Expression Capital Partners Teams with IAAPA to Drive Transformational Growth in the Attractions Industry, Supporting Investment and Innovation Worldwide in USA

Published on December 17, 2025

In an exciting move that promises to reshape the future of the global attractions industry, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced its new global partnership with Expression Capital Partners LLP. This collaboration aims to provide unparalleled financial expertise, strategic guidance, and investment resources to IAAPA members around the world.

The partnership underscores the importance of private equity and M&A advisory services in helping attractions businesses navigate the complex landscape of growth, mergers, acquisitions, and investments. With a focus on expanding financial opportunities and operational capabilities for park owners, developers, and operators, this collaboration is poised to unlock transformative opportunities in the attractions sector. Through this alliance, IAAPA members can expect to gain direct access to specialized investment expertise from a firm deeply rooted in the leisure and entertainment sectors, strengthening the attractions industry’s global reach and sustainability.

This article explores the immense value of this partnership, the impact on the attractions industry, and how it will shape the future of tourism, investment, and innovation across IAAPA’s global network.

IAAPA and Expression Capital Partners: A Partnership Built on Expertise and Innovation

For over 100 years, IAAPA has been the go-to global association representing the attractions industry. Its mission to advocate, advance, and elevate the industry aligns perfectly with Expression Capital Partners, a firm with multigenerational roots in entertainment and attractions. The company’s founders have spent decades working in the leisure sector, having hands-on experience with building, operating, financing, and innovating within attractions—giving them a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies.

Through this exclusive partnership, IAAPA members will benefit from Expression Capital Partners’ extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry and their capability to provide high-level financial strategies and investment advice. Expression Capital’s deep ties with the global attractions market, combined with their ability to help navigate complex financial transactions, make them an invaluable partner for IAAPA’s members.

Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA, commented on the collaboration: “This partnership opens the door for IAAPA members to access high-level investment guidance, strategic financial support, and opportunities to bring bold ideas to life. Expression Capital’s multigenerational expertise brings tremendous value to the IAAPA community, strengthening our commitment to the global attractions industry.”

The partnership will bring Expression Capital Partners as a Platinum Sponsor to all IAAPA Expos, ensuring that they play an integral role in shaping the events and providing IAAPA members with insights on industry trends, investment opportunities, and innovative growth strategies.

Benefits for IAAPA Members: Access to Investment Expertise and Strategic Support

One of the key benefits of this global partnership is the exclusive access IAAPA members will now have to specialized investment expertise. Expression Capital Partners offers guidance on a variety of aspects, including:

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Whether it’s navigating a buy, sell, or merge opportunity, IAAPA members will receive strategic advisory services from Expression Capital’s experienced team. This service is especially crucial for attraction owners looking to expand or partner with other businesses in the industry.
• Raising Capital: Expression Capital Partners will provide support to IAAPA members seeking to raise capital to fund new attractions, expand existing facilities, or develop new entertainment concepts.
• Investing in New Concepts: Expression Capital will help turn visionary ideas into reality by offering advisory services to emerging concepts, ensuring they receive the right financial backing to become successful, operational attractions.
• Entertainment Investment Channels: IAAPA members will gain access to unique investment channels like Entertainment Investments 1 LP, which will offer more opportunities for strategic investments and partnerships.

By bringing these services to the IAAPA community, Expression Capital Partners ensures that attractions, regardless of size or scope, have access to the financial resources and guidance needed for long-term growth and success.

Transforming the Global Attractions Industry: Opportunities for Growth

The attractions industry is undergoing rapid transformations, driven by advancements in technology, customer experiences, and market expansion. As the industry grows, IAAPA’s partnership with Expression Capital Partners will facilitate greater financial support and investment opportunities, fostering innovation across various sectors, including:

• Theme Parks and Amusement Parks: With global demand for immersive experiences and innovative attractions, parks are increasingly looking for new ways to engage visitors and drive profitability. The strategic partnership will provide investment opportunities to develop new, cutting-edge rides and attractions.
• Family Entertainment Centers: Smaller attractions and entertainment centers are also experiencing growth, as more families seek interactive and affordable leisure options. IAAPA members in this segment will benefit from advisory services that help them grow their businesses and stay competitive.
• Resort and Hospitality Developments: IAAPA members in the resort and hospitality sectors will benefit from guidance on raising capital and expanding offerings. Expression Capital Partners will help resort owners and developers scale up by funding new concepts and improving the guest experience.
• Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Attractions: The rise of eco-tourism and sustainable development is shaping the future of the attractions industry. Expression Capital Partners’ expertise in the leisure and hospitality sectors will allow IAAPA members to incorporate sustainable business models into their operations, ensuring long-term sustainability.

How IAAPA Expos and Events Will Benefit From the Partnership

With Expression Capital Partners joining as a Platinum Sponsor, IAAPA members will see more exciting opportunities at the IAAPA Expos held globally. As the exclusive private equity and M&A advisory partner, Expression Capital Partners will be a key player in shaping discussions, workshops, and panels that tackle the most pressing issues in the attractions industry.

The Path Forward: A Vision for the Future of Attractions

The IAAPA-Expression Capital Partners partnership represents a bold move toward the future of the attractions industry. As the global attractions market continues to grow, this partnership will help members adapt, invest, and innovate at a level previously unavailable.

With Expression Capital Partners’ decades of experience in the entertainment and leisure industries, combined with IAAPA’s global reach, this partnership offers unique opportunities for attraction owners, developers, and operators to transform their businesses. From start-ups to global operators, IAAPA members will have the resources, expertise, and financial support to bring bold ideas to life and thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.

Conclusion: A New Era for the Global Attractions Industry

The announcement of the partnership between IAAPA and Expression Capital Partners marks the beginning of a new era for the global attractions industry. With expert financial guidance, strategic advisory services, and investment resources at their fingertips, IAAPA members are now better equipped to tackle industry challenges, expand their businesses, and introduce innovative attractions that will shape the future of leisure and entertainment.

As the world of attractions continues to evolve, this partnership ensures that IAAPA members will remain at the forefront of the industry, driving growth and shaping the future of global tourism, leisure, and entertainment.

Impact of the Partnership on the Travel and Tourism Industry

This collaboration between IAAPA and Expression Capital Partners is not just about boosting the attractions sector—it has broader implications for the entire travel and tourism industry. As investments flow into new attractions, tourism growth will follow, creating more jobs and boosting the global economy. With improved financial guidance, the industry will see a surge in innovative concepts, which will continue to enhance the tourist experience across the globe, leading to greater demand and more sustainable tourism models.