Storyland Studios Takes the Stage at IAAPA Expo Europe 2026

The experience design team presents on home turf at IAAPA Expo Europe, 21–25 September at ExCeL London.

For Storyland Studios, this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe is close to home. With a London office and much of the team based across the UK, the global experience design firm will take the stage at Europe’s premier attractions industry event, 21–25 September at ExCeL London, with a headline session, a full team on the floor, and an open invitation to connect.

Starting with Sustainability Day on 21 September, Director of Project Development & Sustainability Lead Marie Rayner will take part in a presentation with Valumia’s Vero Celis, ‘The Sustainable Experience Lab: Build a Park Under Pressure’. As a key feature of the annual conference program, Sustainability Day provides a valuable platform for industry professionals to share successes, exchange lessons learned, and explore innovative approaches to creating more sustainable attractions and destinations.

On Wednesday, 23 September, Founder & Chief Creative Officer Mel McGowan and Director of Project Development & Sustainability Lead Marie Rayner take the stage with “If You Could See Your Influence: Measuring What Matters” (10:30–11:30 AM, N10 Conference Room 2), joined by David Nouaille, Chief International Development Officer at Puy du Fou. The session asks what it really means to understand the long-term environmental and social impact of an attraction.

“Having IAAPA Expo Europe hosted in London makes this year’s event particularly special for us,” said Marie Rayner, Storyland’s Director of Project Development and Sustainability Lead. “As our industry faces increasing environmental and social challenges, it has never been more important to demonstrate the tangible value of sustainable decision-making. Mel and I are looking forward to exploring the positive impact our industry can have and continuing the conversation around creating attractions that deliver a lasting legacy.”

Beyond the stage, a full team of Storyland’s creative and business-development leaders will be on the floor throughout the show, ready to talk through everything from the first spark of a BlueSky concept to opening day. With the industry gathering in their own backyard, the team is looking forward to welcoming partners old and new.

Attending from Storyland Studios:

• Mel McGowan – Founder & Chief Creative Officer
• Sean Featonby – Director of Business Development
• Marie Rayner – Director of Project Development & Sustainability Lead
• Adam Booth – Project Director
• Jonathan Bonner – Project Director
• Rebecca Allday – Junior Concept Designer
• Lindsay Bradshaw – Project Development Associate

“IAAPA Expo Europe is an important fixture in the industry calendar, particularly with the event returning to London,” says Sean Featonby, Director of Business Development at Storyland Studios. “The UK and Europe have a long history of creating and operating some of the world’s best attractions, and across the region there is an extraordinary range of talent, ambition and experience. It is a market that continues to have a strong influence on the wider industry, and the next 5 to 10 years look particularly exciting for all of us working in it.

The Expo gives people from across that landscape a chance to come together in one place. There is always plenty to learn from what others are doing, whether that is a new project, a different approach to an existing challenge or simply seeing where investment and attention are moving. I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together in London.”

Want to connect during the conference? Storyland is now booking meetings throughout the show. To set up time with a member of the team, get in touch at newbusiness@storylandstudios.com.

About Storyland Studios

Storyland Studios is a global destination and experience design firm dedicated to creating places that inspire, educate, and entertain. By putting story at the center of every project, from theme parks and cultural landmarks to educational institutions and conservation centers, the company transforms visions into compelling realities. Their multidisciplinary team specializes in architecture, experiential design, interactive media, and strategy, ensuring every project delivers a powerful and unforgettable narrative journey. The firm is also the presenting partner of the TEA Global Experience Index™ – the themed entertainment industry’s definitive annual benchmark – helping produce and publish the report that operators, developers, and investors worldwide rely on to understand the global experience economy. Learn more at storylandstudios.com.