IAAPA Expo Europe 2025 in Barcelona showcased a vibrant fusion of innovation, storytelling, and technology in the attractions industry, with a renewed focus on immersive experiences that resonate with global audiences. This year’s event introduced groundbreaking concepts, including a cruise-themed EDUTour aboard the MSC World Europa and thoughtful new forums like the Women in Industry Lunch and Job Fair. Set against the backdrop of the city’s dynamic cultural landscape and thriving leisure sector, the expo highlighted how immersive venues—ranging from themed parks to fulldome theaters—are evolving to captivate and educate diverse audiences worldwide.
Bringing together nearly 16,000 verified attendees from 121 countries, IAAPA Expo Europe 2025 served as a testament to the power of shared vision in advancing the attractions landscape. As Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA, stated during the opening ceremony, “IAAPA Expo Europe 2025 is the must-attend event for the wider European attractions industry. Over the past years, it has grown into a vital platform where operators across hospitality and attractions can discover the latest innovations and gain insights from peers and experts.” His words underscore the expo’s role as a catalyst for both creative collaboration and technological advancement, fueling venues worldwide to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling.
Echoing this sentiment, Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president for IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the regional significance of Barcelona as a hub for innovation and tourism: “Bringing thousands of industry professionals here not only strengthens our global network but also highlights the region’s important role in shaping the future of attractions.” This focus on place-making and cultural context is especially relevant for fulldome and planetarium venues, which rely on immersive environments to blend technology with education and art.
Among the notable highlights were sessions exploring emerging trends, like those featured at the Innovation Stage, where Stefan Rothaug of Brogent Technologies introduced the new V-Ride Explorer Plus, a next-gen motion ride boasting four degrees of freedom and a 360-degree panoramic screen. This kind of modular, immersive technology reflects the leap in fulldome projection systems worldwide, many of which now incorporate hybrid 4K laser systems with panoramic visuals to deliver captivating educational content and entertainment. Similarly, Storyland Studios, presented by Marie Rayner, spotlighted how emotional storytelling and place-making can create transformative guest experiences, reinforcing the potential for fulldome venues to deeply connect audiences with scientific narratives or artistic presentations.
The expo also championed sustainability and conservation—topics increasingly integral to fulldome programming. Paula Cerdán of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums highlighted the role of modern zoos and aquariums in biodiversity recovery and conservation education, emphasizing a vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This aligns with the mission of many planetariums and fulldome theaters to cultivate environmental awareness through immersive content, leveraging storytelling and cutting-edge visuals to inspire action on global issues.
Barcelona’s event also shed light on the importance of tailored digital infrastructure and tech integration. Peter O’Dare of Attractions.io remarked on the transformative potential of AI, noting that “this time, the technology will adapt to how humans interact, rather than the other way around,” foreseeing AI’s evolution from a support role to an operational partner. This insight speaks directly to fulldome venues pursuing smarter, more interactive projection and audience engagement systems that enhance educational outcomes and visitor satisfaction.
By fostering dialogue around innovation, sustainability, and cultural relevance, IAAPA Expo Europe 2025 reinforces the growing importance of fulldome venues as multifaceted spaces where education and creativity converge. These venues not only serve as anchors in their communities but also act as vital platforms for immersive arts and sciences to flourish globally. As the industry continues to expand, such gatherings inspire planetarium directors, educators, and immersive media creators to embrace new technologies, adopt sustainable practices, and craft experiences that engage ever-wider audiences—ensuring that fulldome theaters remain at the forefront of immersive storytelling and educational impact for years to come.
Originally reported by Charlotte Coates via blooloop.com on 2025-10-09 05:00:00.
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