Targeted vs. General Move-In / Advance vs. Show Site Deliveries

Self-Delivery / POV / Hand Carry

If you are planning to deliver materials directly to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), please be aware of IAAPA Expo’s Hand-Carry Policy. The main points of this policy are:

• The designated POV unloading area is available on Nov. 15-16 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• The POV area is designed for privately owned vehicles, small rental trucks no larger than 22’, or trailers no larger than 22’.
• Unloading in the designated POV area must be completed within 30 minutes.
• If use of a loading dock is needed, the POV area cannot be used to self-unload.
• Each POV must have two licensed drivers, and one driver must always remain with the vehicle. Vehicles may never be left unattended.
• ​Review the Hand-Carry Policy for items that are and are not allowed for hand-carry.

Exhibitor Badge Pickup & On-Site Registration

Exhibitor Move-In Wristbands

Parking
Exhibitors will have complimentary parking during exhibitor move-in (Nov. 13-17) and move-out (Nov. 21 after 4 p.m. through Nov. 23). Exhibitors MUST present an exhibitor badge or IAAPA exhibit booth confirmation to have free parking.
During show days (Nov. 18-21) exhibitors will need to pay the normal daily parking rate. 

OCCC no longer prints receipts when paying for parking. Should you require a receipt, one can be retrieved by clicking here and entering the date, amount, and credit card information.

The Orange County Convention Center now offers parking to be purchased in advance of arrival. Click here to pre-pay for parking. 

Exhibitors with large trucks or trailers can park them for the week at the Orange County Convention Center in the designated Trailer Parking Lot off Tradeshow Blvd. The lot is unfinished, only available to large trucks or trailers, and does not allow for in/out or daily access. Passes can be picked up and purchased in the Security Office (S211) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, Nov. 13-21.

Setup Deadline
All booths must be set or in the process of setting by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18. Companies not adhering to this rule will receive a violation penalty and have their booth reassigned to one of the companies on the booth space waitlist. Be sure you plan your arrival time to meet this deadline. View the full move-in and move-out schedule here.

Floor Covering
Remember: all booths, except those located outside and on Level 2 of the North Concourse, must have floor covering throughout the entirety of your booth space. Floor covering options are available through GES. Carpet can be purchased in pre-cut sections of 10’x10’, 10’x20’, and 10’x30’ or custom cut for the size you need.

On-Site Help
IAAPA and our official contractors will be available on-site to assist exhibitors. Please find these services available in Booth #3731, located on the south side of the center pod inside the exhibit hall. The IAAPA Sales and Operations on-site phone number will be +1 (407) 685-6109 beginning Friday, Nov. 14.

Official Contractors & Show Orders
The Exhibitor Services Area includes representatives from all official IAAPA contractors to answer any questions you have on freight and outbound shipments, pre-show and on-site orders, picking up a lead retrieval device, or reviewing any other information with our official vendors.

IAAPA Operations Office/Floor Managers
A floor manager is assigned to each section of the trade show floor, including outdoor and North Concourse exhibits, and can assist with general questions about your booth, concerns regarding the setup of neighboring exhibits, or questions for IAAPA. Floor managers will monitor the show floor to ensure exhibitors adhere to the rules outlined in the Exhibitor Services Guide. This is also where you can request to work late during move-in.

IAAPA Sales Office & Exhibitor Lounge
The IAAPA Sales team will be available to provide exhibit sales information and to help you reserve a booth for IAAPA’s future shows: IAAPA Expo 2026 in Orlando, IAAPA Expo Middle East 2026 in Abu Dhabi, IAAPA Expo Asia 2026 in Hong Kong, and IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 in London. You will have the opportunity to discuss sponsorship or advertising options and meet with our membership specialists to take advantage of great rates on your future booth sales. Exhibitors can also take advantage of the Exhibitor Lounge inside the sales office and take a break while enjoying a complimentary beverage (Note: the lounge is for exhibitor use only).

On-Site Exhibitor Services
IAAPA has arranged for specialized amenities to help provide a better experience for those exhibitors in need of them.

Grease Barrels and Wash Stations – Available on the north side of the center pod, near the F&B Pavilion behind the Tabletop exhibits.

Costume Character Changing Room – Located at the front of the Sales and Operations Office, Booth #3731. This room is just for changing and no items should be left or stored in the room.

Nursing Mother’s Room – There are two nursing mother rooms on the North and South Concourse. The show floor location is at the front of the Sales and Operations Office, Booth #3731.

Concession options and locations – Sodexo Live! has a variety of restaurant and concession options both on the show floor and in the North and South Concourses. There will also be food trucks near the South Outdoor Exhibits. See Connect+ for more information.

Connect+ – IAAPA Connect+ is the premier digital platform for the global attractions industry. To make the most of IAAPA Expo, please be sure your company profile is updated and that each member of your team is registered with a unique email address to setup appointments. Buyers can view your digital booth and request connections. If you have any questions, please contact ConnectPlus@IAAPA.org. 
 

Intellectual Property (IP) Support
If you have IP concerns during IAAPA Expo, IAAPA offers on-site support through the IP Office located in the Sales and Operations Office in Booth #3731 beginning Monday, Nov. 17. IAAPA requires all exhibitors, sponsors, and advertisers to confirm they own or have rights to the products they showcase, and to follow a binding arbitration process if disputes arise. IAAPA recommends all exhibitors review IAAPA’s Intellectual Property Policy and Procedures to ensure compliance. 

Dynamic Exhibitor Operations Review Session
If you are bringing a dynamic device to IAAPA Expo, please be sure to attend one of the review sessions presented by CLM Risk Management, the official show safety inspector. The required 30-minute sessions take place Monday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Room S319 on Level 3 of the South Concourse. Please send a representative to attend one session so there are no delays in operating your product during the show. Questions can be directed to mp@CLMRiskManagement.com or on-site at the CLM Risk Management Booth #3431.

Cash & Carry
Cash and carry sales are strictly prohibited at IAAPA Expo.

Buyers who wish to collect exhibitor product via the loading dock or shipping after 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 once the show has closed should visit the GES Exhibitor Services area prior to show close to obtain a material handling form. It is the exhibitor’s and their customer’s responsibility to complete the required paperwork, pay freight handling fees, and have the shipment collected during the designated move-out period.

IAAPA, GES, and the OCCC will take no responsibility for missing or damaged materials that did not follow the proper move-out procedures.  

Security & Safety Reminder
IAAPA wants you to have a pleasant and safe experience while exhibiting at IAAPA Expo. Nothing can ruin your show more than an injury or the loss of expensive products or equipment. Please be sure you are mindful of your materials, especially during move-in and move-out. Please review these security tips to help secure your valuables and safety guidelines to ensure a safe setup of your booth.

Exhibitor Access to Show Floor
On show days, Nov. 18-21, exhibitor access to the show floor begins at 7:30 a.m.

If you are attending the Opening Reception on Tuesday, Nov. 18, please be aware that exhibitor access to the show floor will be closed when this event ends and exhibitors will not be able to return to their booths to retrieve any items. Please do not leave anything in your booth that you will need before the next morning.

Due to a construction project at the Orange County Convention Center, the outdoor walkway on the west (Hyatt) side of the North/South Building will be closed during IAAPA Expo. This walkway has traditionally been the primary route between the North and South Concourses when the show floor is closed. IAAPA is providing shuttle service to assist guests in easily navigating between the South and North Concourses as follows:

Move Out Notes
All booths must remain staffed and intact until 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 to avoid a violation penalty. Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EACs) and staff accessing the hall to assist with exhibitor move-out will not be permitted on the show floor until 5 p.m. on Nov. 21 to allow attendees to exit the show and GES to roll up the aisle carpet, so please schedule labor accordingly. The deadline for drivers picking up outbound shipments to check in is 8 a.m. on Nov. 23. 

Merchandise Donations
Exhibitors can support Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) by donating new/unused items such as plush, games, candy, T-shirts, rides, and more. Exhibitors can quickly and easily donate these items at the end of the show by dropping items off at the South Dock 05, near the beginning of aisle 100 (South Hall) from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 in the designated Give Kids The World donation trailer. To help GKTW prepare for your donation, please complete the Give Kids The World Village In-Kind form and and email it to KenF@gktw.org or drop it off at the Give Kids the World booth.

Rules & Regulations/Violations
The IAAPA Manufacturers and Suppliers Committee has established guidelines to ensure a safe, professional, and attractive trade show. We ask all exhibitors to be mindful of IAAPA’s general show regulations and try to avoid penalties for not adhering to IAAPA’s rules and regulations. Common violations include:

Those that violate the policies are subject to fines, loss of exhibit seniority and/or removal from the trade show floor as detailed here.

Limited-Time Show Special!
Lock in the Lowest Rate for IAAPA Expo 2026

Take advantage of this exclusive on-site offer and save $400 or more on your exhibit space! Visit the IAAPA Sales Office (Booth #3731) or submit your contract online to secure your show-special rate for IAAPA Expo 2026.

By reserving now, you’ll:

IAAPA Expo is where the attractions industry comes together to discover what’s next — don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Act fast — this show-special rate is only available for a limited time! Must be a 2026 IAAPA member to qualify.

IAAPA Expo 2026 Expansion Tours
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour on Sunday, Nov. 16 or Friday, Nov. 21! Tour will begin with a presentation followed by a walk through both buildings to showcase our upcoming expansion and share how the new spaces will enhance the exhibitor experience. It’s a great opportunity to see what’s next and ask questions along the way.

Quick Links
IAAPA Expo On-Site Information
IAAPA Expo Exhibitor Information
Exhibitor Services Guide
Exhibitor Resource Center
Exhibit Hall Floor Plan
Exhibitor Success & ROI Center