Podcasts about iaapa

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2026, happening in Orlando, Florida, November 16th - 20th. It's where more than forty-thousand professionals come to share the wonder, explore over a thousand innovative exhibitors, and discover future-focused solutions. From education to networking to ideas that drive real business impact, IAAPA Expo is where what's next takes shape.   Register now and save up to 30% at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo. Guest experience is often introduced during orientation, reinforced through a training session, and documented somewhere in an SOP or handbook. The challenge is what happens after that. If the standard is not consistently reinforced, coached, recognized, and refreshed, it can quickly become disconnected from daily operations. Building guest experience into an operating system creates a continuous cycle that keeps the standard active while allowing it to evolve as the organization improves. In this minisode, Matt and Josh talk about treating guest experience as an operating system that lives within the daily rhythm of the organization. Guest experience should live in the operation “Guest experience is not simply a standard, not simply a training initiative, and it certainly is not a one-time event.” A guest experience standard provides an important foundation, but the standard needs a system around it to remain relevant. That begins before or on an employee's first day and continues throughout their entire experience with the organization. Rather than treating guest experience as a standalone initiative or department, it becomes part of how employees are selected, trained, coached, recognized, and developed. The standard must translate to the job “They're both personalizing the experience, but they're being done in a very different way.” A consistent guest experience does not mean every employee delivers it identically. Personalization at admissions might include learning and using a guest's name, while a ride operator may have only seconds to notice a shirt, team logo, or other conversation starter. The same standard can look different across roles while remaining anchored to the same expectation. On-the-job training creates the bridge between understanding the standard and knowing how to demonstrate it within a specific position. Reinforcement keeps the standard alive “Are they seen as micro training sessions?” Guest experience cannot rely on everything being taught during orientation. Daily shift meetings, one-on-one conversations, and spot coaching create opportunities for continuous reinforcement. Instead of using every pre-shift meeting exclusively for operational updates, leaders can ask about recent wow moments, guest complaints, or feedback employees have heard. Those conversations turn everyday experiences into training content and continually reconnect the team to the standards they learned on day one. Recognition strengthens the system “You must prioritize recognition over reward.” When employees demonstrate the guest experience standard, recognizing the behavior helps reinforce what the organization wants repeated. Recognition does not need to be transactional or dependent on prizes and gift cards. Genuine appreciation can show employees that leaders notice how the standard is being delivered. Combined with coaching and reinforcement, recognition helps move guest experience beyond a training initiative and into the everyday culture of the organization. Your operating system needs updates “It literally is refreshing the operating system.” Standards should evolve as the organization improves. A handbook that accurately described exceptional service two years ago may no longer represent what the team is capable of delivering today. Periodically reviewing and raising the standard creates a cycle of continuous improvement. Day one leads to on-the-job training, reinforcement and recognition, followed by refreshing the standard and beginning the cycle again. Each pass through the cycle creates greater alignment and momentum. Consistency does not require scripting “The message was consistent, but the delivery was very personal.” A strong operating system creates consistency without eliminating personality. Team members across different departments can deliver the same underlying standard in ways that fit their roles and interactions. A parting pleasantry, for example, may sound different at a ride exit than at the park exit, but both reinforce the same expectation. Guests experience a cohesive standard even when every interaction feels natural and personal.   Guest experience already exists in every organization. The opportunity is to become more intentional about how it operates every day and how it continues to improve. How are you building guest experience into your daily operating rhythm? Find AttractionPros on social media or email attractionpros@gmail.com to share what is working in your organization. To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2026, happening in Orlando, Florida, November 16th - 20th. It's where more than forty-thousand professionals come to share the wonder, explore over a thousand innovative exhibitors, and discover future-focused solutions. From education to networking to ideas that drive real business impact, IAAPA Expo is where what's next takes shape.   Register now and save up to 30% at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo. Accountability is often treated as something that only comes into play when someone makes a mistake. Leaders hold people accountable when expectations are missed, standards slip, or behavior needs to change. But that leaves out an equally important side of accountability: taking responsibility for what goes right and using positive performance to create more of it. In this minisode, Matt and Josh talk about how accountability applies to both positive and corrective behaviors and the four levels leaders can use to encourage continuous improvement. Accountability starts with you “If I'm not holding myself accountable, it's really hard for me to do that with other people.” Before leaders can effectively hold others accountable, they need to take responsibility for their own actions. Accountability itself is neither positive nor negative. It begins with recognizing what you did, whether that means acknowledging an accomplishment or admitting a mistake. This makes accountability partly introspective. Leaders build greater credibility when they demonstrate the same ownership they expect from their teams. Positive accountability creates momentum “Giving yourselves a little more credit inspires you to do more good, positive stuff.” Taking credit for something that went well does not need to mean simply patting yourself on the back. There is a difference between taking credit and using success as motivation for continued improvement. Matt and Josh use the AttractionPros Podcast as an example. Reaching 468 episodes is worth celebrating, but the accomplishment also creates enthusiasm for reaching 500 and beyond. Positive accountability turns recognition of past performance into momentum toward the next achievement. Recognition extends accountability to others “This third layer of accountability is about leadership and recognizing those behaviors in others.” Once leaders practice accountability themselves, they can extend it to the people around them. On the positive side, this means identifying behaviors that meet or exceed expectations and specifically recognizing the team members responsible. That recognition can then influence people to repeat those behaviors without a leader needing to constantly remind them. Accountability becomes a leadership tool for reinforcing what good performance looks like and encouraging more of it. Corrective accountability follows the same path “It's very hard to influence someone's behavior without calling out what that behavior is, either positive or negative.” When something goes wrong, the process follows a remarkably similar sequence. First, acknowledge the mistake. Second, change the behavior that caused it. Third, leaders identify the behavior in others when expectations are not met. Finally, they coach and influence the person toward improved behavior. The positive and corrective sides are two sides of the same coin, because the fundamental process remains consistent. What changes is the direction the behavior needs to go. Accountability creates continuous improvement “There's always room for continuous improvement, even if it's improving upon a very positive behavior.” Accountability should not only appear when performance falls below expectations. Leaders can use it whenever they observe behavior, whether they want to correct something or build upon something already working well. That eliminates the idea of a status quo. Strong performance can become stronger, and mistakes can become opportunities to change behavior. When leaders consistently recognize both sides, accountability becomes part of ongoing development rather than something employees associate exclusively with getting in trouble.   What does accountability look like in your organization? How do you recognize positive behaviors while also addressing those that need improvement? We would love to hear your thoughts and how you might expand on these four levels of accountability. Find AttractionPros on social media or email attractionpros@gmail.com to share your perspective. To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2026, happening in Orlando, Florida, November 16th - 20th. It's where more than forty-thousand professionals come to share the wonder, explore over a thousand innovative exhibitors, and discover future-focused solutions. From education to networking to ideas that drive real business impact, IAAPA Expo is where what's next takes shape.   Register now and save up to 30% at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo.   Every attraction promises memorable experiences, yet the moments that stay with guests are often impossible to capture on a screen. Whether it's resisting the urge to view every experience through a phone, creating attractions that are better in person than on video, or designing experiences that inspire guests to return, the challenge is creating memories that last long after the visit ends. In this “extra helpings” episode where Matt shares even more thoughts from his recent CoasterNerdCon trip, Matt and Josh talk about why being present matters, and how attractions can create experiences that guests want to relive. Being Present in the Moment “I really wanted to just be present in the moment, and I wanted to take a picture with my mind instead of with my phone.” There is a balance between documenting experiences and fully enjoying them. From concerts to fireworks and theme parks, Matt and Josh reflect on how photos can preserve memories, yet they rarely recreate the emotions of actually being there. Guests should experience special moments firsthand rather than view everything through a camera lens. Experiences Go Beyond the Camera “Get out and experience it.” Roller coaster POV videos, virtual reality, and ride photography are all ways to capture the experience. While videos and photos can spark excitement, they cannot reproduce the physical sensations, atmosphere, sounds, and emotions of being on an attraction. Additionally, attraction photography creates lasting keepsakes without distracting guests from living the experience in real time. Bottling the Perfect Park Day “Well, the park is the bottle.” Inspired by a conversation at Knoebels, Matt explores the idea of "bottling" the feeling of a perfect day at a park. However, operators already package memorable experiences through the environment, attractions, food, and guest interactions. They also acknowledge that while consistency is important, the variety of each visit is what keeps guests coming back for something new. Creating Reasons to Return “One of the things I talk about from a guest experience standpoint is planting the seed for the next visit.” Exceptional guest experience extends beyond today's visit. By highlighting attractions guests have not yet experienced, encouraging different ways to enjoy familiar attractions, and promoting future opportunities, attractions can naturally inspire repeat visitation without relying solely on discounts or promotions. When Audio Becomes Part of the Attraction “It truly enhances the experience.” On-ride audio, synchronized music, and storytelling can elevate an attraction. Matt highlights recent examples that seamlessly blend audio with ride movements, while Josh reflects on Hard Rock Park's legendary music-driven roller coasters and why perfectly timed soundtracks create memories that guests still remember years later.   What attraction experience has stayed with you long after you left the park? Have you ever chosen to put your phone away and simply enjoy the moment? Share your thoughts with us on social media or by visiting AttractionPros.com. We'd love to continue the conversation and hear your perspective. To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2026, happening in Orlando, Florida, November 16th - 20th. It's where more than forty-thousand professionals come to share the wonder, explore over a thousand innovative exhibitors, and discover future-focused solutions. From education to networking to ideas that drive real business impact, IAAPA Expo is where what's next takes shape.   Register now and save up to 30% at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo.   Ryan Allen is the Lead Wingman of Little Birdie Consulting. With more than two decades in the attractions and hospitality industry, Ryan has built a career spanning Kings Dominion, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Cruise Line, Carowinds, and now Six Flags Magic Mountain. Through Little Birdie Consulting, he helps organizations create stronger leaders, more connected teams, and more meaningful guest experiences by blending hospitality, creativity, and community. In this interview, Ryan talks about how creativity builds community, the intentionality of hospitality, and quicksand. Creativity Builds Community “Creativity builds community.” Ryan challenges the common belief that creativity belongs only to artists, musicians, or performers. Instead, he argues that creativity is found in every profession, whether someone is designing an experience, organizing a warehouse, solving operational problems, or managing finances. When people stop limiting themselves with labels like "I'm not creative," they begin approaching challenges with fresh perspectives and greater confidence. He explains that creativity also strengthens relationships. By inviting people with different skills and viewpoints into the process, organizations build stronger communities where everyone contributes in meaningful ways. That sense of shared ownership ultimately leads to better experiences for both employees and guests. Intentionality Of Hospitality “I think intentional hospitality means that everyone knows what the goal is.” For Ryan, hospitality is not reserved for guests. Leaders must treat their own team members as guests first. He shares how small details, from preparing a meeting room before participants arrive to creating memorable first-day experiences for new employees, communicate respect and care long before any formal training begins. Throughout the conversation, Ryan emphasizes that hospitality is demonstrated through preparation rather than good intentions. Organizations often focus on serving external guests while overlooking the everyday moments that shape the employee experience. By becoming more intentional behind the scenes, leaders create cultures where exceptional hospitality naturally extends to every guest interaction. Quicksand “When you say you're busy, that's quicksand.” Ryan uses the idea of quicksand as a metaphor for the beliefs and phrases that quietly trap leaders. Labels like "we're too busy," "communication is our problem," or "there's too much drama" become excuses that prevent organizations from identifying the real issues underneath. Instead of accepting broad statements, leaders should dig deeper to understand what is actually creating friction. He encourages leaders to recognize the "stick" that helps them escape quicksand by replacing assumptions with curiosity, specificity, and action. When leaders challenge limiting beliefs, they create healthier workplaces that are better equipped to support both employees and guests.   Ryan invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn and follow Little Birdie Consulting on Instagram, where he shares leadership insights, hospitality ideas, his bi-weekly podcast, and curated "Birdie Beats" playlists designed to inspire and energize. To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2026, happening in Orlando, Florida, November 16th - 20th. It's where more than forty-thousand professionals come to share the wonder, explore over a thousand innovative exhibitors, and discover future-focused solutions. From education to networking to ideas that drive real business impact, IAAPA Expo is where what's next takes shape. Register now and save up to 30% at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo.   Planning the perfect park trip or guest experience rarely goes exactly as expected. Weather changes, attractions close, schedules shift, and unexpected challenges can quickly derail expectations. During Matt's recent road trip, “CoasterNerdCon 2026,” he gained several lessons on how flexibility, meaningful human connections, and thoughtful leadership can transform those moments into memorable experiences. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about flexibility, authentic connections, operational observations, and the leadership lessons that emerged from CNC26. Flexibility creates better experiences “You've got to remain flexible so you don't get bent out of shape.” Matt reflects on his annual coaster road trip, where changing weather, ride closures, air quality concerns, and unexpected schedule changes required constant adjustments. Instead of allowing those disruptions to define the vacation, the group focused on what they could control and embraced new opportunities. This mindset is connected to leadership, explaining that successful leaders recognize what is beyond their control and redirect their energy toward creating the best possible outcome for their teams and guests. The best memories often come from unexpected connections “We didn't create it; we allowed it to happen.” An early park closure at Cedar Point unexpectedly led to one of the trip's most memorable experiences when Matt's group shared dinner with complete strangers who quickly became friends. The conversation expands into how spontaneity often creates the moments guests remember most. The lesson learned is that we should leave room for organic experiences instead of trying to script every detail, both in our personal lives and in leadership. Small interactions leave lasting impressions “Without saying a word, I felt like we had made a connection.” Matt shares a simple series of interactions with a Hersheypark team member that evolved from a smile to a wave, then a high five, and finally a sincere handshake. Genuine hospitality is not always loud or theatrical. Consistent acknowledgment, enthusiasm, and personal recognition communicate to guests that they matter. The conversation reinforces that strong relationships are built through repeated, authentic interactions, rather than one extraordinary moment. Looking beyond the numbers “The numbers don't tell the whole story.” Throughout the discussion, Matt highlights observations from several parks that sparked leadership conversations. He praises Kings Island's consistent parting greetings, Holiday World's remarkable cleanliness, and a standout food and beverage team member at Knoebels whose patience exemplified exceptional hospitality. Matt also shares thoughtful operational observations about communication, capacity, and leaning into signature guest experiences, encouraging leaders to evaluate decisions from the guest's perspective while balancing operational realities.   What lessons have you learned from your own park visits or guest experiences? Share your observations, stories, and ideas with Matt and Josh through the AttractionPros social media channels or by visiting the AttractionPros website. Your experiences could inspire a future conversation and help the entire attractions industry continue creating even better guest experiences. To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Vor genau 9 Jahren, am 27. Juli 2017 um 16:55 Uhr, haben wir hier beim Podcoaster die allererste Folge PC001 mit den Worten „Hallo Welt!“ veröffentlicht. Heute sind wir bei Episode 100 angekommen – eine große Leistung, die wir ohne Euch und die vielen gesprächsbereiten Gäste nie erreicht hätten. Vielen Dank dafür! Das Geburtstags- und Folgenjubiläum ist aber gleichzeitig auch ein kleiner Abschied: Mit der hundertsten Episode meldet sich der Podcoaster mit den Worten „Tschüss Welt“ von der Bildfläche ab, nicht aber ohne in einer XXL‑Folge mit sieben Experten aus der Attraktionsbranche über noch ein allerletztes Thema zu sprechen: das Aufhören. Wir sprechen darüber, wie Parktage zu Ende gehen – von Reinigungs- und Vorbereitungsarbeiten über den subtilen wie direkten Weg, Gäste Richtung Ausgang zu lenken, bis hin zur Frage, wie man den Tag für Besucher stimmungsvoll ausklingen lässt. Außerdem geht es um das gezielte Herunterfahren von Attraktionen: Warum Wasserfahrten zum Ende ruhiger werden müssen und was bei Achterbahnen passiert, wenn die Fahrt ausläuft – von Reduzierbremsen über fehlende kinetische Energie bis hin zu typischen spannenden Schlusselementen im Layout. Ergänzend blickt Leonard Tulipan nach dem Weltentor‑Projekt noch einmal zurück und erzählt, was nach der Insolvenz mit dem Parkgelände geschah und wie ein Ort weiterlebt, obwohl es ihn so eigentlich nicht mehr gibt.

Themenpark Weltentor wollte seiner Zeit voraus sein: ein mittelalterlicher LARP-Erlebnispark, gedacht als eine Art großflächige immersive Experience - lange bevor das Konzept überhaupt im Mainstream angekommen ist. Mitgründer Leonard Tulipan spricht im Podcast offen über das Scheitern des Projekts und zeichnet detailliert nach, wie es zur Insolvenz kam. Wir sprechen über die ursprüngliche Vision, die Herausforderungen eines hochkomplexen Betriebs und darüber, was passiert, wenn Teams unterschiedliche Vorstellungen von Größe und Richtung haben. Außerdem geht es um den Eröffnungstag und das Besuchererlebnis, den schleichenden Verlust von Energie im laufenden Betrieb sowie den Umgang mit Finanzierungsdruck, Förderzusagen und Cashflow. Nicht zuletzt thematisieren wir die persönliche Seite des Scheiterns – von mentaler Belastung bis hin zu der Frage, wie unterschiedlich Kulturen mit Fehlern und sogenannten Fuckups umgehen. Eine wichtige Folge mit zahlreichen Learnings, die man sonst nur selten zu hören bekommt.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Alyse Sklover is the Senior Manager of Events and Partnerships at ROLLER. Her career in the attractions industry began at The Walt Disney Company, where she worked in merchandise and entertainment in Tomorrowland before transitioning into the music industry. After studying at Rosen College of Hospitality Management, she returned to attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, later joining IAAPA during the pandemic as the FEC and LBE liaison. Following a role with Escapology, she joined ROLLER, where she now focuses on events and community marketing initiatives that strengthen collaboration across the attractions industry. In this interview, Alyse talks about “nail it before you scale it,” collaboration as our power-up, and letting your guests be mad. Nail it before you scale it “Make sure that your focus really is on nailing it before you scale it.” Alyse emphasized that attractions often become so focused on creating memorable “wow” moments that they overlook the operational basics guests expect. Drawing from her experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, she explained that safety, cleanliness, and consistency must come before entertainment enhancements. She pointed out that no amount of “pixie dust” can overcome overflowing trash cans, unsafe walkways, or poor food quality. She also connected this philosophy to larger entertainment brands. While she admires the creativity and energy of many organizations, she believes the industry sometimes becomes overly focused on spectacle instead of operational fundamentals. Alyse argued that once a company reliably delivers on core expectations, the added entertainment elements become much more impactful. Collaboration as our power-up “Collaboration is my absolute favorite thing. And the power up for sure, it's what keeps this industry going.” Alyse described community marketing as a way to strengthen the already collaborative nature of the attractions industry. Rather than building competing platforms or sales-focused events, her goal is to make existing resources more accessible to operators who are often stretched thin. She discussed creating regional events, roundtables, and resource hubs that help operators connect, learn, and support one another. She believes attractions are unique because competitors openly share ideas, strategies, and best practices. Alyse shared a story about one roller skating operator willingly allowing another operator in the same state to copy her liability waiver because she simply wanted to help. She noted that poor experiences at one attraction can negatively impact perceptions of the entire industry, which motivates operators to collectively raise standards rather than protect information. Letting your guests be mad “Just let me be upset. I'm not mad at you. This is not your failure. You're trying to make it right, but just let me be upset.” Guest recovery is one of Alyse's biggest passions, and much of her philosophy was shaped during her time at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where rocket launches could be scrubbed moments before liftoff. She explained that guests often traveled internationally and built entire vacations around launches, making those emotional disappointments incredibly difficult to recover from. Instead of immediately trying to “fix” emotions, she learned the importance of first allowing guests to feel disappointed and heard. Alyse also stressed the importance of empowering frontline employees to resolve issues quickly. Crew members were given tools and recovery options they could offer immediately without waiting for management approval. She believes silence and delays only escalate frustration, while empathy and decisive action build trust. In many cases, she argued that a well-handled recovery can create a more loyal guest than an experience where nothing went wrong at all.   Alyse can be reached on LinkedIn, as well as through ROLLER's website. To learn more about ROLLER, visit roller.software. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team: Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

OPOLUM geht bewusst einen anderen Weg als klassische Escape Rooms: Statt reiner Rätselräume setzt Gründer Christoph Laubis auf immersive Live‑Erlebnisse mit Schauspielern, die Besucher direkt beim Betreten in die Geschichte ziehen - irgendwo zwischen Escape Game und den Dungeons von Merlin. Im Podcast erzählt er, wie schwer es ist, sich in einem gesättigten Markt abzuheben, und warum gerade die Kombination aus Story, Interaktion und Rätseln den Unterschied macht. Wir sprechen darüber, wie sein Weg vom Design eines Trinkspiels hin zum Escape‑Room‑Konzept führte, wie man die richtige Balance zwischen Horror und Grusel findet und welche Herausforderungen es mit sich bringt, Schauspieler in interaktive Erlebnisse zu integrieren.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning. Lauren Weaver is the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Sally Dark Rides. Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Lauren grew up immersed in the attractions industry through her family's business and early exposure to IAAPA expos and theme parks around the world. After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in international affairs, she spent time working at Adventure Landing to gain operational experience before joining Sally Dark Rides and helping lead the company's marketing and promotional efforts. In this interview, Lauren talks about the impact of dark rides, reciprocal marketing, and growing up in the industry. The impact of dark rides “One of the best things about a dark ride is that it truly gives you a memory that you walk away with and that you hold onto.” Lauren explains that dark rides create a unique emotional connection for guests because they allow families to experience attractions together rather than splitting up due to height restrictions or thrill intensity. She shares how dark rides can become defining attractions for parks, helping create traditions that span generations. Unlike many attractions that cater to specific audiences, dark rides provide a shared storytelling experience where parents and children can enjoy the same adventure side by side. She also discusses how strong themed storytelling extends beyond the attraction itself. Using examples like Phantom Theater at Kings Island and Cupfusion at Hersheypark, Lauren highlights how dark ride characters and stories can influence food and beverage, merchandise, and other attractions throughout a park. She emphasizes that a successful dark ride delivers both short-term excitement and long-term return on investment through nostalgia, repeat visitation, and multi-generational appeal. Reciprocal marketing “If they're making our product look good, and I'm helping them make our product look good, we both shine.” Lauren shares how marketing a dark ride differs from promoting visible attractions like roller coasters. Since guests cannot immediately see what is inside the attraction building, the marketing must focus on story, mystery, characters, and anticipation. She describes how Sally Dark Rides collaborated with Kings Island to build excitement around Phantom Theater by teasing mysterious developments and releasing behind-the-scenes content that generated strong engagement on social media. She also explains the reciprocal nature of attraction marketing between manufacturers and parks. When a park promotes a new attraction, it elevates the visibility of the supplier that created it. At the same time, Sally Dark Rides actively supports its clients through content creation, trade show exposure, and production updates that help parks market their new attractions more effectively. Lauren notes that this partnership-driven approach allows both companies to benefit from each other's visibility and credibility within the industry. Growing up in the industry “As soon as you get a taste of this wonderful and incredibly fun attractions industry, you get addicted.” Lauren reflects on growing up around the attractions business and attending IAAPA expos from a young age with her father, Sally Dark Rides co-founder John Wood. She recalls how overwhelming and exciting the trade shows felt as a child, constantly meeting new people and learning about innovative attractions. Rather than simply observing, she was encouraged to actively participate by speaking with attendees and helping represent the company on the trade show floor. That early exposure helped shape her passion for the industry and ultimately influenced her career path. Lauren also credits her time working at Adventure Landing for giving her valuable operational perspective, from handling birthday parties to managing large group events and learning how multiple departments work together to create a seamless guest experience. She believes those experiences strengthened her understanding of what parks truly need from their attraction partners and helped prepare her for her current leadership role at Sally Dark Rides.   Lauren can be reached on LinkedIn, as well as on Facebook. To learn more about Sally Dark Rides, visit www.sallydarkrides.com. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team: Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)  

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Marc Dixon is the managing director and co-founder USA of Study Academy USA. He got his start in the attractions industry in the mid-90s at Lagoon in Utah, then spent about two decades with Kodak in event imaging solutions before moving into other attraction tech businesses and, ultimately, e-learning. Today, Study Academy USA partners with organizations like IAAPA to build learning management systems and convert proven training content into trackable, scalable online courses for attractions. In this interview, Marc talks about technology in attractions, AI's purpose in the industry, and learning to take risks. Technology in attractions “We get to provide smiles and great experiences and memories.” Marc frames attraction technology as a means to capture, enhance, and scale what guests come for in the first place. He walks through the evolution of on-ride and experiential photography, from analog systems to digital, and from green screens to background removal and image enhancement. Even with smartphones everywhere, he argues the souvenir imaging business hasn't disappeared because guests still want content they cannot create themselves, especially on rides and in curated photo moments. He also connects that same “tech serves the experience” mindset to his current work with Study Academy USA. By building modern LMS tools and e-learning content for attraction operators and associations, the goal is to give attractions another practical way to train at scale while still supporting the on-the-job behaviors that make guest experiences great. AI's purpose in the industry “I've heard the statement that AI is not going to replace your job, but people using AI will.” Marc's view is that AI should primarily enhance work, not replace it outright. In imaging, he points to AI-driven improvements like background replacement and photo cleanup that reduce friction and raise quality, even when small mistakes happen in capture. In training, he sees AI as a way to make learning data more useful by pulling insights from LMS results and highlighting where teams are struggling, so leaders can coach more precisely. He's also clear about responsible use. Marc says he would never copy and paste AI output without reviewing it because it still needs to reflect his voice and intent. His biggest concern is people trusting AI blindly instead of treating it as a tool that speeds up work while still requiring human judgment. Learning to take risks “Learn to take risks, man, go for it. If there's something you're really passionate about and you want to try, what's the worst that can happen?” When Marc describes choosing entrepreneurship over a comfortable corporate role, he makes it clear that the risk is real and not always glamorous. There are good days and bad days, and some paths do not work out the way you expect. But he emphasizes persistence and adaptability, saying the wins come from believing it will work and being willing to pivot until you find the path that does. His advice to younger professionals is direct: take the risk, try the thing, and treat missteps as learning opportunities rather than permanent failures. That mindset, he says, is what keeps founders moving forward when uncertainty shows up.   Marc can be reached on LinkedIn, as well as by email at marc@studyacademyusa.com. To learn more about Study Academy USA, visit www.studyacademyusa.com. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Six Flags has officially named Travis Kelce as a brand ambassador. Kelce, who joined investor group Jana Partners when they acquired a 9% stake in the company last October, will provide marketing support across Six Flags' portfolio of parks — including digital content on his own social media platforms and the use of his name, image, and likeness in broadcast, streaming, and in-park marketing.We also tackle what listeners have been asking us about for weeks: the impact of the Middle East situation on tourism and the attractions industry. IAAPA has canceled its Middle East expo, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and the inflationary ripple effects of higher oil prices could squeeze discretionary spending. Scott and Philip disagree on whether that helps or hurts regional parks like Six Flags, and we talk through what parallel planning actually looks like for operators right now.Plus, Disney Experiences announces its post-D'Amaro leadership team: Thomas Mazloum as chairman, Jill Estorino to Disneyland Resort, Tasia Filippatos to Parks International, and Lisa Baldzicki to Consumer Products.For the full conversation and our deeper takes, check out this week's bonus episode on Patreon.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's your guest experience strategy?  You probably have a marketing strategy, recruitment strategy, and sales strategy, but what about intentionally turning first-time visitors into loyal advocates?  Liebman Leisure Group helps attractions do exactly that.  From creating a culture of “wow” moments to empowering staff to recover from service failures, great experiences don't happen by chance.   To schedule a consultation call, visit www.liebmanleisure.com/attractionpros.  Don't leave your guest experience to chance.  You should be known for creating memorable experiences… on purpose. Marah Rodriguez is the Regional VP of Sales of Mobaro. Marah started in the attractions industry at 16 as a lifeguard at Wet n Wild in Orlando, helped open a wakeboard park, studied communications at UCF with a minor in hospitality management, then took an unexpected detour into HIV prevention work through the American Red Cross and clinics in Florida. After time in advertising sales with AT&T, a connection to a water safety products customer pulled her back into the attractions world, and later joined the Mobaro team in 2021. Mobaro is a digital platform that connects teams like safety, maintenance, and operations in one system, replacing paper processes with real-time visibility into daily tasks and performance insights. In this interview, Marah talks about life's twists and turns, listening and empathy, and women in leadership. Life's twists and turns “Life had a different turn for me and I didn't end up getting a job in hospitality in St. Thomas. I actually went and veered off with American Red Cross doing HIV prevention.” Marah's story is a reminder that career paths in attractions are rarely linear. She shares how early experiences in safety and operations shaped her foundation, but it was the unexpected pivot into public health that stretched her perspective. That chapter was not a detour in hindsight, it became part of the skill set she brought back into business and leadership. She also emphasizes how relationships and reputation can quietly shape your future. Doing good work, staying connected, and being curious led to multiple “full circle” moments, including her return to the industry and later her move to Mobaro after being remembered from a brief conversation at AIMS. Listening & empathy “What I learned and the importance of that sort of work is the importance of listening and having empathy.” Marah frames listening and empathy as practical leadership behaviors, not soft skills. She explains that people can tell immediately when you are not engaged, and that real listening starts with presence, curiosity, and genuine interest in someone's story. That mindset helps leaders learn faster, build trust, and spot what teams actually need. She connects this directly to sales, too. In her view, sales is not about pushing a product, it's about understanding what someone is trying to achieve and helping them get there. Whether the goal is safety, professionalism, or efficiency, the best outcomes come from asking good questions, paying attention, and meeting people on their timing, not yours. Women in leadership “We really enjoy having a night we can come together and celebrate our successes and try to support each other.” Marah shares how she has leaned into advocacy through IAAPA's Women in Leadership Task Force and a growing network of women across amusement parks and attractions. She highlights momentum like expanding educational programming, increasing engagement, and creating more spaces where women can connect, learn, and be seen. Her advice to aspiring leaders is straightforward: get involved earlier than you think you should, believe in yourself, talk to people at every level, and remember that everyone is human. She sees the attractions industry as uniquely approachable, and she encourages women to use that openness to build relationships, confidence, and leadership opportunities.   If you want to connect with Marah directly, she recommends connecting on LinkedIn. You can also learn more about Mobaro at mobaro.com, and you can reach her by email at mr@mobaro.com. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

In this special International Women's Day episode of Skip the Queue, guest host Claire Furnival brings together four leaders from across the global visitor attractions industry to discuss progress, challenges and what comes next. Joining Claire are Emily Popovich of KMI International, Rachael Hamilton of Rise AV, Liz Sanchez Rasking of Looking Glass Strategies and Entertainment SHE-nanigans, and Ruth Read of blooloop. They share personal career journeys and discuss the ongoing barriers women face, including pay gaps, unconscious bias, burnout, safety at trade shows and confidence in leadership. The episode highlights practical initiatives driving change, such as mentoring programmes, representation in awards and panels, pay transparency advocacy and grassroots networking groups. The conversation reinforces the importance of community, allyship, visibility and self advocacy in accelerating equality across the sector, while recognising there is still work to do before women focused initiatives are no longer needed. Key Topics Discussed Career pathways in attractions, AV, media and themed entertainment Confidence gaps and self advocacy Burnout and workplace pressures Gender pay transparency Safety and inclusion at trade shows Mentoring and leadership development Representation on boards and industry awards The role of allyship Building safe and supportive networks Priorities for the next five years   Show References:   Claire Furnival, Client Success Manager of JP Showsystems & previously Head of Engineering of Merac http://www.jpshowsystems.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-furnival-exec/   Emily Popovich, Director of Global Business Development of KMI International https://www.kmiintl.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilypopovich/   Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV https://www.rise-av.com/ https://www.iamrachael.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-hamilton-836a5825/   Liz Sanchez Rasking,  Founder | Director of Business Development, Looking Glass Strategies https://www.looking-glass.pro/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizsanchezrasking/   Ruth Read, Director of blooloop http://www.blooloop.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthread/   There's an incredible line-up of events taking place for this year's #IWD that you can be a part of:

We're kicking off the ninth season of Experience Imagination with a deep dive of the themed entertainment industry. We sat down with Jakob Wahl, President & CEO of IAAPA, and Melissa Oviedo, CEO of TEA, to reflect on 2025, the evolving industry challenges, and the future of the industry worldwide.     ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: x.com/falconscg   The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Every year, millions of attraction visitors lose hours in line instead of making memories. Since its inception, accesso's virtual queuing has saved more than 4.5 billion minutes of wait time, freeing guests to pack their day with more rides, eats, and excitement. The result? Happier guests who spend more and a better bottom line for you. Ready to turn waits into wins? Visit accesso.com/ROIClinic. The queues are virtual. The results are real. Matt and Josh kick off their ninth annual “Resolutionary” episode with a familiar challenge in the attractions industry: it is easy to set big intentions for the year ahead, but it is harder to stay accountable and actually follow through. They address that by reviewing last year's goals with honest grading, then setting fresh, practical priorities for 2026, anchored in community, intention, and continuous improvement. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about their annual “Resolutionary” tradition, reflecting on 2025 and setting personal, professional, and industry-wide focus areas for 2026. Resolutionary as accountability, not perfection “While it's sort of a loose resolutionary process, there is some accountability in there.” Matt frames the episode as a look back and a look forward, without pretending these are rigid, all-or-nothing resolutions. Josh reinforces the point that saying it out loud matters because it creates real follow-through. “The fact that it is recorded, broadcast, and immortalized into the podcast ether creates that accountability on us.” The result is a tradition built on reflection, transparency, and a push to be more intentional year over year. Reviewing 2025 with candor “I would give myself a D on that if I was going to give myself a letter grade.” Instead of glossing over what did not happen, Matt shares where he fell short, including his goal to write more, and explains how his creative energy flowed into other outlets. He also celebrates wins like bringing back mastermind programs and expanding leadership-focused initiatives, including what grew out of their IAAPA experiences. Josh shares major momentum in his consulting model, emphasizing sustained client engagement and outcomes over one-off workshops. He also checks off key milestones like launching his online course, Service Recovery Hero, and exhibiting at IAAPA Expo. Advocate and collaborate, and getting more voices on stage “It's two words: advocate and collaborate.” Matt's 2026 theme centers on helping more people get connected, get involved, and grow their confidence, especially through speaking opportunities. He makes it explicit: “My goal in 2026 is to get more and new people speaking at IAAPA so that we can hear those new voices and new perspectives.” Josh expands on the momentum that collaboration creates, comparing it to a flywheel that is hard to start but easier to sustain once it is moving. “The momentum builds upon itself.” Together, they position community-building as both a leadership responsibility and a practical growth strategy for the industry. Process before scale, and building the next book “I've created a buffer step between growth and scale, and that is process.” Josh shares that growth has revealed a tipping point: without stronger internal systems, expansion could create friction instead of results. By gathering feedback from clients using his favorite experiential questions, he identifies what is working and what could improve, then commits to tightening operations to make outcomes more consistent. He also sets a creative goal connected to his book journey, developing the framework for his next book. Matt validates the importance of structure before execution, emphasizing that a strong framework makes the writing process possible. Identity, habits, and a personal resolution “As of January 2026, I am a world-renowned pianist.” Josh takes a left turn into identity-based habit building, inspired by prior conversations and the idea that identity drives behavior. He talks through making the piano easy to access so practice becomes natural, not a chore. Matt, as a musician, backs that up with a simple truth: if setup is hard, it will not happen. They also connect learning to teaching and family, with Josh noting the value of teaching to deepen mastery. Industry resolutions: basics, breaking silos, recovery tools, and people first “Do the basics really well.” Josh offers three industry-focused resolutions: nail fundamentals before chasing wow moments, remember that guest experience is everyone's job, and proactively define a service recovery toolbox so teams do not default to escalation. Matt adds a human-centered reminder that ties everything together: “Don't forget about your people.” He argues that with all the technology and innovation available, it is still employees who make the business run, now and forever. If anybody has any resolutions or things that they're focusing on, we want to hear them! Share your goals on social media and tag them so we can reshare and help keep the accountability alive. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Celebrate Christmas Day as we unwrap two spectacular gifts from the world of entertainment. First, we take you inside Dollywood's big IAAPA announcement of NightFlight Expedition, the park's thrilling new attraction set to redefine immersive adventure in 2026. Then, we sit down with legendary actress Morgan Fairchild for an intimate and insightful conversation that sparkles with charm, wit, and holiday spirit. It's a festive blend of innovation, nostalgia, and star power—perfect for your Christmas Day listening tradition.

On the 12 Days of Christmas, the Ride With Us Podcast gave to you… 12 interviews from IAAPA Expo!   Our latest episode features Jessica Gardner and Rachel Hawkins talking with parks and manufacturers straight from the show floor, sharing what they showcased and what exciting new additions are coming in 2026.   It's the perfect holiday listen for coaster fans counting down to a thrilling new year.   2:33 - Dollywood 16:24 - Six Flags Over Texas 19:25 - Family Kingdom 23:36 - Legoland 28:12 - S&S Worldwide, Inc. 32:25 - Sally Dark Rides 38:37 - SeaWorld Orlando 44:30 - Chance Rides  46:29 - Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. 51:22 - Zamperla   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor: Bob Randolph Correspondent: Rachel Hawkins

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Every year, millions of attraction visitors lose hours in line instead of making memories. Since its inception, accesso's virtual queuing has saved more than 4.5 billion minutes of wait time, freeing guests to pack their day with more rides, eats, and excitement. The result? Happier guests who spend more and a better bottom line for you. Ready to turn waits into wins? Visit accesso.com/ROIClinic. The queues are virtual. The results are real. IAAPA Expo is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year” for attractions professionals, but it can also be overwhelming: long days, packed schedules, and endless conversations. By unpacking the expo, Matt and Josh share how they turned the week into a soul-filling, business-building experience through people, intentional design, and investing in the next generation. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about how to turn IAAPA Expo into the most meaningful and memorable week of your professional year. People, Meetups, and Becoming the “Elder Statesman” “This was such a huge ‘people' experience for me.” Matt's first big takeaway is simple: people. From the AttractionPros Meetup until leaving Epic Universe on Thursday night, he was in constant conversation, reconnecting with long-time colleagues, and supporting first-time speakers. Matt also talks about his evolving role as a kind of “elder statesman,” helping newer professionals, making the event as much about lifting others up as about his own experience. Booths as Mini Attractions “An expo booth should operate like a mini attraction.” Josh shared how he treated his exhibit booth as a mini attraction. With two interns, they focused on fundamentals of guest service. Details mattered: enhanced carpet padding that felt like “walking on a cloud,” comfortable lounge-style furniture, and a coffee station with branded cups and carefully placed lids so the logo was always visible. Inclusion Beyond Accessibility “Inclusion is not the same as accessibility.” Matt highlights a powerful session on inclusion led by Sharon Newhardt and Enzo Piscopo of Morgan's Wonderland. Enzo, presenting from a wheelchair on a stage accessible by a newly installed lift, shared how physical accessibility does not automatically equal inclusion. He explained that while ramps and designated seating may check compliance boxes, they can still leave guests and employees feeling excluded such as never being able to choose a seat behind home plate or in a dream location at a ballpark. When IAAPA Expo Really Is a Family Reunion “You never know who you're related to at the Expo.” Josh shares a story that turns the “family reunion” metaphor into reality. In the middle of a packed Tuesday, he receives a text from his mom: “We have a cousin exhibiting at IAAPA.” The next day, Josh finally met his second cousin once removed — someone who has been in the industry longer than he has, working on the chemistry behind skin for animatronics. They realize they've likely been in the same building at the same time for years without knowing it. Quick Hits: Energy, Words, Appreciation, Rest, and Instagrammable Workplaces “Sleep and rest are not the same thing.” Matt runs through a series of “quick hits” that left a mark on him. From the Women in the Industry Luncheon, he shares Lauren Hodges's concept of managing energy, not just time, reframing mindset language, demonstrating a deeper sense of appreciation, and differentiating sleep from rest. Finally, seeing IAAPA staff proudly taking selfies in their own event space prompts the question: is your workplace Instagrammable for your team? The Intangible Value of IAAPA “The overall value of IAAPA Expo is intangible and sometimes is not even realized until much later in the future.” While you can quantify tickets, sessions, and receptions, the real value of the week for Josh's interns came from introductions, mentorship, and compounding opportunities. Josh intentionally introduced them to every person who came to the booth, encouraged them to talk about their own career goals, and encouraged them to attend separately-ticketed events. By midweek, they had lost count of how many executives they'd met. While organizations often focus on hard ROI, it is the personal growth, expanded networks, and renewed passion that attendees bring back are equally valuable, even if they're harder to measure.   What were your biggest takeaways from IAAPA Expo? How are you turning your booth, sessions, or workplace into memorable experiences? What are you doing to make your operation more inclusive, people-centric, and soul-filling? This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

When you don't get to go to the IAAPA Expo, you're usually stuck following along on social media as all of the new ride vehicles are revealed, news breaks, and other general excitement abounds on the Expo floor. Luckily, we were able to connect with Jessica Gardner - an actor, audiobook narrator, host of the American Coaster Enthusiasts "Ride with Us" podcast, and above all - theme park fan, probably best known by her online "persona" (which is really just her real personality) - The Themeparkette. Andrew joins Jessica to talk all things IAAPA Expo, including ride reveals, what news is more shocking between Family Kingdom getting an RMC and Mango's on International Drive getting an S&S coaster, and just how serious Nate Bargatze is about his theme park aspirations. Follow Jessica on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook at @themeparkette!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merchThanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Jim and Eric unwrap a very different kind of holiday story this week: the wild, demanding, and downright unbelievable making of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Fresh from Jim's trip to IAAPA and holiday visits to the Universal parks, the guys trace how the film's production shaped today's Grinchmas offerings, from the makeup performers wear to the version of Whoville Universal still uses. Along the way, they dig into this year's seasonal additions, Wicked's strong opening, and the latest rumblings from Epic Universe. NEWS• Universal Orlando and Hollywood launch their holiday seasons, including new decorations, Tribute Store theming, and Grinchmas updates • Wicked for Good posts a massive opening weekend, powering Universal's awards-season buzz• Epic Universe construction heats up with a major new permit near the Ministry of Magic• Butterbeer expands again with Coffee Mate creamers arriving nationwide soon FEATURE• The unbelievable true story of making the 2000 Grinch.• The intense Hollywood bidding war that secured Dr. Seuss's beloved book for Universal• What Jim Carrey endured inside a full yak-fur bodysuit, yellow contacts, and nine-hour makeup sessions• The military-level torture survival training Carrey received just to get through filming• How Ron Howard, Rick Baker, and even Eddie Murphy tried to keep morale up on set• And how all of this still influences the Grinch performers greeting guests at Universal today HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThis week's episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. Save on regular Disney theme park tickets and discounted after-hours event tickets when you book through UnlockedMagic.com. Lock in your winter plans while deals last! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we talk about the newly appointed CEO of the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, and go over all of the reveals from the 2025 IAAPA Expo in Orlando Florida 

Ian and Alicia discuss their visit to the tradeshow floor of this year's IAAPA Expo, the world's largest themed entertainment convention. We talk about everything from disappointing A.I. art and weird Dippin' Dots flavors to incredibly well-done coaster trains and innovative dinosaur robots. Enjoy!Video with Doc Preview at End: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtOhpMT9T5I Alicia Social Links: https://alicia.socialSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThemeParkStopSupport on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThemeParkStop

IAAPA Expo 2025 underscored a clear trend: seasonal events continue to grow, even as IAAPA's Haunting Grounds remains a modest pavilion compared to dedicated Halloween shows like TransWorld. This year's exhibitors highlighted how operators are expanding fall and holiday offerings with modular scenic design, interactive environments, AR overlays, and family-friendly installations. In this episode, you'll hear the full interviews with IAAPA's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Michael Shelton, and Sally Dark Rides, offering deeper insight into IAAPA's strategic shift toward curated show-floor zones, the rising importance of food and beverage, and new dark-ride innovations coming to Kings Island and Doha Quest. You'll also hear from all the exhibitors featured in the Haunting Grounds pavilion, including:Plague Productions, Nethercraft, IWG, Dogwood Entertainment, and Verse Immersive, each showcasing products designed to enhance seasonal and Halloween experiences. This episode is adapted from our on-site coverage at IAAPA Expo 2025. The full video tour of the Haunting Grounds is here.

On this Episode Ed shares thought on this year IAAPA and the trends from the show. Before that Jay has an interview with the metal band Gwar. Later Ed goes over this year Full Gear card. NOV 21, 2025 at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL The post Ep. 488- All is Fair in IAAPA and Gwar appeared first on Orlando Tourism Report .

Join Attractions Magazine contributing writers and correspondents as they bring you news and discussion about all things themed entertainment and parks, including Disney, Universal Studios and beyond on The Attractions Podcast. Topics of conversation on this week's episode of The Attractions Podcast: 2026 Thea Awards recognize Monsters Unchained, Haunted Mansion Parlor, and more | List of honorees Nate Bargatze theme park ‘Nateland' officially in development for Nashville International Drive roller coaster planned from operator of canceled Skyplex ‘Polercoaster' ‘Top Gun' rides, sing-along bar opening in Las Vegas in 2028 and possibly Orlando Mattel water parks announced with Barbie, Hot Wheels IAAPA Expo 2025: All  the ride vehicles revealed for new theme park attractions The Attractions Podcast is brought to you by MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. They provide premium service and expert advice to get the most for your vacation time and dollars. Visit them at mei-travel.com. We welcome your suggestions and want you to be a part of the discussion. Please send your comments to info@attractionsmagazine.com with the subject line “The Attractions Podcast.” Statements or opinions herein are those of the hosts and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers, Dream Together Media LLC, or staff.

IAAPA Expo 2025 returned to the Orange County Convention Center with record-breaking attendance and a show floor packed with innovations across the attractions industry. Among its newest and fastest-growing areas is the Haunting Grounds, a dedicated pavilion in the North Concourse focused on Halloween and seasonal events.Also this week:- 32nd Annual Thea Awards Recipients Announced- Sally Dark Rides Brings Mini™ Dark Ride to Qatar- Creep It Real Festive Kicked Off the Holiday Season with Cosplay, Entertainment, Spooky Vendors, and More. Read more here. 

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and veteran Imagineer Jim Shull hit the IAAPA Expo show floor in Orlando, exploring the newest ride systems, vendor innovations, and behind-the-scenes stories fueling the future of themed entertainment. NEWS A look at how IAAPA blends professional showcase, industry reunion, and pop-up amusement park—complete with traffic, parking challenges, and surprises at every booth. Zamperla's full-size demo of its new interactive “flap-to-fly” ride, where sensors track arm movements to lift riders higher. The stacked-track, heart-shaped family coaster concept designed to fit high-capacity thrills into a tiny footprint. Mack Rides' water-coaster hybrid for Dollywood: a tracked boat that transitions between basins, rapids, and coaster moments. The debut of brand-new industry tech, including an AI park-operations platform launched just two weeks earlier—so new the vendor couldn't answer most questions yet. Why Imagineers were quietly examining faux-fossil rockwork in a small booth—possible clues to future projects. A vendor's dramatic countdown-clock presentation that fell apart when no one realized the microphone was dead. The team's ongoing quest for pickle-flavored cotton candy and other baffling IAAPA food innovations. Len's impromptu pitch to Doppelmayr about Universal's transportation RFQ—and the unexpectedly enthusiastic response. Why IAAPA acts as “old home week” for themed entertainment pros, with surprise run-ins, backstage conversations, and stories that won't be public for years. Full show notes available here: Show Notes Hosts Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.comJim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.comJim Shull (Veteran Imagineer) — X/Twitter: @JimShull | YouTube: @jimhshull | Website: jimhshull.com Patreon Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive content, early episodes, and behind-the-scenes stories. Join us at:https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agencyhttps://strongmindedagency.com Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip with Unlocked Magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and veteran Imagineer Jim Shull hit the IAAPA Expo show floor in Orlando, exploring the newest ride systems, vendor innovations, and behind-the-scenes stories fueling the future of themed entertainment. NEWS A look at how IAAPA blends professional showcase, industry reunion, and pop-up amusement park—complete with traffic, parking challenges, and surprises at every booth. Zamperla's full-size demo of its new interactive “flap-to-fly” ride, where sensors track arm movements to lift riders higher. The stacked-track, heart-shaped family coaster concept designed to fit high-capacity thrills into a tiny footprint. Mack Rides' water-coaster hybrid for Dollywood: a tracked boat that transitions between basins, rapids, and coaster moments. The debut of brand-new industry tech, including an AI park-operations platform launched just two weeks earlier—so new the vendor couldn't answer most questions yet. Why Imagineers were quietly examining faux-fossil rockwork in a small booth—possible clues to future projects. A vendor's dramatic countdown-clock presentation that fell apart when no one realized the microphone was dead. The team's ongoing quest for pickle-flavored cotton candy and other baffling IAAPA food innovations. Len's impromptu pitch to Doppelmayr about Universal's transportation RFQ—and the unexpectedly enthusiastic response. Why IAAPA acts as “old home week” for themed entertainment pros, with surprise run-ins, backstage conversations, and stories that won't be public for years. Full show notes available here: Show Notes Hosts Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.comJim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.comJim Shull (Veteran Imagineer) — X/Twitter: @JimShull | YouTube: @jimhshull | Website: jimhshull.com Patreon Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive content, early episodes, and behind-the-scenes stories. Join us at:https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agencyhttps://strongmindedagency.com Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip with Unlocked Magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IAAPA Expo 2025 set a new record with 38,520 verified attendees, more than 28,000 qualified buyers, and an expanded floor featuring over 1,100 exhibitorsgt-nov-23. Philip and Scott break down the trends that truly mattered this year: the push toward indoor attractions (from SeaWorld Orlando's new Vekoma indoor inverted coaster to Merlin's $90 million Galacticoaster installations), the explosion of 'interactive' dark rides like Sally's Phantom Theater and its new Mini™ dark ride heading to Qatar, and the rise of 'competitive socializing' through Triotech's new Montreal trio. They also discuss the operational side: Roller's new industry benchmark report showing mobile dominating bookings and F&B, membership driving repeat visitation, and digital wallets nearly doubling average spend. Across the board, the Expo revealed a sector leaning into indoor reliability, personalized experiences, and value-minded design. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

Orlando's population has boomed over the past 20 years. I thought I knew, but I had no idea. We also rank #2 in this super interesting age demographic. Tune in while we discuss what all this means for our future. We'll also iscuss IAAPA, New Roads that were approved, plus answer YOUR Q&A!

IAAPA was a banger-ish? Tom ended up going to the yearly tradeshow and covers everything big that happened along with his adventure. That, some other news, more stupidity, fan questions and more in this episode!

Drew from "In The Loop" joins us to talk about the latest announcements, news and innovations from the 2025 IAAPA Show floor in Orlando!

On this episode Ed goes over the day three events for IAAPA 2025. Later Ed has an interview with Roi from Advance Amination. After that Ed has an interview with Dreampark. NOV 20, 2025 at the Studios in Orlando, FL The post IAAPA 2025 Day Three appeared first on Orlando Tourism Report .

Together again, for episode 350, your favorite boys decided to get the long fabled tattoos together! Let's go! Of course, they discuss the news with Six Flags Qiddiya soft opening, more ride announcements, IAAPA coming, and much more in this episode!

On this episode Ed goes over the events for day two of IAAPA. Later Ed has an interview with the COO of Merlin Entertainment about the Galaticoaster. After Ed has an interview with Luke Finn of Roller to talk about Roller IQ and its AI assistant. NOV 19, 2025 at the Studios in Orlando, FL The post IAAPA 2025 Day Two appeared first on Orlando Tourism Report .

On this episode Ed goess over day one of IAAPA 2025 and the announcement. Later Ed has an interview with Ricardo from Vekoma about Sea Quest. After that Ed hs an interview with brent from Morgan wonderland talking about their new ride. NOV 18, 2025 at the Studios in Orlando, FL The post IAAPA 2025 One appeared first on Orlando Tourism Report .

Join us in person at IAAPA Expo! We're hosting a Themed Attraction Podcast Meet & Greet and you're invited. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 5:00 PM Electrosonic Booth #2069, IAAPA Expo Showfloor Come say hello to Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin, Barry Hill, and Nate Naversen. We'll be there to shake hands, swap stories, and connect with fellow theme park fans, makers, and industry pros. See you at the Electrosonic booth on Wednesday at 5pm!

Man.. names for shows are becoming weird. THE BOYS discuss Flying Fox at Kentucky Kingdom and how it will impact KK. TONS of IAAPA speculation intertwined with a mess of dumb stuff, favorite past trips, more dumb stuff and your fan questions!

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't! IAAPA Expo week can feel like a blender, between travel, hectic schedules, and a convention center with lots of shiny, flashy lights. Rather than merely surviving, Matt and Josh crowdsource veteran wisdom into a Thrival Guide, leaning on planning, pacing, intentional networking, and purposeful follow-up so the week becomes genuinely transformative. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about IAAPA Expo thrival tips—how to plan with intention, protect your energy, network on and off the floor, leave space for serendipity, and turn post-show momentum into results. From Survival to “Thrival” “It could be transformational to you as a human being, to your business, to the industry, to your team.” IAAPA Expo is more than a trade show; it's an annual reset. Matt and Josh reframe the week from “survive” to “thrive,” emphasizing that transformation only happens when you participate with intention. Walk in with a plan (what to see, who to meet, which sessions to attend), but also hold room to apply what you learn. The payoff is compound interest: new ideas, stronger relationships, and momentum that carries well beyond November. Prepare With Purpose “Preparation, preparation, and one more time—preparation.” Use the online show guide and IAAPA Connect+ app to map exhibitors, sessions, and meetups before you arrive. Matt and Josh highlight pre-reaching out to people you want to see for breakfasts, coffees, or a lap of the floor together to ensure important conversations happen. Josh adds a mindset check: if someone leaves saying they “didn't get anything out of it,” that's usually a signal to plan better and proactively seek value. Pace Yourself (Feet First) “Wear comfortable shoes.” —Many submitters The most repeated tip is also the simplest. Comfortable footwear (gel insoles for the win) plus smart self-care keeps you sharp from early mornings to late events. Josh even “pre-games” with ibuprofen to prevent aches before they start. Protecting your energy means you can stay present in sessions, actually walk that extra aisle, and say “yes” to the spur-of-the-moment invites that matter. Network On and Off the Floor “Consider attending some of the night events… and bring business cards.” Don't limit networking to the exhibit hall. Young Professionals Mixer, IAAPA Celebrates, and other evening events are where quick hellos turn into real conversations. Bring cards (or capture details digitally), and jot a note on each contact so your follow-up is specific. Also, be proactive during the day. The right question at the right booth (or in the hallway) can unlock unexpected connections. Leave Space for Serendipity “Keep time free for networking. Great ideas are shared over coffee.” Build “white space” into your calendar. A strategic zig-zag lap of the floor early in the week helps you orient; then use unscheduled pockets for spontaneous demos, peer conversations, or simply catching your breath. Jamie's mantra of “ride the ride” applies here: experience things that excite you—even outside your lane. Those surprises often spark the best post-Expo ideas. Capture and Follow Up “Plan your post-show before the show.” Thanksgiving arrives fast. Block time now for emails, calls, and debriefs. Each evening, recap who you met, what you learned, and what you'll do next so the week doesn't blur together. Also, don't work so hard you forget the FUN—but do make the fun actionable when you get home.   Download the full 2025 IAAPA Expo Thrival Guide here. What's your best IAAPA Expo Thrival tip—one practical and one “outside-the-box”? Share it with us by replying to this episode's post on our socials, tagging #AttractionPros, or messaging Matt and Josh through IAAPA Connect+ or LinkedIn.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team: Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

We're out here.. being the chucklefucks you all know and love discussing Cotaland, Fast and Furious, IAAPA possible news? Maybe? SFFT construction, a metric ton of fan questions and more in this episode.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't!   Heather Doggett is the Founder and CEO of Immerse Universe, Masterful Impact Consulting, and Scream Score. A zoologist-turned-operator and experience designer, Heather spent decades in zoos and aquariums spanning animal care, interpretation, education, training, operations, and exhibit design—often blending mission-driven content with theatrical techniques through seasonal events and a troupe she founded, Theater Gone Wild. Today, she helps organizations design for impact using human-centered and co-design methods, while also leading Scream Score, a biometric app that measures emotions during live experiences. In this interview, Heather talks about the power of theater, co-designing experiences with the staff, and measuring fear. Power of theater “I just knew the power of theater.” Heather explains that awe, magic, and surprise trigger a psychological state where people become more receptive to new perspectives and behaviors. She describes how moments of spectacle—“beauty and spectacle and magic and sparkles and silly and fun”—create optimism and connection, opening the door for cause-based action far more effectively than signage or information alone. Entertainment becomes the “magic sauce” when mission-driven institutions intentionally create those moments and then support guests with clear, hopeful paths to act on what they already care about. She cautions that “pizazz and spectacle” without the follow-through falls flat. The effectiveness comes from designing the awe and pairing it with the next step—tools, prompts, and choices that make desired actions easy and meaningful. That balance reflects Heather's science-meets-theater mindset: understand the psychology, engineer the moment, and design the bridge from emotion to impact. Co-Designing experiences with the staff “Co-designing is a scary word, but I'm telling you, it is the can opener to the special sauce.” Heather argues that operators should bring employees into the design process—not just solicit ideas on sticky notes, but practice true human-centered design that uncovers barriers, motivations, and benefits for team behaviors. Rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all scripts, she suggests asking, “What would be meaningful to you?” and shaping guidelines that let people act authentically. When staff co-create recovery tools, onboarding, and daily workflows, ownership rises and behaviors stick because they are easy, popular, and fun—not just mandatory. She also emphasizes behavioral economics: people will default to the “easy” benefit of clocking in and out unless new benefits outweigh the status quo. Leaders must lower barriers (tools, time, permissions) and raise benefits (recognition, autonomy, social proof). Even unglamorous topics—like ladder safety—can be gamified and made culturally “popular.” The goal is an immersive employee experience where back-of-house spaces, processes, and rituals reinforce the same magic promised on stage. Measuring fear “Now Screamscore is out on the market, and people can compete with their friends to see who is the most scared on a roller coaster, escape room, or haunted house.” Scream Score translates real biometric signals into playful competition and operational insight. Heather explains that simply measuring heart rate isn't enough; the platform leverages wearables and an individual's historical data to normalize differences and detect the true stress (fight-or-flight) response. That yields more accurate “fear” scoring for guests while opening a window into other emotions—what she calls “experience score”—that museums and attractions can use to evaluate and tune shows and exhibits. Looking ahead, Heather is exploring show-control integration so environments can respond dynamically to a group's collective state: ramp down intensity if scores spike too high, or trigger a payoff when hype reaches a threshold. She also notes accessibility: the app is free, operators can provide loaner wearables, and they're researching dedicated devices. The bigger vision is designing experiences for change—using emotion metrics to prototype, iterate, and measure impact with the same rigor as attendance or revenue, but with far more relevance to guest outcomes.   You can reach Heather at heatherd@thescreamscore.com and learn more at thescreamscore.com. She's also active on LinkedIn and Instagram, and welcomes collaborative conversations about emotion metrics, impact design, and immersive experiences.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Six Flags is losing more of its board—Executive Chairman Selim Bassoul and Lead Independent Director Daniel Hanrahan will leave the board at year's end, following CEO Richard Zimmerman's exit announcement. Bassoul, who also lined up a new role outside the industry, will remain as a consultant through the launch of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia. The company stumbled when its first press release listed Qiddiya City opening in 2026, only to issue an immediate correction claiming 2025—adding to investor confusion. Philip and Scott unpack what the back-to-back departures mean for a company still struggling to execute its “Great Reset” strategy and whether the Qiddiya slip hints at deeper internal misalignment. They also discuss IAAPA's Q3 Global Outlook—highlighting how weather, tariffs, and economic uncertainty continue to shape operators' planning worldwide. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't!   Faisal Mirza is the Associate Vice President of the New York Hall of Science. With a career spanning iconic New York institutions—including the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and even LaGuardia's Terminal B—he has led opening teams, built high-performance operations, and shaped guest experience at scale. At NYSCI, he champions “design, make, and play” through hands-on exhibits rooted in STEM and community impact. In this interview, Faisal talks about the oohs and ahhs, cost-effective vs. better, It's okay to be nice. The oohs and aahs “I think a lot of us have come into this industry because of the oohs and aahs that we are part of… you get those oohs and aahs and you get the wows.” Faisal ties the magic of reveal moments to operational purpose. He recalls One World Observatory's deliberate build-up: from the storytelling elevator ride to a dramatic reveal that regularly prompted applause and even tears. He emphasizes that leaders should revisit these moments frequently—stepping out of the back office to reconnect decisions and data with the guest's emotional response. At NYSCI, that same spark is cultivated by translating concepts into creation. Visitors learn about light, space, or insects, then head into the Design Lab to “use your hands,” turning ideas into tangible projects. That cycle—from discovery to making—keeps guests coming back for the “wow” and reminds teams why meticulous execution matters. Cost-effective vs. better “Should we look into being very cost-effective or being better? There's always balance… it goes back to what the organization is really looking for and how, as a leader, you can justify that process.” When choosing between a sign and a person, Faisal argues that “profitable” and “memorable” aren't always the same. At Terminal B, his team justified human touchpoints (e.g., pre- and post-TSA guidance) by instrumenting the experience with data: NPS, robust passenger surveys at the gate, mystery shops, and large-scale trainings. With measurable outcomes, “better” isn't a vague ideal—it's a defensible investment. He frames the decision as a strategic reflection of organizational DNA. In hyper-competitive markets, small touches compound: clear sightlines, open space, visible staff, and right-sized wayfinding all convert friction into confidence. The lesson for attractions is to define the guest standard, then measure relentlessly so quality choices stand up to budget scrutiny. It's okay to be nice “When you, as part of that team, see, ‘It's okay to be nice. I didn't know that.' When you see others doing it and you're in that universe of everyone being nice, it's really great.” Faisal describes how staffing critical junctions, like the “recomposition” area right after TSA, signals a cultural norm: proactive help is expected. In fast-paced New York, hospitality can still thrive when leaders model it and operationalize it. By placing people where guests naturally feel uncertain, teams normalize courtesy, reduce stress, and elevate the entire journey. That mindset carries into museums and attractions. From shinier floors to warmer smiles, “little things” matter as much as headliners. Faisal's leadership lens blends big-picture reveals with micro-gestures that make visitors feel cared for, proving that kindness is both practical and powerful.   Faisal would like to thank everyone he's worked with over the years, because he's learned something from everyone at the different organizations he's been at. Connect with Faisal directly on LinkedIn, and learn more about NYSCI by visiting www.nysci.org. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)  

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't!   Gina Elliott is the VP of Strategy and Administration of Slick City Action Park, and she now serves as chair of the International Association of Adventure & Trampoline Parks (IATP), where she champions scalable training, safety, and culture across parks of all sizes. Jason Haycock is the Director of Strategic Accounts of Schoox, bringing eight years in enterprise HR technology to mobile-first learning for large frontline workforces. Together, Gina and Jason spotlight how digital platforms, blended with in-person training and coaching, elevate performance, reduce risk, and boost retention. In this interview, Gina and Jason talk about digital training transformation, immersive employee experience, and investing in your team Digital training transformation “Training is such a critical piece… there is a direct correlation with training and safety… transitioning to an LMS… you can push that down to the hourly employee and you're gonna get that instant notification of when it's done.” Gina contrasts “pencil-whipped” PDFs and broken binders with a mobile-first LMS that meets today's frontline where they already learn—on their phones. Digital courses, instant transcripts, and exportable records simplify audits and incident response while allowing rapid, system-wide updates without reprints or classroom bottlenecks. “It's surprising to us that we'll show up and see that they're still using paper. We really have an emphasis on meeting these employees where they are, being able to learn quickly and on the go.” Jason explains how short, role-specific modules and micro-assessments accelerate time-to-productivity for younger teams accustomed to bite-sized learning. He notes outcomes such as faster onboarding, sales lift, and reduced injuries/premiums when digital training is paired with clear expectations and live practice. Immersive employee experience “You can build the best park, but if your employees aren't trained or even understand what an immersive experience is, you've lost that guest, and it's gonna be very hard to retain them.” Gina reframes immersion as an employee mandate: blend brief videos, interactive elements, leaderboards, and hands-on tasks so every learning style is engaged and confidence builds before live guest contact. She stresses pacing: begin with a 10–15-minute orientation, verify knowledge, then layer responsibilities over 30/60/90 days instead of “300 modules” on day one. “These frontline employees… learn differently than a corporate employee… It's ongoing training in addition to what they have for onboarding.” Jason adds that evolving parks (VR next to ax-throwing, bowling, pickleball) demand agile cross-training. Quick, on-the-spot refreshers and continuing modules keep skills current as attractions and technology change, while managers observe and coach to certify real-world proficiency. Investing in your team “Make your employees feel like they're heard and they're valued. If it comes to spending that money at the beginning, do it. It's going to ultimately lead to a better customer experience, a better employee experience, and a more successful business.” Jason frames training as a proactive investment, not an expense: organizations already “pay” through turnover, weak sales, and incidents if they undertrain. Upfront investment converts training into a competitive advantage—supporting growth, reviews, referrals, and retention. “We saw a park with a 90% completion rate actually increase sales… Another park in the low twenties had turnover of 90%.Culture always has a focus on training.” Gina shares case studies linking completion rates to front-desk sales and lower turnover. She advises reading performance holistically, such as training data plus social scores, mystery shops, and sales, to target coaching. Her closing push: don't fear technology; toss the binders, start small with digital courses, and keep coaching continuously.   Find Gina on LinkedIn, or visit indoor@adventureparks.org for IATP resources and the IATP Academy. Reach Jason on LinkedIn or visit schoox.com to learn more about Schoox. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)  

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't!   Running a modern trampoline or adventure park isn't as simple as “put trampolines in a warehouse and open the doors” anymore. Operators juggle guest expectations, evolving tech stacks, labor realities, and the need to turn first-time visitors into loyal fans. In this conversation, Matt and Josh surface practical solutions with a live panel—Phillip Howell (Best American Trampolines), Greg Spittle (ROLLER), and Brandon Willey (Intelliplay)—covering design, data, kiosks vs. people, post-visit marketing, gamification, and AI. In this episode, Phillip, Greg, and Brandon share how the trampoline park model has matured and what tech-enabled moves will define the next five years. From Warehouses to Polished, Parent-Friendly Parks “We were going into warehouses… 10 to 15,000 square feet of actual trampolines… no party rooms, no decoration on the wall.” Early parks were bare-bones. Today, Phillip emphasizes warm, inviting environments: clean sightlines, framed netting, wrinkle-free pads, murals, and real seating and TVs for parents. The aesthetic isn't vanity - it sets the perceived cleanliness and quality bar the moment guests walk in. Match Online Promises with Onsite Reality “That upfront experience needs to match the experience when I walk through the door.” Brandon flags a common miss: aspirational websites and social feeds that don't reflect the actual facility. Greg adds that outdated online checkout flows lose guests before they arrive. Align visuals and copy with the real experience, and make the digital path to purchase smooth. Before–During–After: Design the Whole Journey “There's a bit of technology in every piece of that journey.” Before the visit: modern web and frictionless online booking. During the visit: clear wayfinding, staffed self-service kiosks (never kiosks alone), and trained team members who intercept stress and upsell thoughtfully. After the visit: structured follow-ups—survey, intercept negative feedback before it hits Google, and segmented re-engagement. Kiosks Need Humans “You can't just leave the kiosks out there and expect success.” Automation works best with people in the loop. The winning model pairs one well-trained team member with multiple kiosks to guide choices, protect the experience, and enable upsells… without leaving a 16-year-old “on an island.” Own the Post-Visit Moment (and the Data) “Trampoline parks have a massive advantage. You have mandatory waivers… it's marketing data.” Use waivers to power segmentation: birthday clubs (30–45 days out), membership offers, and interest-based campaigns. Greg notes birthday bookings often happen ~3 weeks in advance, so time your messages. Automate when possible, but always deliver genuine value in every send. Wearables & Gamification Drive Repeat Visits “After the bands were in place, repeat visitation went up to 78%.” Intelliplay's wristbands track activity, show session status (green to red), reduce PA “time's up” moments, and fuel leaderboards. With demographic data and in-park behavior, operators can create attraction-specific events (e.g., dodgeball nights) and reward systems that keep families coming back. Clean Lines = Clean Minds “You see a wrinkled pad and it looks dirty.” Optics shape reviews. Details like pad tension, framed netting, and tidy sightlines communicate safety and care, prevent “dirty” perceptions that damage ratings even when facilities are spotless. AI Now & Next: Practical, Not Hype “AI is still in its infancy… but options matter.” Today: load SOPs into a private assistant for staff training and guest FAQs; use AI for campaign ideation and drafting. Tomorrow: agentic AI will act on your data, building and running segmented campaigns, surfacing decisions from noise, and personalizing in-park and post-visit experiences. Humans stay central; AI reduces drudgery. Operator Priorities That Don't Change “What's driving my revenue, costs, and guest experience?” Greg's three pillars: Revenue engines (birthday parties remain foundational; memberships rising). Costs (especially labor forecasting by day/week/season). Guest experience (measure, intercept, and improve). Brandon adds: audit your attraction mix and secret shop your own venue regularly, end to end. The Park of the Near Future “Immersive, gamified, personalized.” Expect lighting tied to activity, unified scoring across attractions, persistent profiles, and app-based rewards that feel like arcade redemption—physical prizes today, digital skins tomorrow. Most of all: keep experimenting; iterate quickly, learn, and evolve.   What tech or tactics have moved the needle most in your venue: kiosks, leaderboards, birthday automation, staff training tools, or something else? Share your ideas and questions in the YouTube comments or on social media. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't!   Ron Romens is the President of Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS). A lifelong creator and entrepreneur, he's been a welder, butcher, truck driver, concession operator, inventor, founder of RAVE Sports (where he helped introduce the first floating trampoline), and, since 1999, the leader of CRS. From Verona, Wisconsin, CRS has grown to approximately 60 team members, representing dozens of top-tier product lines and offering end-to-end recreation solutions—designing lakes and beaches, curating aqua parks, splash pads, shade, and more for camps, municipalities, attractions, and resorts. In this interview, Ron talks about unstructured play, controlling your experience, and how boredom stimulates creativity. Unstructured play “To me, I think unstructured play, I don't think there's near enough of it nowadays. Everything we have is very structured.” Ron ties his inventor mindset directly to the freedom he experienced outdoors as a kid—“sleeping under the stars, swinging off the rope swing, turning over rocks, catching crawdads.” Those unscripted days formed a template for how CRS designs experiences today: create spaces that invite discovery, not dictate it. Whether it's a floating trampoline evolved into a “floating playground” or a purpose-built lake with active and passive zones, CRS builds environments where guests can self-organize, collaborate, and learn through play. He contrasts this with more static, linear attractions (“chlorine and concrete”), noting that open-water, back-to-nature settings put “grass and sand between people's toes.” The result is cross-generational connection and replayability—like the multigenerational family he watched at a Whoa Zone, all choosing their own challenges and sharing one big, memorable experience together. Controlling your experience “People want to have a little bit more control of their own experience now.” Ron traces a market shift since the late 2000s from passive, ride-centric theming toward participatory recreation—zip lines, ropes courses, and on-water challenge parks where guests set pace, path, and intensity. CRS leans into this demand by curating “best-of-class” equipment and tailoring it to each client's goals—amenity, program tool, or monetized attraction—so guests can choose routes, repeat obstacles, or team up with family members. This philosophy extends to CRS's consulting approach: before selling gear, they back up to the “why.” Who is the audience? What outcomes matter? How will success be measured over one, three, and five years? By aligning design with desired control (from gentle exploration to vigorous challenge), CRS helps owners deliver experiences that feel personal, social, and repeatable. Boredom stimulates creativity “It also gets you into a place where you might even have some boredom. And boredom kind of stimulates creativity as well, especially when you've got a group of kids together.” For Ron, occasional boredom is a feature, not a bug. In nature, what first seems disorderly reveals patterns the longer you stay. Give kids a bucket, shovel, sand, and water and “they'll be there forever… creating new games.” CRS intentionally designs canvases—dynamic lakes, floating courses, beaches—where conditions (wind, water, temperature, crowd mix) change daily, nudging guests to tinker, adapt, and invent. That dynamism inspires the “human spirit,” a core CRS mission. Like skiing after fresh snow versus on ice, the same aqua park feels new each visit. Guests return not just for equipment, but for the open-ended possibilities it unlocks—play that sparks imagination, collaboration, and confidence.   In closing, you can learn more about Commercial Recreation Specialists at crs4rec.com or contact Ron directly at 877-896-8442. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't!   As the summer of 2025 winds down, attraction operators face the challenge of balancing operational efficiency with guest satisfaction. From pricing strategies and staffing to wayfinding and third-party partnerships, even the smallest details can shape the overall experience. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about 10 key guest experience (GX) observations from summer 2025, drawing from theme parks, sporting events, family vacations, and more. Parking Prices and First Impressions "Parking is an excellent revenue source. However, charging an exorbitant amount of parking is a surefire way to create a horrible first impression that will cascade into the rest of the visit." Josh emphasizes that while parking is a strong revenue stream, overpriced parking creates negative sentiment before guests even step inside the gates. Matt connects this point to his experience in Europe, where paying for parking upon exit felt more palatable and less intrusive. When guests feel gouged at the start, it colors their perception of every expense throughout their visit. Communication Beyond Signs "It's commonly said that guests don't read signs. Supplement verbiage on signage with audio announcements and, better yet, personalized announcements." Josh highlights the importance of layered communication, pointing out that lengthy signs often fail to connect. Audio cues and direct interactions provide clarity, ensuring guests feel guided rather than overwhelmed. Guest Comfort and Stress Reduction "Sometimes the best thing you can do for your guests is focus on making them more comfortable and removing stress from their visit." The conversation stresses that alleviating friction points—like confusing kiosks or clunky ticketing—can be just as impactful as adding new amenities. Matt compares this to the Apple Store's model, where handheld payment devices reduce stress and make transactions seamless. Empowering Guests Through Participation "When a guest plays an active role in their experience, it enhances satisfaction and makes the experience more repeatable." From gem mining activities to splash pads outside stadiums, Josh reflects on how unassuming elements can unexpectedly become highlights for guests, particularly children. The takeaway: attractions should look for ways to make even passive experiences more engaging and interactive. Staffing Balance and Service Consistency "Being understaffed negatively impacts the guest experience, but so is being overstaffed if it leads to miscommunication and errors in the steps of service." The right staffing levels are critical—too few employees cause delays and frustration, while too many can lead to inefficiency and errors. Additionally, Josh stresses that third-party concessionaires must deliver the same service quality as direct employees, and vice versa. Sometimes the Thing Isn't the Thing "Sometimes the thing you think is the thing isn't the thing, and the thing you'd never think could be the thing might actually be the thing." Through stories of his son enjoying splash pads and gem mining more than the “main attractions,” Josh illustrates how unexpected elements often create the most memorable moments. For operators, this means recognizing that small, seemingly secondary features can hold immense value for guests.   As summer transitions to fall, Matt and Josh invite listeners to reflect on their own guest experience lessons. What did you notice at attractions this summer—either as an operator or as a guest? Share your insights by emailing attractionpros@gmail.com or connecting on social media. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't!   Coen Bertens is the owner of Coen Bertens Consultancy, where he partners with leisure and hospitality operators on operations, leadership, and guest experience. After beginning his career in banking, Coen joined Efteling in the Netherlands, where he moved from finance to operations, ultimately serving as director/CEO of the park. During his tenure, Efteling earned national recognition for guest friendliness and advanced a long-term, story-driven resort vision. In this interview, Coen talks about starting with people, shifting culture, and creating one fan a day. Starting with people “How you treat your people is how you treat your guests… you have to start with your people and change them into ambassadors.” Coen explains that Efteling's transformation didn't begin with guest-facing tactics—it began by equipping employees. Guided initially by advice from Lee Cockerell, the team built a “personal compass,” a single digital place where employees sought and shared feedback, identified talents, and aligned those talents to both personal growth and organizational contribution. Rather than pushing a hospitality script, leadership focused on pride, ownership, and talent development so that frontline teams would naturally deliver better experiences. That shift also meant moving decision-making closer to the work. Managers stopped “running and doing all the tasks,” and responsibilities—like resolving complaints on the spot—moved to the frontline. The results compounded: ideas surfaced faster, confidence grew, and service recovery became immediate instead of hierarchical. Shifting culture “We knew that if you want to be the most guest-friendly company… it's about changing the culture.” Culture change started with clarity of vision. A survey revealed that only a small slice of leaders could articulate Efteling's vision; nearly everyone else operated without clear goals. Coen's team distilled the vision into a simple, memorable “nine-plus organization”—akin to striving for a five-star standard—and recruited 50 internal ambassadors to spread it. Leaders repeated the vision constantly and connected it directly to tools like the personal compass so it lived in daily routines, not just on a wall. Empowerment mechanisms reinforced the shift. An Innovation Lab replaced the “idea box,” inviting students and staff to pitch solutions onstage to a centralized steering team. One standout idea—using VR to let guests with disabilities experience the Dreamflight dark ride alongside their families—came from a student, not management. Coen also shares a pivotal New Year's Eve story: when buses failed to arrive after midnight, employees self-organized to drive hundreds of guests home. That response—spontaneous, generous, and owned by the frontline—became a living metric of culture more powerful than any dashboard. Creating one fan a day “Keep it simple: create one fan per day… everyone has the time to create one fan per day.” A hospitality professor's advice became a durable operating principle: small, intentional moments scale culture. With ~800 employees a day, one fan per person translates into more than a million fan moments annually. Crucially, it's not about giveaways; it's about personal attention. In Efteling's Fairytale Forest, for example, an employee simply walks a parent and child to the restroom through winding paths, turning wayfinding into a warm, human interaction. Coen ties these moments to financial outcomes with a simple restaurant story: when service anticipates needs: right table, timely drinks, favorite refills, guests happily spend more and tip more. The message to teams is direct and doable: limit training topics, interact far more than you lecture, gamify learning, and repeat small behaviors daily until they become instinct.   For inquiries and further information, connect with Coen on LinkedIn—he welcomes messages and is happy to share tips. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't! In any organization, the challenge of coaching employees lies in going beyond simply correcting mistakes or giving direction. Leaders often struggle with balancing accountability and support, while ensuring coaching conversations remain productive and motivating rather than intimidating. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about how coaching can be transformed into a meaningful, structured process by using Matt's acronym “COACH,” which breaks down the essential elements of effective coaching in the workplace. C – Conversation "It starts with a relationship, and the relationship starts with a conversation." Matt emphasizes that coaching begins with genuine, informal conversations that build trust and rapport. By connecting with team members in a non-threatening way, leaders lay the groundwork for more meaningful dialogue about performance and growth. Josh adds that framing it as a “conversation” rather than discipline helps employees feel comfortable and open. O – Observation "You're observing with your eyes… you're really listening to what they have to say." Observation is more than just hearing words—it's about reading body language, tone, and consistency between words and actions. Matt points out that focused observation helps leaders truly understand their team members, while Josh relates it to the concept of “management by wondering around,” where leaders intentionally gather insights by being present. A – Ask Questions and Assess "Until I ask more questions and dive in, I won't know if I'm answering the right question." Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions uncovers deeper issues that may not be obvious at first glance. Assessing the responses ensures that leaders don't jump to the wrong conclusions. Josh draws a parallel to service recovery, where skipping ahead to solutions often leads to addressing the wrong problem. C – Connect the Dots "To me, this is the coach's superpower." Matt highlights that a coach's unique value lies in making connections employees may not see themselves. Whether it's linking patterns of behavior or uncovering underlying causes of challenges, connecting the dots creates “light bulb” moments that drive real growth. Josh notes that this requires active, intentional leadership that goes beyond simply checking boxes. H – Help and Hold Accountable "The coach isn't going to be the one that does it… it's all about them." The final step is providing guidance on how to move forward and ensuring accountability for follow-through. By helping team members prepare for conversations or challenges, and then checking back in, leaders empower employees to act with confidence. Josh explains that accountability is more effective when it's expected and structured, not a surprise.   Coaching is both an art and a science, and Matt's COACH model offers a framework for leaders to foster growth and accountability in their teams. What strategies do you use when coaching your employees? Share your suggestions with us by emailing attractionpros@gmail.com or joining the conversation on social media.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)