BE PREPARED

Audience Participation Safety Form - Due by Oct. 2

All exhibitors, regardless of booth size or display type, are required to complete the Audience Participation Safety Form / Ride Registration. Exhibitors whose booths include products or devices that move a participant through a fixed course must provide additional information. All other exhibitors may select “None of the Above” and submit the form. Complete the form by Oct. 2 to avoid a late-submission violation.
Submit Safety Form

Exhibitor Insurance - If Required

IAAPA has secured a basic general liability policy on behalf of each exhibitor, providing $2 million in aggregate coverage and $1 million per occurrence. Exhibitors conducting certain activities in their booths must carry additional coverage. Visit the IAAPA Expo Exhibitor Insurance page to determine whether additional coverage is required and learn how to submit your certificate of insurance.

Exhibitor Move-in Wristbands

IAAPA offers wristbands that exhibitors may wear instead of exhibitor badges to access the trade show floor during move-in, Nov. 12–15. Beginning Nov. 16, all exhibitors must present their exhibitor badges; wristbands will no longer be valid.

Exhibitors in the continental U.S. may request advance delivery of their wristbands by completing the Exhibitor Move-in Wristbands form in the Exhibitor Resource Center by Oct. 2. Wristbands may also be picked up on-site at the IAAPA Security Office in either building.

Food & Beverage Sampling/Preparation

Sodexo Live! is the exclusive caterer at the Orange County Convention Center and no one is permitted to bring in outside food and beverage without permission.

If you are a manufacturer or distributor of food or beverage products and plan to distribute samples at the expo, please review the sampling guidelines and submit the required form to Sodexo for approval. 
Submit Form

Fire Watch

A Fire Watch is provided by an off-duty Orange County Fire Rescue official who patrols the show floor to help ensure exhibit safety. Fire Watch coverage is required for booths that meet certain criteria. Review the Fire Watch section of the IAAPA Expo Booth Design & Display Guidelines to determine whether your booth requires coverage.

IAAPA will cover Fire Watch expenses if exhibitors submit the appropriate form directly to the Orange County Convention Center by Oct. 17. Forms are available on the Exhibitor Guidelines and Information page.

Targeted Move-In

GES and IAAPA have implemented an Inbound Targeted Move-in Plan for IAAPA Expo. Targeted Move-in is scheduled for Nov. 12 in the South Hall and Nov. 13 in both the West and South Halls. Only exhibitors assigned a Targeted Move-in date may access the show floor on those dates. Shipments sent directly to the Orange County Convention Center must arrive on the exhibitor’s assigned date to avoid off-target fees.

Exhibitors without a targeted move-in assignment are scheduled for General Move-in, Nov. 14–16.

To request a targeted move-in assignment or change an existing assignment, complete the Target Variance Request Form. Your request will be reviewed, and you will be contacted with the decision.

Go Green with the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge

IAAPA and its partners are committed to advancing sustainable practices across our organization and Expos. Exhibitors can support these efforts by completing the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge and selecting at least seven sustainable actions to implement during IAAPA Expo. Exhibitors that pledge by Oct. 9 will receive recognition during the expo, including the IAAPA sustainability logo on their booth-number sticker, a listing on the expo sustainability webpage, and a digital badge on their Connect+ profile.
EXHIBITOR ESSENTIALS
Oct
1
GES Advance Warehouse Begins Accepting Deliveries
Oct
2
Audience Participation Safety Form & Ride Registration Submission
Oct
2
Wristbands for Move-In Request Submission
Oct
2
Advertise in Funworld issue distributed at IAAPA Expo
Oct
2
Advertise in the IAAPA Expo Insider Booklet, Sponsored by Hasbro
Oct
2
Submit a Press Conference Request
Oct
9
Certificate of Insurance Submission (if required)
Oct
9
Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge Commitment
Oct
12
Order Orange County Convention Center Services (electric, rigging, etc.)
Oct
12
Submit Orange County Convention Center Forms (cooking and open flame, multi-level or covered booth, fire watch)
Oct
13
Request your EAC to Complete Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) Registration
Oct
15
Complete Profile in Connect+
Oct
16
Order GES Services (flooring, furnishings, labor, cleaning, etc)
Oct
16
Order Audio/Visual and Computer Equipment
Oct
18
Order Sodexo Live! Services (catering, food storage)
Oct
19
Order Lead Retrieval (Advance Deadline)
BUILD YOUR BUZZ

Supercharge Your Reach with a Digital Booth Package

Increase your visibility before and during IAAPA Expo with tools designed to drive booth traffic and engagement. Contact ExhibitSales@IAAPA.org to secure your digital booth now. 
Learn More

Last Chance to Increase Your Brand Visibility at IAAPA Expo! 

Limited IAAPA Expo sponsorship and advertising opportunities remain. Connect with thousands of industry professionals before and during the show. Reach out to Sponsorship@IAAPA.org to learn more and secure your opportunity today!

Final Call: Funworld Advertising and Expo Insider Booklet Participation

This is your final opportunity to be included in the Nov./Dec. issue of Funworld magazine and the IAAPA
Expo Insider Booklet: Trivial Pursuit® Edition. Both opportunities close Oct. 2. Don’t miss your chance to reach attendees and key decision-makers on the show floor. Space is limited—secure your spot today by contacting Advertising@IAAPA.org.
GET MORE FROM IAAPA

Exhibitor Webinar, Oct. 1
Register Now!

Register for the second installment of our IAAPA Expo Insider Secrets: Tools for Exhibiting Success Webinar on Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. EDT.
Topics include the latest information on the West Building, Connect+, shipment delivery and unloading, parking, on-site safety and security tips, and insight into the expertise and knowledge of two experienced IAAPA exhibitors. This webinar is essential for new exhibitors and advantageous to seasoned exhibitors.
Register Now

Last Chance: Submit Your Press Conference Request Today

Don't miss your chance to put your news in front of the global attractions industry. Every year, IAAPA Expo serves as the launchpad for major announcements, attracting hundreds of media representatives. Press conference space is limited, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Submit a request by Oct. 2 to be considered.

Exhibiting ROI Topics of the Month: Staff Preparation

IAAPA's Exhibitor Success & ROI Center is your staff's FREE, on-demand, exhibiting knowledge resource. Follow the 5-step plan and use the resources to prepare for a more successful exhibit.

Download and Do:
  • Manage Your Visitor's Experience Planning Exercise
Watch Webinars:
  • Watch IAAPA Expo Insider Secrets: Tools for Exhibiting Success, Part 1
  • Register for IAAPA Expo Insider Secrets: Tools for Exhibiting Success, Part 2
Read:
  • Staffing for Success - How to Prepare Your Booth Staff for Success
  • How Many People Should Staff Your Booth?
  • Tradeshow Attendee Rules of Engagement
  • An Important Attendee You Must Pay Closer Attention To
  • How to Keep Booth Staff Energy High During the Long Show

Ancillary & Satellite Events

Exhibitors wishing to host ancillary or satellite meetings during IAAPA Expo 2026 must complete the Ancillary and Satellite Event Application by Oct. 30. Meetings, events, and hospitality functions may not be held during IAAPA Expo show floor hours, education sessions, or official special events.
Review Guidelines

Quick Links

Exhibitor Resource Center
Exhibitor Manual
Exhibitor Registration
IAAPA Expo Exhibitor Information
Exhibit Hall Floor Plan
Booth Display Specifications

Digital Booth Package
Exhibitor Success & ROI Center
Hotel Reservations & Travel Info
Sponsorship Opportunities

Advertising with IAAPA
IAAPA Expo Exhibitor Alerts
IAAPA Events Calendar
MISSED EXHIBITOR BULLETINS?
You can access past exhibitor bulletins on the IAAPA Expo Exhibitor Information page. If you have any questions about the information contained within or need additional details relating to your booth, please contact Exhibitors@IAAPA.org.

Get the IAAPA Connect+ App

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