Episode 479: 2026 IAAPA Thrival Guide

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Attending IAAPA Expo presents incredible opportunities for networking, professional development, and discovering the latest innovations in the attractions industry. However, with thousands of attendees, hundreds of exhibitors, and a packed schedule of events, maximizing the experience requires intentional planning and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. For the annual AttractionPros Thrival Guide, Matt and Josh share insights from attractions industry professionals about the experiences that have shaped their careers, strengthened their relationships, and reinforced their passion for the industry. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about building meaningful connections, stepping outside your comfort zone, discovering new opportunities, and making the most of #IAAPAExpo.

Building meaningful connections

"It's the people in the industry that are coming together to celebrate the industry and to keep moving the business forward."

While IAAPA Expo showcases the latest attractions, technologies, and innovations, its greatest value often comes from the people who attend. The concentration of industry professionals creates opportunities to establish relationships that can lead to lifelong friendships, career advancement, and business growth.

Several members of the community shared how seemingly small interactions developed into meaningful professional relationships. Whether approaching an industry leader, reconnecting with colleagues, or introducing two people who could benefit from knowing each other, these connections can create opportunities that extend far beyond the event itself. Building relationships also requires looking beyond transactional networking and recognizing the value of genuine personal interactions.

Stepping outside your comfort zone

"It's just a new group of friends that you haven't met yet."

IAAPA Expo brings together professionals from every corner of the attractions industry, creating an environment where attendees can explore unfamiliar areas, challenge their assumptions, and expand their perspectives. However, taking advantage of these opportunities often requires stepping away from familiar colleagues and established routines.

Rather than attending every session or networking event with the same group, attendees can benefit from branching out and engaging with people they haven't met. Sitting at a different table, attending an unexpected educational session, or initiating a conversation with someone new can introduce fresh ideas and valuable relationships. These experiences can also strengthen an attendee's sense of belonging within the industry.

Discovering new opportunities

"You can find a new passion. You can find a new area of the business."

The Expo can become a defining moment in someone's professional journey. Listener submissions highlighted how unexpected conversations and exposure to unfamiliar disciplines helped individuals discover career paths, identify their professional purpose, and gain confidence in their abilities.

From pursuing opportunities with admired organizations to discovering an interest in specialized areas of the industry, these experiences demonstrate the importance of remaining curious and receptive. The Expo also provides an opportunity to reconnect with the excitement that originally attracted people to the industry, reinforcing their passion and inspiring continued professional growth.

Making the most of the Expo

"There are going to be times when you want to be spontaneous, and that's okay too."

With the 2026 Expo expanding into both the North-South and West Concou