Have you ever heard of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions? It’s also known as IAAPA, and it has an expo every year.
©Disney
IAAPA is the global association for the attractions industry, and part of its expo is the Signature Sessions, which is where Disney Legends, renowned storytellers, global executives, and influential thought leaders from across the attractions industry come together to have discussions about what’s going on in the theme park industry. This year, there are nearly 200 sessions planned for the largest Expo the organization has had to date, and four of them will be led by major Disney creatives!
This year, the expo is happening from November 16th-20th in Orlando, and four of the educational sessions will be led by well-known Disney creatives. This year, the Legends 2026 Panel will be the Legends of Disney, which will feature Bob Weis (former president of Walt Disney Imagineering), Joe Rohde (Disney Legend and beloved former Imagineer), and Leslie Iwerks (award-winning filmmaker behind Disneyland Handcrafted).
Bob Weis ©D23
The panel will take place on Wednesday, November 18th, from 4-5:30 PM and will be moderated by Bob Rogers. According to the IAAPA website, the panel will “draw on decades of experience to explore how storytelling drives project development and how strong creative collaboration can transform ideas into thematic environments, ride vehicles, films, and experiences that resonate for generations.” Those who attend the panel will get to hear the panel talk about their firsthand insights, strategies, and lessons from their careers.
©Disney
Bob Weis will also be part of another panel on November 16th at 10 AM called DEEP STORY: The Secrets of Transformational Story Making. The website describes this panel as sharing “practical techniques, best practices, and ideas for creating transformational experiences that build meaningful connections with audiences and make a measurable impact beyond the visit itself.”
©D23
That’s not all, though! There will also be a panel on November 16th at 12 PM called Lunch and Learn. Here, Andrew Bolstein, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, will use his three decades of global leadership experience across diverse markets, cultures, and operational environments to “share lessons on earning trust, leading through change, navigating cultural differences, and aligning high-performing teams around a shared vision.” He will also use the panel to “explore how resilience, humility, and a commitment to developing people can strengthen organizations, deliver exceptional results, and elevate standards across the attractions industry.”
©Disney
We have a feeling these are going to be great panels, so if you’re attending the event in November, we suggest adding these to the top of your priority list! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB — we’ll keep you updated on all the latest Disney news.
DFB Video: Latest News: BIG Disney Ride Change, NEW Dolly Parton Hotel, MORE Food & Wine Eats, AI Planning App
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Which of these panels would you be most excited for? Tell us in the comments!
