Discover how interactive plush-making can transform experiential retail, create unforgettable guest experiences and unlock new revenue opportunities.

We’re excited to announce that The Bear Factory will be exhibiting at IAAPA Expo Europe 2026, taking place at ExCeL London this September.

Bringing together professionals from across the global attractions and leisure industry, IAAPA Expo Europe is one of the most important dates in the attractions calendar – and this year, it’s right here in the UK.

From theme parks, zoos and aquariums to family attractions, holiday resorts, visitor destinations and entertainment venues, the event brings together businesses looking for new ideas, innovative products and exciting ways to enhance the guest experience.

And that’s exactly what we’ll be bringing to London.

More Than a Plush – It’s an Experience

At The Bear Factory, we believe some of the most successful retail experiences are about far more than simply buying a product.

They’re about creating a memory.

Our interactive Stuff-a-Plush experiences transform a traditional retail purchase into an engaging activity where guests become part of the creation process.

Children choose their new plush friend, bring it to life, add those all-important personal touches and take home something that reminds them of their visit long after their day has ended.

For attractions, this creates an opportunity to combine guest experience with experiential retail – turning merchandise into an attraction in its own right.  Custom Plush and bespoke design programs uniquely tailored to your brands vision and identity. 

See the Experience Come to Life at IAAPA Expo Europe

Visitors to The Bear Factory at IAAPA Expo Europe will have the opportunity to discover how our Stuff-a-Plush programmes can be adapted to suit attractions of all shapes and sizes.

From compact retail spaces and seasonal pop-ups to fully immersive plush-making destinations, our flexible approach means the experience can be designed around your venue, audience and commercial objectives.

We’ll be showcasing our innovative Vortex stuffing machines, giving visitors the opportunity to see just how quick, engaging and easy the plush-making process can be.

You’ll also be able to explore our extensive range of plush, clothing, accessories and experience-enhancing elements that can turn the simple act of choosing a souvenir into something much more memorable.

Experiential Retail That Makes Commercial Sense

Creating an unforgettable guest experience is important – but for operators, it also needs to deliver commercially.

That’s where experiential retail becomes particularly exciting.

Rather than relying solely on traditional grab-and-go merchandise, an interactive experience gives guests another reason to stop, engage and spend time within a retail environment.

A well-designed plush-making experience can help attractions:

• Create an additional revenue stream
• Increase guest engagement and retail dwell time
• Encourage additional purchases through clothing and accessories
• Create premium and personalised retail opportunities
• Add value to seasonal events and special experiences
• Build stronger emotional connections between guests and the attraction
• Give families a meaningful keepsake associated with their visit

The result is an experience designed to work for both the guest and the operator.

Built Around Your Attraction

One of the things we’re most excited to discuss at IAAPA Expo Europe is just how much can be done with the concept.

A plush-making experience doesn’t need to look the same everywhere.

For a zoo or wildlife park, the experience could feature animals connected to the species guests have encountered during their visit, creating opportunities for conservation, education and storytelling.

For a theme park or family attraction, it could become a highly visual interactive retail destination where guests create a new character to take home.

For holiday parks and resorts, plush-making can become part of the children’s activity programme, evening entertainment, seasonal events or family experiences.

And for Christmas grottos, Halloween events and other seasonal attractions, the experience can become part of the story itself – giving children the opportunity to create a character connected to their adventure.

With options ranging from hand-stuffing through to our Vortex stuffing machines and larger immersive installations, the concept can grow around the individual needs of the venue.

Putting Sustainability at the Heart of the Experience

We’ll also be showcasing our Plush for the Planet offering at IAAPA Expo Europe.

As attractions and their guests become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of the products they purchase, we believe sustainability and guest experience should work together.

Our Eco Plush ranges and supporting experience elements give operators the opportunity to incorporate sustainability messaging into an activity that is already fun and engaging for children.

For zoos, wildlife parks and nature-based attractions in particular, this also creates exciting possibilities for connecting the plush-making experience with wider conversations around wildlife, habitats and conservation.

Create a Story Guests Can Take Home

The magic of experiential retail is what happens after the guest leaves.

A souvenir may sit on a shelf, whilst an experience becomes a story and a cherished memory. 

When a child has chosen their animal, brought it to life and made it their own, that plush becomes connected to the memories of their day.

That emotional connection is what makes interactive retail so powerful and why we believe plush-making has such exciting potential across the attractions industry.

Meet The Bear Factory at IAAPA Expo Europe 2026

IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 takes place at ExCeL London, with the show floor open from 22–24 September 2026.

We can’t wait to meet attraction operators, retailers, commercial teams and guest-experience professionals from across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Whether you’re already considering experiential retail, looking for a new revenue opportunity, planning your next retail development or simply curious about how interactive plush-making could work within your attraction, we’d love you to come and meet us.

Come and experience The Bear Factory for yourself, meet our team and discover how we can help you create a retail experience your guests will remember.

Planning to attend IAAPA Expo Europe?

Get in touch with The Bear Factory team to book a meeting with us at the show and let’s explore what an interactive plush-making experience could look like at your attraction. We have a limited number of complimentary tickets available, just email hello@thebearfactory.uk to reserve your today. 

We look forward to seeing you in London!