths I want to check out. If you’re an operator or vendor heading to Orlando, here’s what I think is worth your time.
1) AI that actually helps ops
Yes, “AI” is everywhere, but the useful stuff at IAAPA 2025 is surprisingly practical:
- Queue forecasting that adjusts staffing on the fly
- Chatbots that don’t sound like robots
- Computer-vision tools that spot line-cutting or safety gaps before guests do
I’m planning to ask every exhibitor the same three questions:
- What manual task does this replace?
- How long to ROI?
- What data do I need to see results?
2) Compact thrills for tight footprints
Not every amusement park or family entertainment center has 10 acres of space. That’s why I’m bullish on next-gen, small-footprint attractions like zip-rails, mini free-spins, and turnkey “plug-and-play” experiences.
RCI Adventure’s Sky Tour® (Booth #5424) is on my must-see list: a guided, looping zip-rail that lets guests take up to 10 rides in under 15 minutes.
Throughput plus a small footprint is the holy grail for so many locations trying to add capacity without changing their physical location.
3) VR/AR growing up (again)
We’ve all seen VR flash in and out of fashion. What’s different now is the hardware maturity and the emphasis on throughput and repeat play.
LAI Games (Booth #231/237/431) is debuting Ubisoft All-Star VR: recognizable IP, D-BOX motion, and a big LED wall for spectators.
The promise is a more social vibe that turns a single ticket into a multi-spend visit.
4) Year-round ‘spooky’ as a business model
Seasonal overlays have always moved the needle, but IAAPA’s Haunting Grounds (N220ABCD) is leaning into a bigger idea: how do you turn Halloween into a year-round revenue stream?
Expect scenic vendors and show control companies to show off modular packages you can roll out for spring breaks, “halfway to Halloween” weekends, and holiday mashups.
I’m keen to find solutions that let smaller venues dial the scare up or down, capture an email, and drive repeat visits without adding full-time staff. If you run a trampoline park, FEC, or regional venue, this is a high-ROI way to stand out.
5) Accessibility as a competitive advantage
With players like Zamperla teaming with Morgan’s Wonderland (Booth #2024) and more sessions via the IAAPA Safety Institute, the message is clear: build for everyone, and more people will come.
I’ll be asking vendors about adaptable restraints, quieter queues, sensory-friendly modes, and better wayfinding—plus the marketing upside of telling those stories well.
Where I’m stopping first: Shock Trampoline
You’ve probably seen the pink socks around the floor: Shock Trampoline doesn’t do subtle. This year they’re rolling in with a full slate of their Park Builds. What I like about their approach (and why I often point FEC clients their way) is the operator brain behind the spectacle. They are manufacturers that actually run parks, so the product choices favour throughput, safety, and staffing sanity as much as Instagram-ability. I’m hoping to dig into their newest arena formats and talk about how they’re designing for faster resets, easier maintenance, and more revenue per square foot.
Pro tip: build a tiny route
If we cross paths in Orlando, say hi—I’ll be the one with the backpack full of camera batteries and an embarrassing number of churro napkins.