IAAPA Summit: Latin America, Caribbean 2026

Relocating an amusement park involves far more than moving infrastructure and rides— it requires rethinking processes, leading teams, and protecting organizational culture. In this IAAPA Talk, Gerardo Arteaga, Executive Vice President of Diversur SPA and former Chair of the IAAPA Board of Directors, will share the key operational and human challenges of relocating a full operation from one facility to another while remaining fully operational. Drawing from his experience leading parks and family entertainment centers across the region, Gerardo will adress how to mange change, maintain operational continuity, and support employees through deep transformation— ensuring alignment, engagement, and cultural stability.

This session offers a strategic look at the operation of a world-class private destination. Neva Heaston, Senior Director of Pruvate Destinations at Royal Caribbean, will share how a private island is designed, managed, and scaled—covering key topics such as operational planningn, safety, guest experience, team coordination, and decision making in high-volume environments.

We’ll enjoy a perfect day at Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay. Take this time to explore, connect, and relax. You’ll have free time to experience the island and its water park. Be sure to come prepared with swimsuit, towel, sandals, sunscreen, hat, and waterproof case for electronics.

Enjoy your free time and visit:

• Beautiful beaches for swimming and relaxing (Chill Island, South Beach)
• Oasis Lagoon, the massive freshwater pool
• Family and kids' water areas
• Casual dining (included) and social spaces
   

*Limited spots. First come, first served

An exclusive tour for attractions industry leaders through one of the most innovative water parks in the Caribbean. Guided by Royal Caribbean’s Private Destinations team, this EDUTour offers behind-the-scenes insights into operations and open dialogue on design, safety, guest flow, and operational excellence.

*Please bring your passport with you.

Located on the island of New Providence—one of the 700 islands of The Bahamas—Nassau was once known as the Republic of Pirates. Legendary figures such as Blackbeard once roamed these shores. Today, Nassau is home to one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, capable of receiving up to six cruise ships at the same time and welcoming more than 3 million passengers each year.

We will disembark at this recently modernized port and transfer by bus to Baha Mar, a mega-resort whose entertainment offerings include Baha Bay, a luxury beachfront water park that opened in 2021. Inspired by the natural beauty of The Bahamas, Baha Bay blends a relaxed island atmosphere with thrilling attractions for the whole family. The park is located adjacent to the Baha Mar resort.

Step into this luxurious beachfront water park on an exclusive EDUTour—our first stop to discover the wonders of Nassau!
 

Inspired by the natural beauty of The Bahamas, Baha Bay is designed to perfectly fuse relaxing island chill with exhilarating fun for the entire family. The luxe waterpark is directly adjacent to the Baha Mar resort.

Get inside this luxury beachfront waterpark in an exclusive EDUTour, with themed spots to learn about world-class operation, while discovering the wonders of Nassau!

Learn from the experts in luxury experiences! Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar will share about the experience at one of the world’s most iconic resorts, inspired by Atlantis, with its entire design based on the myth of the lost city. This park is home to one of the largest aquariums in the Caribbean, featuring natural habitats fed by ocean water. Get inspired and gain practical ideas you can apply to your park or attraction.

One mythical resort with five distinct hotels, over 40 restaurants, 3 Michelin starred chefs and of course, an incredible collection of experiences including pools, beaches, water attractions, other themed attractions and live entertainment.

Discover how this resort has positioned itself as one of the most recognized worldwide, as shared by the heads of its various departments: Bryan Banner (Vice President, Water Park Operations), Tazia Rutherford (Director, Dolphin Cay), and Kristen Johnson (Marine Education Officer). 

A session packed with learning and networking. And before going back to the cruise, enjoy the rest of the day in its first-class facilities!

Enjoy the water park and facilities. Please come prepared with swimsuit, towel, sandals, sunscreen, hat, and waterproof case for electronics. You may also visit the spectacular aquarium.

*Limited Spots. First come, first served

Atlantis Paradise Island holds multiple certifications for its high standards of animal care and welfare. This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour offers insight into life support systems, safety protocols, and animal care practices—focusing on operational efficiency, safety, and animal well-being.
 

Have you ever wondered what’s behind those doors labeled “CREW ONLY”? Now is your chance to see! Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to create the best experience to Royal Caribean’s guest ever. 

Explore the engine control room at the heart of the ship and venture onto the bridge, the command center. In the galley, you’ll see the meticulous care that goes into crafting every meal. You'll also visit the ship's expansive laundry facilities to watch cleaning and folding processes for massive volumes of napkins, tablecloths, sheets, and beach towels. 

Plus, you'll have a chance to stroll along I-95, the long corridor in the crew's area, named for the interstate highway that spans the eastern U.S. coastline. Then visit the environmental room to learn about onboard waste management, water treatment, energy conservation, and Royal Caribbean's commitment to sustainability. 

Previous registration is required. After your registration at IAAPA Summit 2026 you will receive a link to register to the VIP tour. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for participation; shorts, skirts, and dresses are not permitted. 

*20 attendees per tour  
 

The cruise industry has evolved to offer guests the best of every entertainment experience—borrowing ideas from the top theme parks and luxury resorts. Today, more and more developers are claiming they want their new destination to be “like a cruise ship on land.” In this session, attendees will hear from world-class design consultants and the operations director responsible for delivering Royal Caribbean’s top private destinations. Whether on land or at sea, their strategic planning starts and ends with creating a compelling guest experience. 

Leadership in the attractions industry is not built solely from strategy, but from day-to-day operations, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to create strong cultures that prioritize people and safety. In an environment defined by growth, constant change, and crisis scenarios, leaders face the challenge of evolving without losing focus on the guest experience and the well-being of their teams.

In this conference, Gina Claassen, ICAE, Vice President of Operations at Herschend, will share her inspiring career journey within the attractions industry—from working in ride operations and serving as an IAAPA Show Ambassador, to leading complex operations and safety strategies at the executive level. Through her story, Gina will illustrate how leadership is forged on the front lines, learning to manage teams, processes, and critical decisions from the operational foundation.

The session will explore how to support organizational growth and change while maintaining operational consistency, and how to build a safety culture that goes beyond protocols to become a shared value across the organization. Drawing from her experience in crisis management, risk management, and operations, Gina will address key lessons every leader should consider when preparing teams for complex and unexpected scenarios.

Previous registration is required. After your registration at IAAPA Summit 2026 you will receive a link to register to the VIP tour. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for participation; shorts, skirts, and dresses are not permitted. *20 attendees per tour  
 

Previous registration is required. After your registration at IAAPA Summit 2026 you will receive a link to register to the VIP tour. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for participation; shorts, skirts, and dresses are not permitted. *20 attendees per tour