FEC Operator’s Guide to the Expanded IAAPA Expo 2026

The IAAPA Expo map is live, and for those of us who have spent years navigating the North-South Concourse, this year requires a new game plan. The show has officially expanded across the street into the West Concourse.

For the FEC operator, this isn't just a map change—it’s a shift in how you need to prioritize your walk-through. Here are my key observations as I’ve been mapping out my own route for the show.

1. The West Hall "Power Shift"

The most significant change is the migration of several industry giants to the West Concourse. If your operations rely on Venu+, Roller, or Gateway Ticketing Systems, you will be spending time in the West Hall this year.

• The Food & Beverage Factor: The F&B Pavilion has made the move to the West Hall as well. Expect to find staples like J&J Snack Foods (Dippin' Dots and Icee) and Mini Melts across the street. (Note: Lil Orbits remains in the North-South hall).

• Haunt Professionals: The new Haunt Pavilion is now anchored in the West Hall, with The Haunting Grounds moving from the North-side meeting rooms to this new dedicated space.

• Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the West Hall floor plan; there is still empty space waiting to be filled, so expect some late-breaking additions.

2. The North-South Hub: Refined for FECs

While the West Hall is pulling in major tech and F&B names, the North-South Concourse is tightening its focus on the core FEC experience.

• Family Entertainment Pavilion: This is your home base for hardware and operations. Located on the north side of the North-South hall, this pavilion will be packed with card systems, ride manufacturers, go-kart suppliers, and laser tag companies.

• The Games & Arcade Shuffle: While the Games & Arcade Pavilion has shifted to the center of the South Hall, you'll find that game vendors are actually spread across both halls this year. You’ll find heavy hitters like Betson, Elaut, and A&A in the new pavilion, but don't assume every game vendor has migrated to the center; many stayed in their traditional locations. Check the map carefully!

3. Education on the Move

In years past, education sessions were conveniently tethered to the North and South sides of the main concourse. For 2026, it looks like they are spreading sessions into both the West and South concourses. My take? Don't expect to save many steps. Moving between sessions on opposite ends of the campus is still going to be a hike—plan your education schedule just as carefully as your trade show meetings so you aren't caught sprinting across the street.

4. The "Breathing Room" Benefit

Perhaps the best silver lining to this expansion is the change in the floor layout. By splitting the show between two halls, IAAPA has been able to open up the North-South Concourse significantly. I’m expecting much more lounge and seating space compared to previous years—a welcome relief for anyone who has spent all day dodging crowds on the trade show floor.

Clint’s Closing Advice:

My recommendation? Don't wait until you land to look at the map. With the show split across two buildings, you have to factor in transit time. Group your meetings by hall—hit your Tech and F&B partners in the West Hall as a single block, and save your Hardware and Arcade heavy-lifting for the North-South Concourse.

See you on the floor!