Storyland Studios, a global experience design and strategy firm, is attending IAAPA Expo Europe, taking place 21-25 September at ExCeL London, with two speaking sessions, a full team on the floor, and an invitation to connect.
For Storyland Studios, this year's event is a local one, since the firm has a London office and team members based throughout the UK.
Starting with Sustainability Day on 21 September, Marie Rayner, director of project development & sustainability lead, will join Vero Celis from Valumia for a presentation titled The Sustainable Experience Lab: Build a Park Under Pressure.
Sustainability Day offers a key opportunity for industry professionals to share achievements, discuss lessons learned, and explore new ideas for developing more sustainable attractions and destinations.
On Wednesday 23 September, founder and chief creative officer Mel McGowan and Rayner take the stage for If You Could See Your Influence: Measuring What Matters at 10:30 am, N10 Conference Room 2. They will be joined by David Nouaille, chief international development officer at Puy du Fou.
The session asks what it truly means to understand an attraction's long-term environmental and social impact.
The value of sustainable decision-making
“Having IAAPA Expo Europe hosted in London makes this year’s event particularly special for us,” says Rayner. “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 dedicated team of Storyland’s creative and business-development leaders will be present throughout the show, prepared to discuss everything from the initial BlueSky concept to opening day. With the industry gathering locally, the team says it is excited to welcome both new and returning partners.
The team at the show will include McGowan and Rayner, alongside Sean Featonby, director of business development; Adam Booth, project director; Jonathan Bonner, project director; Rebecca Allday, junior concept designer; and Lindsay Bradshaw, project development associate.
“IAAPA Expo Europe is an important fixture in the industry calendar, particularly with the event returning to London,” says Featonby. “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.”
Attendees at IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 can book meetings via email.
Charlotte Blanco Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
