Author: Kevin Wieging
As IOA continues to grow through a network of operators located across the world, new programs are being added and IOA Connect serves as an opportunity to allow members and the industry to collaborate. To advance those opportunities, IAAPA provides an opportunity to host the first event at the upcoming IAAPA Expo taking place in Orlando, FL November 16-19, 2026.
The first IOA Connect will be hosted on the opening day of IAAPA, Tuesday November 17, 2026, from 7- 11 p.m. The location will be Tom’s Watch Bar – Sky Bar conveniently located on International Drive minutes from the IAAPA convention and sponsored by ERS amusement rental software, Magic Jump, Hullaballoo Sales, and Cutting Edge Creations. The connect event host also includes BestLyfe group, One Trip Dolly, and Mobile Mini Golf Co.
ALL guests are welcome to attend, with special VIP STATUS opportunities available! The IOA has reserved the venue EXCLUSIVELY for the INFLATABLE INDUSTRY through the generous support of event sponsors. VIP Access begins at 7 pm, followed by all guests being welcomed to attend at 8 pm. IOA Members & Ambassadors are recognized as VIP along with a limited number of invites provided to sponsors of the event. Toms Watch Bar – Sky Bar is a location that provides for networking and opportunity for the member-based, member-focused, and member-driven mission of IOA to continue to thrive.
ERS, Magic Jump, Hullaballoo Sales, and Cutting Edge Creations are all provided with VIP invite opportunities, and existing members of IOA are guaranteed VIP opportunities and will receive their FREE opportunity to participate by registering to attend. Guests can register in advance or visit a sponsor’s IAAPA booth anytime during the opening day of IAAPA to also register in advance. All guests attending the event are eligible to WIN new inflatables from Magic Jump, Hullaballoo, and Cutting Edge. Complimentary FULL ACCESS IOA Conference registrations for the IOA Expo February 1-4, 2027 will be given away each hour starting at 8 pm!
Inflatable Industry Takeover Event!
Finally, an INDUSTRY EXCLUSIVE event to meet up with fellow rental operators after the first day of IAAPA. Beyond new equipment, making those new connections at an industry event is worth the trip. If you are planning to attend IAAPA, the event is a FREE Social event with some special industry announcements. Not to mention the Epic Fireworks display at 9 pm from Tom’s Sky Bar Balcony—you’ll be high above International Drive in this awesome sports bar theme venue!
Register To Attend IOA Connect at IAAPA!
Gain early access through a VIP invitation or plan to attend as a guest. Sponsor VIP and Ambassador access begins at 7 pm. Invitees and VIP qualify for FREE food and beverages (drink tokens), with a cash bar available. All GUESTS are welcome at 8 pm. By registering, you will also have the opportunity to download the FREE IOA App prior to the IOA Inflatable Safety & Amusement Expo to build your networking group of valuable contacts as a mentor group for success!
Register here: IOA Connect- IAAPA Inflatable Industry Event
Timeline:
7:00 pm- VIP, Ambassador and IOA Member early access to IOA Connect event (Elevated Mezzanine VIP Area remain throughout the night)
7:00 pm- Bar Service Available
7:30 pm- Quick Ambassador and VIP Welcome/ DJ Entertainment
7:30 pm- Food Available (Food available in VIP and main level food stations
8:00 pm- Inflatable Industry Affiliates (non-member) general admission open
8:30 pm- Welcome and Prize giveaways #1
9:00 pm- Epic Fireworks show
9:30 pm- Food Service Ends
10:00 pm- Thank you and prize giveaways #2
10:00 pm- Extend DJ/ Bar Service Continues
11:00 pm- “Pre-Game” party for IAAPA and IOA Expo concludes
*Final schedule subject to change.
Be sure to rep your area NFL, CFL, MLB, MLS, NHL, NBA, WNBA or local sports teams with a jersey or athletic fit!! Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Michigan, New York, Toronto, Winnipeg and sports fans & inflatable industry businesses converge on Florida. A true collaboration to include all fans involved with the inflatable industry.
Meet with the inflatable industry on TUESDAY, November 17, 2026, 7- 11 p.m. at Tom’s Watch Bar- Sky Bar, 8050 International Drive, Orlando, FL.