Speakers, exclusive experiences lined up for IAAPA Honors 2026

Xcaret, Mexico (April 9, 2026) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, shares new speakers and program highlights for IAAPA Honors 2026, its annual global awards event celebrating excellence across the attractions, leisure, and tourism sectors.

Taking place May 12-14, 2026, at Hotel Xcaret México, the program will feature inspiring keynote sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and behind-the-scenes experiences across the renowned Xcaret theme parks. The multi-day event brings together operators, manufacturers, suppliers, and creative leaders from around the world to recognize achievements shaping the future of the attractions industry.

Industry Leader Insights

The first full day of programming will begin with welcome remarks followed by a fireside chat with IAAPA President and CEO Jakob Wahl and Grupo Xcaret CEO Miguel Quintana. During this candid conversation, the two leaders will share insights on leadership, legacy, and the trends shaping the future of the global attractions industry.

Also on the first day, Xavier López Ancona, president and CEO of KidZania, will deliver a keynote address focused on creativity and strategies that drive innovation with purpose. On day two, Jacob Robinson, founder and CEO of Dig World, will take the stage for a keynote on resilience, purpose, and choosing joy under pressure — offering a personal perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship in the attractions industry.

Panel Presentations and Exclusive Experiences 

New to IAAPA Honors this year, a series of dynamic panels will bring together both award winners and industry leaders recognized across IAAPA’s prestigious award categories — including F&B, Human Resources, Live Entertainment, Marketing, Sustainability, and more — to share the ideas, strategies, and creative breakthroughs behind their success.

IAAPA Honors will also feature immersive EDUTours – offering attendees an inside look into back-of-house operations, world-class safety standards, maintenance practices, and operational procedures during tours of Xcaret’s operational facilities. Attendees will also embark on an immersive cultural journey through Xcaret’s three signature parks. The experience will highlight the creative vision, design innovation, safety standards, and operational excellence that bring these world-renowned attractions to life.

Global Industry Excellence

One of the industry’s most prestigious recognitions, the Liseberg Applause Award, will also be presented during IAAPA Honors. The Liseberg Applause Award recognizes a park whose management, operations, and creative achievements have inspired the industry and set new standards for excellence.

To learn more information about IAAPA Honors, visit www.IAAPA.org/Honors 

For media inquiries and interview requests, please email [email protected]. 

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About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.
 
Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.
 
The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City, Mexico. 
 
Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA

Media Contact: 
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