IAAPA Expo is the largest trade show for the attractions industry.  IAAPA Expo allows you to explore the sights, smells, tastes, sensations, and thrills of the amusement industry. Professionals from the world’s most respected theme parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, and attractions come to see innovation at work, connect with leaders, and source new products. To learn more about upcoming events, as well as discovering how you can get involved, check out IAAPA!

Previously held by Iowa State University, the now non profit Ride Engineering Competition organization holds an event once a year. The Ride Engineering Competition offers students a chance to demonstrate real-world engineering practices within the industry focusing on ride engineering and design. Student teams will have 6 months to design, plan, and manufacture an attraction for 1:50 scale riders based on a prompt that includes a plot of land and desired rider experience. More information will be available at General Assembly Meetings as well as the competition website

Previously known as the Ryerson Thrill Invitational Design Competition, the Toronto Met Thrill Design Competition is a multi-day, collegiate-level thrill design competition presented by Universal Creative in partnership with Toronto Met University. This invitational also creates the opportunity for students to engage and network with Universal Creative leadership and industry leaders, presenting their final results with professionals. Find out more at GAMs and become apart of the Virginia Tech TPED team!