IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 Achieves Certified Sustainable Event Status
IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 has achieved an important sustainability milestone by receiving Certified Sustainable Event approval from Greentime, an independent organization that evaluates sustainability practices across the global events industry. The certification highlights IAAPA’s ongoing commitment to creating environmentally responsible and socially inclusive trade exhibitions.
The prestigious event will be held from September 22 to 24, 2026, at ExCeL London, bringing together professionals from the global attractions industry while demonstrating best practices in sustainable event management.
Independent Sustainability Assessment Recognizes IAAPA’s Efforts
The certification was awarded following an independent third-party assessment conducted by Greentime. During the review, the IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 exhibition floor achieved an impressive 76% sustainability score, meeting the standards required for Certified Sustainable Event recognition.
Greentime evaluates events using a comprehensive framework that measures sustainability performance across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The certification confirms that IAAPA Expo Europe has successfully implemented responsible practices throughout the planning and execution of the exhibition.
Comprehensive Review Covers Environmental, Social and Governance Standards
The Greentime certification process examines multiple aspects of event management to ensure organizers adopt sustainable business practices.
Areas reviewed include transportation planning, waste management strategies, working conditions, diversity and inclusion initiatives, accessibility measures, resource efficiency, and long-term financial sustainability. This holistic assessment ensures that sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations to include social responsibility and effective governance.
By meeting these standards, IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 reinforces its position as one of the attractions industry’s leading international trade exhibitions.
Sustainable Initiatives Introduced for IAAPA Expo Europe 2026
To achieve certification, IAAPA implemented several practical sustainability initiatives designed to reduce the environmental impact of the event while improving the visitor experience.
Among the key measures are the promotion of lower-emission transportation options, encouraging exhibitors and attendees to travel more sustainably. The exhibition will also feature reusable modular shell scheme stands, helping reduce construction waste and improve resource efficiency.
Accessibility has also been enhanced to create a more inclusive experience for visitors with diverse needs. In addition, IAAPA is expanding opportunities for students and young professionals to attend the exhibition, supporting education, career development, and future industry growth.
These initiatives reflect IAAPA’s broader commitment to responsible event management and continuous improvement.
IAAPA Highlights Growing Importance of Sustainability
Commenting on the achievement, Ylva Linder, Global Director of Sustainability at IAAPA, described the certification as an important milestone for the organization.
She emphasized that sustainability has become an increasingly important business priority across the global attractions industry, influencing how exhibitions, amusement parks, theme parks, resorts, museums, and entertainment venues operate.
According to Linder, receiving Greentime certification demonstrates IAAPA’s practical commitment to implementing sustainable practices across multiple areas rather than relying on isolated initiatives.
Sustainability Requires Continuous Improvement
Linder also noted that meaningful sustainability is achieved through ongoing collaboration and continuous evaluation rather than one-time actions.
She explained that structured certification programs such as Greentime provide organizers with valuable insights into current performance while identifying opportunities for future improvements. This continuous assessment helps organizations strengthen their environmental, social, and governance practices over time.
The certification also demonstrates how industry associations can lead by example in promoting responsible business practices within the exhibitions and attractions sectors.
ExCeL London to Host Global Attractions Industry
IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 will once again bring together thousands of professionals from the worldwide attractions industry at ExCeL London, one of Europe’s leading exhibition and convention venues.
The event serves as a major platform for networking, business development, education, technology showcases, and product innovation. Attendees include operators of amusement parks, theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, resorts, cruise lines, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants from across the globe.
The exhibition provides opportunities for businesses to discover the latest attractions technologies, operational solutions, and industry trends while building valuable international partnerships.
IAAPA Continues to Lead the Global Attractions Industry
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the world’s leading trade association representing the global attractions industry.
Its membership includes professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers operating across more than 100 countries.
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, IAAPA supports industry growth through international trade shows, educational programs, research, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Certified Sustainable Event Status Strengthens IAAPA Expo Europe 2026
The Certified Sustainable Event recognition from Greentime further enhances the reputation of IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 as one of the industry’s leading international exhibitions. By integrating sustainability into event planning, IAAPA is demonstrating that large-scale trade shows can successfully balance business growth with environmental responsibility and social impact.
As the attractions industry continues to prioritize sustainable operations, IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 is expected to serve as a model for responsible event management while bringing together global industry leaders to explore innovation, collaboration, and the future of attractions worldwide.
