The show floor doors are open, and the attractions community has descended in force for the first day of IAAPA Expo Europe. Day one set an energetic tone for the week, packed with high-octane spectacles, vital industry forecasts, and major product announcements that are set to shape parks across Europe in the coming years.
Here is everything that caught our eye on the opening day.
Kicking Off in Style: The Opening Ceremony
The event commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony that brought together park operators, creators, and professionals from across the continent. Attendees were treated to the exclusive premiere of a 2026 'What’s New' showcase video, spotlighting many recent developments and cutting-edge innovations from the European leisure sector.
True to form, the ceremony delivered plenty of theatrical flair, featuring live music, choreography, stunt performances, atmospheric smoke and fire effects, and even a motorcycle rolling onto the stage to electrify the crowd.
Shaping Tomorrow: Key Educational Sessions
Trends: What's Shaping the Industry Now?
In the day's opening educational session, industry leaders Jakob Wahl, Yael Coifman, Chris Lange, and Haakon Lund took to the stage to discuss the critical developments currently transforming the leisure landscape. Moderated by Bart Dohmen, the panel offered diverse perspectives on how operators are adapting to shifting consumer demands, operational challenges, and creative opportunities.
The Future of the Attraction Industry
Looking further ahead, this session hosted by Chris Perry, MBA, delivered fascinating forward-looking insights. Jane Ostler presented findings from a major Kantar research initiative exploring how the attractions sector is likely to evolve over the next decade. The new report will provide a comprehensive assessment of upcoming trends, potential market disruptions, and innovative opportunities poised to redefine guest experiences over the next ten years.
Major Announcements & Press Conferences
The show floor buzzed with major reveals as manufacturers and parks pulled back the curtain on future projects. Here are the highlights from day one's press conferences:
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing x Efteling
Something magical is taking flight at Efteling. Vekoma and Efteling unveiled further details and a model of an innovative family attraction, Ravenring, introducing a new ride model, WaveCatcher.
Mack Rides x Karls
Mack Rides announced a brand-new dark ride dining experience tailored for the entire family. Entitled the Strawberry Dining Attraction (utilising eatX / FlowDiner technology), the concept blends immersive storytelling with hospitality.
The Gravity Group x MagicLand x MV Rides
MagicLand and The Gravity Group pulled the covers off the zero car for a major new 2027 ride investment: DURANGO, a €15 million family wooden coaster, and the first of its kind in Europe. Developed in partnership with Martin & Vleminckx, this major project underscores the park's ongoing growth and transformation strategy.
Zamperla Group x O'Fun Park
Zamperla and O’Fun Park officially detailed four brand-new family attractions scheduled to open in 2027. All four rides will be fully integrated into the park's immersive Wild West theme, marrying top-tier design with accessible, family-friendly thrills.
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing x Jora Vision x Gröna Lund
A bold new concept is heading to Sweden. Vekoma, Jora Vision, and Gröna Lund joined forces to reveal a model of the ride vehicle for SCORE!, a new interactive dark ride experience designed to add new interactivity to the park.
BoldMove Nation x O'Gliss Park
In an exclusive joint reveal, BoldMove Nation announced Manakai, the Spinfinity Splash Coaster slated to open in 2028 at O’Gliss Park. This next-generation, world-first hybrid attraction bridges the gap between a roller coaster and a water ride.
Our Coverage Continues
We'll be back at Excel London for days two and three. Continue following Theme Park Network for daily highlights, exclusive product reveals, and breaking stories straight from the show floor.
