Author: Kevin Wieging
IOA EXPO Set to Open with Breakfast for Member/ Guest Event and Woman’s PWER Group
IOA Safety Conference and Expo are quickly approaching to ready all inflatable amusement companies for summer! IOA occurs March 16-19, 2026 in Lebanon, TN at the Farm Bureau Expo Center located at 945 E Baddour Parkway Lebanon, TN 37087. Located just outside of Nashville, TN, the location provides access to the country music party of Broadway Street Nashville nightlife, but allows for an affordable opportunity to talk inflatable amusement safety and opportunities for building a successful business.
Like several states, regulations and oversight are emerging within the industry to emphasize safe operations and Jennifer Murphy of TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development manages the inflatable amusement ride safety program for Tennessee. Murphey appreciates the IOA Conference close to home and the opportunity for the safety training provided by IOA referencing the “Owner/ Operator Level 1” certification attendees can earn to understand the ASTM F2374 Inflatable Amusement Standards, close to home in Tennessee!
In 2026, BREAKFAST is served as part of the IOA Member/ Guest Breakfast scheduled on Thursday (3/18) morning at 8 am prior to the Grand Opening of the inflatable amusement tradeshow. Both members and guests have the opportunity to gather prior to the event and network about safety and learn more about the benefits of IOA (Inflatable Operators Association) while anticipating the latest equipment that will be trending for 2026 rental.
Also hosting their first Breakfast event, the IOA PWER (Professional Women of Event Rental) will also open up Thursday morning (3/19) with their PWER Breakfast. Jennifer Murphy of TN has been invited to speak at the event as well as female industry leaders to highlight the success they provide. Dana Hall (A member of IOA -Board of Directors), was part of the committee to help organize the breakfast. The PWER breakfast will also occur just prior to the opening of the final day of tradeshow representing 70+ inflatable amusement resource providers.
Registration to the IOA Expo, Safety training, and education can be achieved through purchase of a “FULL ACCESS” registration through the IOA Website online at www.inflatableoperators.org The benefits of “Full ACCESS” registration doesn’t stop there and also provides the networking and social events associated with the conference including the breakfast events. Also a big night for the conference attendees is the IO “Nashville Bands & Brews” special event hosted on Wednesday night (3/18) at East Nashville Beer Works- Wilson County Taproom. (PRO TIP: Register for FULL ACCESS registration before 2/16/26 for a discount!)
Investing in yourself might just be the most important step to improve and sustain a successful business in attending the entire conference and enjoying the social events. For those just wanting to “TEST” getting involved with the inflatable industry, participating exhibitors can provide a stripped down “EXPO ONLY” registration code for FREE ACCESS to the tradeshow stripped down of all the education, safety training, and social access.
Kevin Wieging, CEO of IOA, indicated that “both registrations will get you a better understanding of the industry and the FREE EXPO ONLY is a steppingstone to beginning a successful business journey if not ready to invest in the FULL ACCESS.” Although mentioning that “joining IOA provides enough discount on attending the Conference really does yield major benefits for business!”
The final piece of IOA Conference and Expo registration options is also “IO- University” whereby InflatableOffice partners with the association to provide onsite training for use of IO Software with beginner and advanced classes. With three (3) different options to attend, the IOA continues to grow in its second year and has already started planning for 2027!
Be sure to Register for IOA Conference and Expo at www.inflatableoperators.org and add on the Breakfast event of interest to you and the IO Wednesday night social/ Networking for FREE!!