Immersive Design Academy and IAAPA Partner for Emerging Talent Showcases

Collaboration expands access and visibility for next generation of themed entertainment designers.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Immersive Design Academy (IDA), a global training program for themed attraction design, has announced a new partnership with IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. The collaboration, supported by scholarship and program funding from the IAAPA Foundation, will expand access, visibility, and career pathways for emerging professionals in the themed entertainment industry.

Why it matters

This partnership aims to bridge the gap between education and employment in themed attraction design by providing hands-on experience, industry exposure, and career development opportunities for the next generation of talent. It also strengthens the global attractions industry by investing in its future leaders.

The details

As part of the partnership, IDA will host programming and student-focused events at IAAPA Expos worldwide, giving students the chance to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and engage with potential employers. IDA's Showcase of Student Work will continue at IAAPA Expo Europe and IAAPA Expo in Orlando, while expanding to IAAPA Expo Asia and IAAPA Expo Middle East. The IAAPA Foundation will also provide 14 experiential scholarships to help students offset travel costs associated with attending IAAPA Expos.

  • The 2026 Immersive Design Academy program is currently underway and will culminate in a final student showcase at IAAPA Expo 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
  • Applications for the 2027 IDA program will open in late 2026.

The players

Immersive Design Academy (IDA)

A global training program preparing emerging professionals for careers in themed attraction design, operating as a simulated creative studio to develop fully realized themed attraction concepts.

IAAPA

The global association for the attractions industry, supporting the partnership with IDA through the IAAPA Foundation.

IAAPA Foundation

Providing scholarship and program funding to support the collaboration between IDA and IAAPA, helping to expand access and visibility for emerging talent.

Emma Bashford

Producer at Immersive Design Academy.

Michael Shelton

Chief Operating Officer at IAAPA.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership and the Foundation's support will make a meaningful difference for our students, helping them launch their careers regardless of background.”

— Emma Bashford, Producer, Immersive Design Academy (Immersive Design Academy)

“Through our partnership with Immersive Design Academy, and with the IAAPA Foundation's scholarships expanding access for emerging talent, we are helping students gain practical experience, build industry connections, and enter the workforce ready to contribute.”

— Michael Shelton, Chief Operating Officer, IAAPA (IAAPA)

What’s next

The 2026 Immersive Design Academy program is currently underway and will culminate in a final student showcase at IAAPA Expo 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Applications for the 2027 program will open in late 2026.

The takeaway

This partnership between Immersive Design Academy and IAAPA, supported by the IAAPA Foundation, is a significant step in bridging the gap between education and employment in the themed entertainment industry. By providing hands-on experience, industry exposure, and career development opportunities for emerging professionals, it is investing in the future leaders of the global attractions industry.