IAAPA.org • 14th August 2025

Women Who Wow: Pioneers and Powerhouses

In every corner of the global attractions industry, women are bringing bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and unwavering determination to their roles. From safety and data analytics to creative storytelling and generational leadership, the following profiles highlight the remarkable ways women are driving innovation and inspiring change in a dynamic industry.

IAAPA • 5th June 2025

Anne-Mart Agerbeek Engineers the Future

On the bustling trade show floor of IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Anne-Mart Agerbeek seems to perfectly embody the spirit of her company: approachable, dynamic, and in high demand. As early as 9 a.m., friends and peers passing the Vekoma Rides booth gravitated toward her, eager to catch up, exchange a laugh, or share a quick introduction. As CEO of Vekoma, regarded as one of the world’s premier roller coaster manufacturers, Agerbeek has a clear vision of the direction in which she wants to steer the company.

IAAPA • 5th November 2024

Anchoring Success at Ark Encounter

Since opening in July 2016, the team behind Ark Encounter—a three-story, 510-foot-long Noah’s Ark replica adorned with immersive exhibits—has skillfully navigated the changing tides of the attractions industry. The Kentucky attraction blends entertainment with education, while also serving as a lesson in project management and creative excellence.

IAAPA • 9th September 2024

Universal Unveils Epic Universe Preview Center

Universal Orlando has unveiled its Epic Universe Preview Center on CityWalk, which offers a sophisticated glimpse into the Epic Universe park set to open in 2025. Central to the preview is an intricately detailed model of the entire park, providing an in-depth look at the innovative attractions and experiences that will define Universal's third gate.

IAAPA • 5th March 2024

Spongebob's Crazy Carnival Ride Makes Splashy Debut

Visitors to Circus Circus in Las Vegas are invited to take an underwater journey to Bikini Bottom on SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride!, a new attraction created by Sally Dark Rides and developed in partnership with Paramount and Nickelodeon.

IAAPA • 4th March 2024

Kirin Sinha on Becoming An Augmented Reality Architect

In today’s dynamic attractions landscape, augmented reality (AR) technology is emerging as a solution for the gap between entertainment experiences and active engagement.

IAAPA • 1st March 2024

IAAPA Honors 2024 Winner Updates

IAAPA Honors 2024 shines a spotlight on innovative contributions that have propelled the global attractions industry forward. As IAAPA celebrates visionaries and trailblazers throughout the day on March 3, IAAPA News is delighted to provide coverage of the winners straight from the stage at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

IAAPA • 25th April 2023

Forging Futures at Disney's Animal Kingdom

April 22 was a special day for Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and not solely due to Earth Day. This monumental date also marked the silver jubilee of the pioneering theme park known for integrating attractions and thrills with enlightening environmental education.

IAAPA • 10th April 2023

Gearing Up for the Grid

On April 4, hordes of Users—also known as Magic Kingdom Park guests—were digitized to race against Team Orange during the grand opening of Tron Lightcycle Run.

IAAPA • 19th January 2023

IAAPA News Sails on a Pirate River Quest

On the morning of Jan. 11, the IAAPA News team made the journey to Winter Haven, Florida, for a swashbuckling first look at Legoland Florida’s new boat ride, Pirate River Quest.

Themed Entertainment Association • 18th October 2022

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Tour

Join the TEA for a behind-the-scenes look at how Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights team puts together such a monumental seasonal event! On October 26th from 6 to 9 PM, you’re invited to mingle in Universal Plaza, attend a panel presentation on the development of this year’s event, and take a guided, lights-on tour through the mazes.

Themed Entertainment Association • 25th September 2022

Knott's Scary Farm Event

Eat, drink, and be scary with the TEA at Knott’s Scary Farm on October 2nd from 5 PM to 1 AM! 🦇 🎃👻 You’ll hear a special panel discussion from Knott’s Creative team, then you’ll get to creep through haunted mazes, sinister shows, and ominous attractions… But don’t worry, your friends and colleagues will have your back in case of a creature ambush!

Instagram • 6th September 2022

IAAPA Expo Europe Announcement

Chuck and Daren are taking on London to represent Medici XD at #IAAPAExpoEurope! We look forward to connecting with those of you who will be attending.

Medici XD • 30th August 2022

Eric Hungerford Featured on Attraction Pros Podcast

Curious about the questions we ask and approaches we take to tell effective stories through media experiences? Eric covers all of this and more in an Attraction Pros podcast feature released earlier this year.

Instagram • 24th August 2022

Episode 9 Promotional Reel

There’s more where “Spinny pew pew” came from… Watch Episode 9 to see the rest of the silly attractions descriptions we posed to Doug and Robert!

Instagram • 24th August 2022

Meow Wolf Denver In-Person Field Trip

Calling all earthlings! Join the TEA on September 15th from 3-9 PM to explore Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station. You’ll travel between four merged universes, marvel at meticulous artistic details, and receive the opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues at a bar mixer following the event.

Instagram • 10th August 2022

All Season Brewing Co. Mixer Recap

Over TWO HUNDRED TEA members fought through Los Angeles traffic to roll up to the All Season Brewing Co. mixer on July 26th! Inside the former Firestone tire shop, guests treated themselves to unique drinks, Mexican dishes provided by Chicos Tacos, and even a few rounds of skeeball! Read the article linked in our bio for a more extensive recap of the fun.

Themed Entertainment Association • 9th June 2022

Technifex Open House & Mixer

Get ready to blow out some candles, because we’re celebrating thirty extraordinary years of the TEA with the Western Division on June 23rd from 6-9 PM PDT! Tickets are FREE but limited—so register now at the link in our bio. We can’t wait to commemorate three decades of valuable programming and industry connections with you!

Instagram • 21st April 2022

Weta Workshop and Medici XD Collaboration Announcement

Medici XD shared a post on Instagram: "Wētā Workshop Location-based Entertainment and Medici XD are excited to announce a collaboration to develop “out of this world” immersive destinations.

Medici XD • 20th April 2022

Medici XD to Open First International Office in Montréal

Medici XD announces their first international office location in Montréal, Canada, a city known for its world-class creative community and technological innovation. True to Medici’s vision of “making ideas happen”, this endeavour will bring together industry-leading talent from Medici XD with Montreal’s vibrant community of international artists and designers.