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A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S A N D B E N E F I T S | E V E N T S W R A P
by Scott Fais
IAAPA Honors Delivers Inspiration at Xcaret in
Mexico
Annual awards gala excels with idea sharing, thought leadership, and
networking
HONORS
IAAPA NEWS
Learn more about
2026 IAAPA Awards
and apply today at
IAAPA.org/Awards
INSPIRATION BURSTS FROM
THE HEART OF IAAPA HONORS.
The annual awards event unfolded
over three days in May at Xcaret,
a resort destination and collection
of eco-archaeological parks
located in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
The event brings together industry
thought leaders, executives,
respected decision makers, and
IAAPA Brass Ring Award winners
for peer-to-peer conversation,
lectures, and presentations in best
practices.
“IAAPA Honors is all about
inspiration,” says IAAPA President
and CEO Jakob Wahl. “We worked
with Xcaret, a wonderful host, who
opened up their backstage areas to
inspire attendees.”
Almost two dozen EDUTours,
talks, workshops, learning
opportunities, and networking
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Funworld | JULY/AUGUST 2026 | IAAPA.org/Funworld
receptions provided attendees
with a front-row seat and
behind-the-scenes access to
see operations, culinary, live
entertainment, and sustainability
practices firsthand. IAAPA
Honors has gained a reputation
for bringing together industry
decision-makers who freely
exchange knowledge and insight.
“Being at Xcaret was so
inspiring and motivational. It’s
amazing what we exchanged,
saw, and experienced together,”
says IAAPA 2026 Chairman of
the Board, Luciana Periales, who
serves concurrently as the CEO of
Neverland Parks.
Xavier López Ancona,
president and CEO of KidZania,
delivered a keynote address
focused on creativity and
strategies that drive innovation
with purpose. Jacob Robinson,
founder and CEO of Dig World,
took the stage for a keynote on
resilience and choosing joy under
pressure. Xcaret founder Miguel
Quintana shared his secret to
success during a conversation
hosted by Wahl. Liseberg CEO
and President Andreas Andersen
presented insight on how industry
attractions can stay relevant and
sustainable for decades to come.
For the first time, leaders
from Intamin, Mack Rides, and
Vekoma—all competitive in the
same markets—took the stage for
a discussion moderated by Sally
Dark Rides.
“The Brass Ring Awards are
one of the highest honors you can
receive in our industry—everybody wants one,” explains IAAPA
COO Michael Shelton.
