The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced the speakers for its upcoming expo in November, with an impressive slate of panels led by Disney creatives.
Disney Legends’ Signature Sessions at IAAPA Expo
According to the IAAPA press release, the IAAPA Expo — happening November 16 – 20 in Orlando — will feature over 200 educational sessions for professionals in the theme park industry. Four signature sessions will be headlined by famed Disney creatives.
The Legends 2026 Panel, a staple of the IAAPA Expo, focuses on a “Legends of Disney” trio: Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering; Joe Rohde, Disney Legend and renowned former Imagineer; and Leslie Iwerks, the award-winning filmmaker behind Disneyland Handcrafted and descendant of Disney Legends Ub Iwerks and Don Iwerks:
Moderated by Bob Rogers, founder of BRC Imagination Arts and 2010 IAAPA Hall of Fame inductee, 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. Attendees will hear firsthand insights, strategies, and lessons from their careers, along with principles they can apply to their own work.
The Legends 2026 Panel will take place on November 18 at 4 p.m.
Weis will also participate in a separate session with Rogers entitled “DEEP STORY: The Secrets of Transformational Story Making” on the morning of November 16 at 10 a.m. According to the description, they will discuss:
…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.
For an international perspective on Disney Parks, Shanghai Disney Resort President Andrew Bolstein is leading a Lunch and Learn session on developing experiences that resonate “across diverse markets, cultures, and operational environments.” The session takes place on November 16 at 12:00 p.m.
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