IAAPA Expo returns to Orlando from November 16 through 20, 2026, bringing together amusement, attractions, and entertainment professionals from across the globe. IAAPA says this year’s expanded program will include Haunting Grounds, a Halloween-themed area connecting seasonal entertainment, fabrication, technology, and visitor experience.
For the haunt industry, that matters because Halloween events rarely operate in isolation. Vendors, designers, operators, educators, and safety teams share techniques across theme parks, independent attractions, museums, escape rooms, and live events.
IAAPA’s announcement confirms registration, the November schedule, an expanded show floor, and more than 170 education sessions. Exhibitor lists, sessions, and Haunting Grounds details may continue to develop, so early descriptions should be treated as a framework rather than a final program.
The central story is broader than one convention. Halloween entertainment is a year-round business with seasonal stakes, and the tools behind a memorable October night are often designed, tested, and discussed long before the leaves turn.