IAAPA Expo 2025 brought together over 38,000 visitors this year. Amongst those, a diverse mix of operators, from major parks to new independent venues and family-run entertainment concepts. This showcased just how broad the attractions industry has become. The overall mood was optimistic and energetic, with attendees exploring fresh ideas, new technologies, and smarter ways to enhance both the guest and operator experience. Many conversations reflected an eagerness to improve efficiency, rethink crowd flow, and create more seamless visits from start to finish.
Guest Journey & Operational Efficiency Take Center Stage
A major theme this year was the shift toward viewing the guest journey holistically. Operators are focusing not just on single touchpoints but on how guests plan, navigate, order, store belongings, and move throughout a venue. This naturally tied into discussions on operational streamlining. Venues want to manage peak times more effectively, reduce pressure on staff, and create environments where both guests and teams can move more smoothly. Efficiency is becoming less about solving isolated problems and more about improving overall flow.
Immersive Tech, VR, and New Venue Concepts
Immersive experiences had a major presence, with VR setups, interactive gaming, and simulators like F1 racing and flight experiences drawing consistent attention. These concepts continue to grow more accessible, especially for smaller venues looking for high-impact attractions without the square footage of traditional rides. The global location-based entertainment market grew from $4.73B in 2023 to $5.72B in 2024, expected to grow at 22.8% CAGR through 2030. At the same time, IAAPA showcased a noticeable rise in new venue concepts launched by small ownership groups or families, emphasizing how the market is expanding beyond large amusement parks to include boutique entertainment spaces and regional experiences.
Evolving Security, Bag Policies, & Fulfillment Trends
Security and bag management remained important topics, with many venues rethinking bag policies and exploring ways to reduce congestion at checkpoints. This led to broader conversations about how guests store or access items during their visit and what solutions support smoother movement. Digital commerce trends continued as well, mobile food ordering, pre-purchased merchandise, and onsite pickup are becoming more common, prompting operators to refine how fulfillment fits into the guest flow without causing bottlenecks.
Industry Outlook: Flexible and Innovative
Across the show, flexibility emerged as a recurring theme; spaces, systems, and operational models that can adapt throughout the day or season are becoming essential. From immersive attractions to modular infrastructure, operators are looking for tools that support evolving guest expectations and diverse operational needs. IAAPA ultimately showcased an industry that is expanding in new directions, welcoming new types of venues, and continuing to blend innovation with practical, guest-driven thinking. Contact us today to explore how a locker system tailored for your event can be integrated seamlessly and turn a safety and convenience feature into an asset.
