The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has named James “Chip” Cleary, Jeffrey Ellis, Bob Gurr, and Miguel Quintana Pali to its 2026 Hall of Fame class.
IAAPA will honor the four inductees Nov. 16 during IAAPA LEGENDS: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The event takes place during IAAPA Expo.
IAAPA President and Chief Executive Officer Jakob Wahl announced the class in a video released Aug. 25. He said the association’s Hall of Fame Judging Task Force selected the inductees after reviewing this year’s nominations.
The task force includes former IAAPA global chairs, members of the IAAPA Board of Directors, and chairs of the association’s five regional advisory boards. Candidates must demonstrate significant contributions with an impact across at least two regions, according to IAAPA.
Cleary recognized for industry leadership
Cleary’s attractions career spans nearly 50 years. His work includes the development of themed water parks such as Splish Splash, leadership roles at Palace Entertainment and Parques Reunidos, and involvement in the development of Rulantica at Europa-Park.
He also served as IAAPA chairman and later as the association’s chief executive officer. Wahl credited Cleary with helping expand IAAPA’s international reach while advancing water attraction design, operations, and safety.
Ellis helped reshape aquatic safety
Ellis founded Ellis & Associates and has worked in aquatic safety for more than four decades.
According to IAAPA, his work includes advances in lifeguard training, the rescue tube, the 10/20 Protection Standard, operational audits, and performance standards. Programs developed by Ellis & Associates now operate at aquatic facilities in more than 40 countries.
Wahl said Ellis’ emphasis on research, technology, training, and operational standards helped change aquatic safety practices across the attractions industry.
Gurr’s designs influenced themed entertainment
Gurr is one of Walt Disney’s original Imagineers and contributed to several early Disneyland ride and transportation systems.
His work included vehicles for Autopia, the Disneyland Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Submarine Voyage. He also contributed to the development of the Omnimover ride system.
IAAPA cited Gurr’s engineering work for its influence on attraction design beyond Disney and across the broader themed entertainment industry.
Quintana Pali built a destination model around nature and culture
Quintana Pali, founder of Grupo Xcaret, developed attractions that combine nature, Mexican culture, hospitality, and tourism.
IAAPA cited his approach to environmental stewardship and cultural experiences as part of his influence on destination development. Grupo Xcaret has expanded that model across parks, hotels, and tourism experiences in Mexico.
Wahl also noted Quintana Pali’s support of the attractions community and Grupo Xcaret’s role as host of IAAPA Honors 2026.
The four inductees will join previous Hall of Fame members during the Nov. 16 ceremony. The evening will also include live and silent auctions benefiting the IAAPA Foundation. IAAPA says last year’s auction, combined with a matching contribution from the association, raised more than $350,000 for the foundation.
IAAPA represents the global attractions industry and produces IAAPA Expo and other events, education programs, and industry initiatives. For more information, visit iaapa.org.
Information provided by IAAPA and edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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