Podcasts about port aventura

In this episode, we chat with Choni Fernández, Chief Sustainability Officer and Customer at PortAventura World, the first carbon-neutral theme park in the world, and now proudly B Corp certified.Choni isn't just ticking ESG boxes, she's leading a cultural shift in how attractions operate. From zero-emissions hotels to renewable energy and deep supply chain work, PortAventura is setting the global standard.In this episode, we dive into the real work behind the headlines. How do you build a sustainability culture that actually sticks? Can you lead without a big green team? And what does digital sustainability really mean?If you're serious about sustainability, or wondering where to start, this is the conversation you need to hear.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden, with co host Andy Povey and roving reporter Claire Furnival.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references:  PortAventura World website: https://www.portaventuraworld.com/nosotros/trabaja-con-nosotrosChoni Fernández on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choni-fern%C3%A1ndez-veciana/Choni Fernández is Customer, Sustainability and Communications Director at PortAventura World. With a background in Economics and over a decade at BASF, she joined PortAventura in 2007, where she has led Procurement, Logistics, and Sustainability. She spearheaded the company's sustainability strategy, achieving the milestone of B Corp Certification, and now leads the newly created Customer Department to drive a more customer-centric approach. Choni also serves as Catalonia Delegate at DIRSE and is Chair of the IAAPA EMEA Sustainability Committee. Plus, live from the IAAPA Expo Europe show floor, we catch up with:Jakob Wahl, President & CEO of IAAPAhttps://iaapa.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakob-wahl/Elliot Hall from Expression Capital Partners LLPhttps://expressioncapitalpartners.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-h-1b804a6a/Matt Barton, CEO / Co-Founder CurtainUp Ltd. & President of Themed Entertainment Association TEA https://www.curtainup.livehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-barton-99a8039/Melissa Oviedo, Chief Executive Officer, Themed Entertainment Association TEA https://www.teaconnect.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-oviedo-ruminot-90a63228/Kevin Murphy, Senior VP, Kraftwerk Living Technologieshttp://www.kraftwerk.athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-murphy-854439/Jacob Thompson, CX Director, Attractions.io https://attractions.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-thompson-icap-151271149/ Transcriptions:  Welcome, skip the queue, to Barcelona.Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best attractions and the amazing people that work in them. I'm your host, Paul Marden, and along with my co-host, Andy Povey, and roving reporter Claire Furnival, we're bringing you the latest news from IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona.Paul Marden: You join me today tired and just a little bit emotional at the airport after an amazing week at the show.Paul Marden: In this episode, we wrap up our time at IAAPA Expo Europe with a final look back at the show floor buzz. I catch up with Jakob Wahl, Chief Executive Officer of IAAPA, to get his reflections on an unforgettable week, from standout innovations to what's next for the global attractions industry. But first, Andy sits down with Choni Fernandez, Chief Sustainability Officer at PortAventura World, to explore what it really takes to become the first carbon neutral theme park on the planet and why sustainability must be at the heart of guest experience going forward.Andy Povey: So hello, everybody. I'm joined today by Choni Fernandez from PortAventura World. Choni is responsible for sustainability and guest experience and a number of other things, I believe, Choni. Hello and welcome to Skip the Queue. Hello. Choni Fernandez: Thank you very much for your invitation. Andy Povey: So, Choni, you guys at PortAventura World are really leading the industry and probably more than just our industry. In terms of sustainability, you were the first carbon neutral theme park in the world and in '24, the first theme park company to achieve a BCorp certification. Am I right?Choni Fernandez: Yes, you're right. It was, in fact, we are VCOPS since 2022. And yes, we were operational carbon neutral because we reduced our emissions during several years. And after that, we acquired some carbon credits to compensate the result of the balancing emissions. For scope one and two. Yes. So since then we are operational carbon neutral. That is not really an official name, but it's easy to explain what we are doing. Andy Povey: Okay. So what is the official name?Choni Fernandez: The official name, in fact, now that's interesting because it's a big discussion in the European community. We chat the terms we can use or not. In the new CCRG, that is going to change. Some words like green, sustainable, are probably forbidden, words that cannot be used any longer. And you need to speak properly about the impact of your activity without using these words that can lead to a type of greenwashing. And you need to be more clear about when you say, for instance, 'carbon neutral,' you need to say, 'we have reduced emissions, we compensate.' More explanation than just using one word that can be easily misunderstood.Andy Povey: Okay, yeah, yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Just buying carbon credits. You're actually doing something positive. Taking action. Like, is it Europe's largest solar farm?Choni Fernandez: It's the largest solar farm. That was one of the biggest at the source of Europe. And for sure, I guess, is still the biggest in Spain.Andy Povey: The biggest solar farm in Spain.Choni Fernandez: Sorry, in a holiday resort, yes. There are other very big solar plants that they produce energy for third parties, but they are not linked to a tourist industry.Andy Povey: No, that makes absolute sense. So you're generating your own power.Choni Fernandez: We generate 30%. The plant is not big enough and we have some restrictions of the government. So we cannot sell the surplus of energy we produce. So we could only make the plan as big as the low on consumption we have in a period of a year.Andy Povey: That makes absolute sense.Choni Fernandez: So that means that there are several months where we produce 100% energy we need. But then, obviously, in the peak of the season, we need extra energy. We buy from the net, but we always buy green energy from the net, too. Then 100% of the energy we consume is green energy, not coming from non-renewable.Andy Povey: It all becomes much more complicated as you dive into the detail, doesn't it?Choni Fernandez: Yes, yes, yes. Everything is much more complicated. And in Europe, yes, I would say even one step more complicated than the rest of the world because of all the regulations.Andy Povey: So what was it that inspired PortAventura World and how did you persuade PortAventura World to take sustainability so seriously?Choni Fernandez Okay, the history starts really with, I would say, a huge pain point, even when they were designing the park. And it was related to water. We are established in an area where we suffer from water scarcity many periods. So for those designers, they already designed the park with sustainability in mind. So they have created a complex system to recover all water rains in a big tank that is our Mediterranean lake.Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: So water was a treasure since the beginning. And they have also in a private-public investment. Take all the gray waters from the park, sending it to a water treatment plant several kilometres far away from the resort, and making the pipe bring the recycled water back to the resort for gardening. So PortAventura was using recycled water since 30 years ago. And that was really the starting point of sustainability at PortAventura. So we start with all the environmental impacts that the activity was going to have. And they created the park open doors in 1995. So in 1997, just two years after that, they have created the Green Team.Choni Fernandez: It's a team from different members of different departments who takes care of the environmental impacts and how they can reduce the use of water, energy and so on. And this team is still working nowadays and takes care of more complex things, certifications, but with the same, I would say, purpose, you know, that is to reduce the environmental impact of the resort, and now we start to regenerate different areas. So it's not producing impact, it's creating positive impact through regeneration.Choni Fernandez: And that was a starting point. But I like to repeat that sustainability has not fixed rules. So that is the story of Pota Aventura, because we are what we are. We are located where we are. But for instance, in the Global Sustainability Committee of IAAPA, SCARBRED was a member of that. And SCARBRED, the sustainability, had not begun for the water scarcity. They don't have this problem.Choni Fernandez: So sustainability there was more linked to the social sustainability, how to integrate communities in the project. So it really depends, again, in that moment, the momentum, you know, that we call. Where you are, who you are, what is your future footprint of your activity in your community and in the environment.Choni Fernandez: So we start with that. And year after year, we consolidate this beginning. So any new activity of PortAventura, it doesn't matter— new hotel, new park, convention centre has always followed the same philosophy that we started in 1997.Andy Povey: Very good.Choni Fernandez: Yes, because I think that this makes the project really coherent, consistent, and resilient. So it's something that we have not done from day to night, you know. It's something that we have. It's like a dish you have cooked in a low, low temperature, you know. Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Slow cooker. Choni Fernandez: Slow cook. That is. Sustainable PortAventura is slow cook. But at the end, you know, the dish is very good cooked and it's good.Andy Povey: Absolutely. And then, as the person responsible for customer experience within PortAventura World, before talking to you, I wouldn't necessarily have put... sustainability and customer experience together in the same group.Choni Fernandez: You're right because, okay, that is something that has changed also through years, you know, so sustainability was linked and happened at PortAventura. It was totally linked to the environmental part. But that is only one third of what sustainability means. Sustainability is also the social impact and obviously the governance.Choni Fernandez: We call also ESG. Okay, it has some difference because it has more financial meaning. But what is clear when you talk, when we talk about sustainability, we talk about the environmental impacts and the social impacts. And the social impacts are the impacts that your activity, our activity has on people. And when we talk about people, we talk about employees, we talk about our community that's surrounding us, we talk about shareholders, we talk about suppliers, and we talk about guests or visitors. And the activity of any company should have a positive impact on these people that are affected by the activity, that they are also called stakeholders.Choni Fernandez: So, and here is the reason why we try to improve every year the guest experience in order to improve this positive impact. And at the end of the day, because we are not NGOs. We strongly believe that a positive impact on the guest experience is going to be translated in future revenues, more attendance for our parks, and makes our resort more resilient because it's more profitable in the long term.Andy Povey: So this really is a sort of a wheel or a cycle. Choni Fernandez: You are right. You are right. You are right. So we really differentiate at PortAventura. I mean, sustainability is also a new angle to see your business. There is the financial angle. And then there is the angle— how your activity affects the difference they hold up. But that is clear that both need to go together. I mean, business and sustainability. In fact... One of the reasons to become a BCorp company is to evolve our mission and vision with a purpose that integrates sustainability in the business model. So it is much easier for us to talk to employees, to talk to suppliers, to talk to guests. About what is the reason why it exists and why it's important to have sustainability included in order, again, to make our business resilient through the past of the years.Andy Povey: So we have a lot of listeners around the world. What would be your advice to someone running a venue that doesn't have the advantage of starting with sustainability right at the heart and from where they started their business? How do you make a start on this?Choni Fernandez: That is a very interesting question. And the first I think any company needs to do is really to understand the stakeholders they are affecting too. Because just with this complete transparent and dialogue with the different stakeholders, you really can understand what is the impact you are producing on them. And from this result, then you know where are your main pain points, where you need to focus first on. Obviously, there are some general rules. Your impact on the environment, as I told you before, normally a new venue has, for sure, clients, or at least customer guests, employees, probably shareholders, and then in another level, suppliers, community, etc.Choni Fernandez: So, and depends what is the situation, you need to start with that. You need to prepare a good analysis because, if not, what could happen? Imagine that you focus a lot on the environmental part and you start with that because you have seen that PortAventura has started with that.Choni Fernandez: But then that is not your problem because you are in an area where your resources are really well controlled or your resort has very good standards, very efficient, because it has done with high technology, but you have an employee problem.Choni Fernandez: You have problems perhaps to attract employees, to retain the talent, or really to make them happy working with you. Then you have to start the sustainability for not the most important topic in your company. So the most important is to understand what the stakeholders need from you and then to prepare. And it's also very interesting, I think, to start, you know, things small.Choni Fernandez: Making small projects that can be consolidated and embedded into the company. Because what is really important in a company is that each department, each area of the company, maintenance, procurement, human resources, marketing, and each of the departments really is doing the part of sustainability they need to, because it is impossible that one person on every team produces all the sustainability that the whole company needs to do.Choni Fernandez: So if sustainability is really not embedded in the activity of each Japan, it's really impossible to be a successful company in terms of sustainability. You know what I mean?Andy Povey: I know exactly what you mean. That rule is so true for so many things, isn't it? You could replace the word sustainability with guest experience or ride safety. Choni Fernandez: Yes, it's the same. Andy Povey: Any number of different things.Choni Fernandez: I always explain when people say, 'but you have done a lot, Choni.' I say, 'no, no, no, no, no.' Choni has not done a lot.Choni Fernandez: Many people are doing a lot, you know. And sustainability managers or directors normally are orchestra directors. But each one needs to play its own instrument so we have a nice music, you know. If not, it does not work at all, you know, like in orchestra. So we need the maintenance guy, really. or the energy manager to really take care of that. And human resources really to prepare inclusivity, et cetera, policies linked to employees. And marketing, doing really an ethic marketing to guests. So, and that is how everyone is really doing a part of the peak and sustainability of the company.Andy Povey: That sounds very familiar and I'm sure for our guests will ring true in many different areas. It's interesting you talk about really understanding where you are. What it is you're doing. We've done some work here in the UK on the sustainability of websites. So by not printing a park map, you obviously save resources, you save paper. But if you put that on a really inefficient webpage, then you're just consuming someone else's electricity. It doesn't make you any more sustainable.Choni Fernandez: And one thing I would like to tell you is that one of the big steps for us was when our investors make the management very clear that investors of the private funds that own PortAventura were asking for sustainable investments. So that was also a way, really, to receive more money from the investors to the owners. And that is very important because when the financial markets really recognise that sustainability is a plus for an investment, then, you know, things change. Things happen. And we had two moments in this company, in my opinion, for us, for sustainability managers, that make this big change in our mindset. Choni Fernandez: One is the world of our shareholders. And that was really a big, big step forward. Because we realised then, 'oh my God, we are sustainable. We can be sustainable. Our sustainability is a lever really to receive more funds to our business.'Choni Fernandez: And the second one was when we have two different businesses, really a B2C— final customer— and a B2E— travel agencies, companies who do their conventions in our convention, et cetera, et cetera. Once upon a time, a company came to PortAventura asking for a quotation for a big convention, European size, very big one.Choni Fernandez: And before receiving the quotation, they asked, 'Please, can you send us your sustainability report?' Because we would like to see if that's the venue where we want to go. Now, everything changed.Andy Povey: Absolutely.Choni Fernandez: Because at first time, sustainability was bringing business to the company. It was not a nice to have, something that we need to have. It was really part of the business. And that changed the history of the, I would say, the sustainability journey of this company when we have both shareholders' commitment and really request to continue on that. And on the other side, we were recognised for our sustainability activity in a business case.Andy Povey: It's very interesting when you get push or pull from both sides. Choni Fernandez: You're right. Then you realise that there is no other way to do that, you know, so you need pushing, pushing.Andy Povey: You're doing a lot of work about education, work, and working with schools, and having to engage them in your journey.Choni Fernandez: That's again the same case, you know. So in our guest segmentation, school groups are one of them. And it is a very important group for us and I guess for other operators too. As we receive many schoolers. But, you know, the teachers, not students, they thought that the trip to PortAventura was really 100% entertainment. And schools were looking for something more cultural, educational.Choni Fernandez: So then, at that moment, we prepare some workshops at the beginning of the day before the park opens. If the park opens at 10, we can deliver a sustainability workshop from 9 to 10. For instance, talking to kids about biodiversity, about waste management, how to produce green energy. So in the solar plant, we don't have only solar panels. We also have some instruments, some elements to explain children how to produce green energy with movement, with wind, with sun, with solar energy. And they can experiment with their hands. With this element, how to produce this green energy. And they understand very well because that is part of the curriculum that they have to study at school. But now they can put it in practice in a different way, in a way... that our industry delivers very well, that is entertainment, you know?Andy Povey: Yes, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: And that is driving more schools to visit us. So again, there is another link with sustainability, more business, more attendance, more revenues.Andy Povey: We're back on the cycle.Choni Fernandez: Yeah, again, the cycle. We close the loop, you know.Andy Povey: Absolutely. Choni, is there something you'd like to leave as a sort of parting message or a final thought to everybody that's listening to the podcast? A single sentence about how they can emulate your success.Choni Fernandez: No, I think that, okay, sometimes in life, you know, for sustainability managers, I mean, and now in the world, perhaps you feel like Talmon, you know, coming up to the river.Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: In a difficult situation, but it doesn't matter. So the evidence is so strong that, if you really can close the loop, as we have been talking, if you can really demonstrate and we can close the gap. Between the sustainability impacts and the financial impacts, then sustainability is part of your business. I think that should be the goal— to really don't have sustainability as something nice to have additional to the business. Avoid that at all.Choni Fernandez: Sustainability is part of the business and makes the business more resilient and more profitable in the long term.Andy Povey: Lovely. That's a great message to leave us with. Paul Marden: Now let's hear some of the buzz from the show floor.Claire Furnival: So day three of IAAPA and I've just bumped into Matt Barton. Matt Barton: Hello. Claire Furnival: Matt, you wear many hats.Matt Barton: My day job is I'm the founder and CEO of Curtain Up. I'm also the owner of 7th Sense, a company that makes media servers and pixel management systems. But I'm also the president of the Themed Entertainment Association, better known as the TEA.Claire Furnival: Crumbs, the busy man. I hear you had a party last night. Matt Barton: We did. Yeah, we had a very successful mixer. We have a great relationship with IAAPA and we have a mixer at all of IAAPA's events around the globe. And we bring our members together, usually on the second or third night of the event.Claire Furnival: Anything announced last night at the party?Matt Barton: Yeah, so we announced our next SAIT conference, and SAIT stands for Storytelling, Architecture, Technology equals Experience. So it's a thought leadership conference where we talk about trends in the industry, best practices to follow, that kind of thing. We've just finished our SAIT Asia event just three weeks ago now, and that was in New Zealand this year. And we just last announced that we're going to be in Dubai next year. Again, building on that great relationship we have with IAAPA, we're actually doing it almost like a pre-conference event. So it's tied in with IAAPA Middle East, which is going to be in Abu Dhabi. We're going to be the week before. So people can then come to SAIT, enjoy SAIT with us, and then go straight down to Abu Dhabi for the IAAPA conference.Claire Furnival: What activities is it that the TEA do? What do you offer your members?Matt Barton: So a whole range of things. And what I'm going to do now is introduce our CEO, Melissa. Melissa Oviedo.Claire Furnival: Great to meet you, Melissa. So what is it that TEA offers its members?Melissa  Oviedo: We are really the connection community. The connection community for the design, the makers, the builders, the creators. Everybody who delivers world-class experiences around the world, that's really who we are and what we represent. That can be from theme parks to museums to cultural to location-based entertainment. Claire Furnival: So I understand that the TEA does an annual benchmark report. Melissa  Oviedo: Yeah, we've just rebranded this. This is the TEA Theme Experience Index. This is the 19th year that we're doing this benchmark study. Yeah, it's really exciting for us. And what this is, is this is the annual attendance report that tracks attendance data from around the globe for the top theme parks, water parks, and museums globally. It really looks at trends, so we can understand where are the guests going, where are they spending their time, how are the parks, especially as they're coming new on the market, how do they influence those trends? And we're actually going to be launching this on October 22nd.Claire Furnival: So a couple of questions spring to mind on that one. So first of all, can anybody access the report?Melissa  Oviedo: Yeah, sure can. It's a completely free resource. You can go online. If you're not a member, we just ask for you to fill out a quick form so we know who's downloading the report. And you will have full access to all of the data, and we will have actual books to hand out at IAAPA in Orlando in November.Claire Furnival: The sector's very, very, very lucky to have this piece of research. So can you give us any snippets as to what we might see in the report?Melissa  Oviedo: I think you'll see that the theme parks are really consistent. The big players are still the big players with Disney and Universal really driving the... main attendance data. And then China, with Chimalong Park, really still holding rank at number one water park in the world. We're seeing the attendance coming back in a fierce way in China.Melissa  Oviedo: Outlook is positive. Overall, though, you'll be able to find in the report a lot of the trends that we're seeing. A lot of what we're not only anticipating in 2025, but in the future as well, with all of the developments that are happening. So, really exciting, this year's report. Claire Furnival: And what about 2026? What does that bring the TEA? Melissa  Oviedo: Momentum is high, right? The community continues to look at how they diversify as an organisation or as a business. Theme parks is our core, but we're so much more than just that. So I think you're going to see. More people doing really cool and immersive things in new places. I think the definition of themed entertainment gets broadened and further defined. I think that you're going to see more activity and more collaboration because collaboration is really when the magic happens. And you're going to start to see that even more robustly in 2026 and beyond. Claire Furnival: Sounds exciting. So last thought from you, Matt.Matt Barton: Yeah, I just wanted to touch on a couple of things we've got left in 2025 before we look to 2026. So I mentioned SAIT earlier. We also have our SAIT conference in North America coming up. So that's in October. at Knott's Berry Farm, and that ties in with when we're launching the Global Experience Index. And then in November, we've got our mixer, our international mixer, combined with the IAAPA conference in Orlando. And so on the Tuesday night of IAAPA, we have our international mixer at the Isle of Berk attraction at Epic Universe. We've got the whole land, we've got dinner and drinks, and it's going to be a good one, so make sure you get your tickets in.Claire Furnival: One not to miss. Well, it's fabulous to catch up with both you, Matt, and you, Melissa. So thank you very much for your time.Matt Barton: Thank you.Melissa  Oviedo:  Thank you so much, Claire.Andy Povey: So we're on day three, and I'm sitting here with Elliot Hall, who's one of the founding partners behind Expression Capital Partners. Elliot, hello. Elliot Hall: Hi, Andy. Good to see you. Andy Povey: For our listeners at home, can you just tell me what Expression Capital Partners do and treat me like an idiot because I really don't understand the world of investment banking and all that kind of stuff.Elliot Hall: Okay, so Expression Capital Partners is the advisory firm to Entertainment Investments 1LP. Which is specialising in the entertainment industry. Andy Povey: Interesting. So I understand you're doing some work with Hasbro and in particular things like Monopoly.Elliot Hall: Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. So we're looking to open monopoly-themed hotels and casinos around the world. Andy Povey: Wow. Elliot Hall: Along with many of the different types of brands, as we're rather across their 1000 plus brands. Andy Povey: I understand there's also some sporting connections. Tell us a little bit about, tell us what you can. Elliot Hall: Yeah, so what we can. We are working with some brands that have relationships and contracts for the IP for UEFA, FIFA and the FA. Yeah, so some really exciting products there and businesses. And we are in a position to be able to sign licenses and lease agreements and so on. And we're looking at bringing all of those brands together, either in the same cluster of IP attractions or within one building under one roof. Andy Povey: So, Elliot, you guys really are the people that are bringing the magic together. The IP, the operators, and then working out how someone funds it all.Elliot Hall: Yes, absolutely, yes. Andy Povey: Fantastic.Claire Furnival: So I'm here talking to Kevin Murphy from Kraftwerk Living Technologies. How are you finding the show this year and what do you see the trends for 2026 for you, Kraftwerk or also the industry?Kevin Murphy: I think in many respects, the trend at the moment is survival, which isn't being negative, but the world is a different place from how it was pre-COVID. The industry, though, is very, very alive. There's a lot happening out there. It's good to see the show for full. We actually tried to get a booth this year and couldn't. Everything had sold out. It's busy. People are wandering around with a very positive vein. But there's no doubt that there's— world tensions and there's problems with investment— and it does affect the industry and you know we're not immune from that. Kevin Murphy: But what's been good about this show is that a lot of the partners and Clients that we're working with are starting to announce their new projects. You have to bear in mind, for us, we do high technology behind the scenes in parks and museums and science centres. We can be working on them for many, many years. So we've had projects that have been brewing and they're just starting to get announced now. So what I'm seeing is, although there's concern about the industry, there is a slightly more positive vein coming through. I think the economy is improving out there, investors are starting to come out, and you can make money out of our industry.Claire Furnival: So what in particular have you got going on in 2026? Anything you can talk about and share with us?Kevin Murphy: Well, we're very, very pleased it's been announced, so I can talk about it. Plopsaland, which is a park in Belgium, are working with Mac. And I'm delighted to see that they've just announced, earlier than we expected, we're still working behind the scenes, but they've now announced their new flying theatre. Which will be ready and prepared at the end of 2026 for the 2027 opening.Claire Furnival: Congratulations, that's really, really exciting news.Kevin Murphy: Sadly, a lot of the other projects, I still can't say too, too much, because they may not have announced.Claire Furnival: Yeah, the dreaded NDAs.Claire Furnival: Just bumped into Jacob from Attractions. io. How's the show been for you?Jacob   Thompson: Great. This is my second time at IAAPA in Barcelona. It's been even better than the first time. So the weather's held out. Great conversations, great company. So overall, a success.Claire Furnival: And a little birdie has told me that you have a new feature coming out.Jacob   Thompson: That is true. So, yeah, we have launched a new product this month called GX Pulse. And the idea is it's enabling operators to make sense of all the noise of guest reviews and sentiment by breaking... reviews down from TripAdvisor, Google reviews, their own internal platforms to make sense and map that across a guest journey, specifically for attractions. So it's able to understand sentiment across things like queue management, your attractions, your food and beverage, give you scores and benchmark you against other venues. But most importantly, give you actionable insights to make improvements to the guest experience.Claire Furnival: Brilliant use of data there. Really, really, really good. So is this product now launched?Jacob  Thompson: Yes, yes it is. So we've been demoing it across some attractions at the trade show floor this week and it's had some really positive feedback. This product is completely separate from our core app platform and experience. So even if you don't have a mobile app and don't need a mobile app, this can be valuable for anybody that is looking to understand the sentiment and experience of their guests across their attractions.Claire Furnival: Fabulous. Guest will be seeing you in IAAPA Orlando.Jacob   Thompson: Yes, and I heard there's going to be a great party hosted by Skip the Queue.Claire Furnival: I'm not sure we'll be hosting a party, but we'll certainly be partying.Jacob   Thompson: Well, I'll be there to join you nonetheless.Paul Marden: So we're here for the final day of IAAPA Expo Europe. I've had a whale of a time and I'm sat here with Jakob Wahl, who amazingly, considering three days into this fantastic expo, is still looking fresh and bright. Jakob, please introduce yourself for our listeners who may not know you.Jakob  Wahl: I'm president and CEO of IAAPA, the Global Association for the Attractions Industry. I've done that now for two and a half years, but in total I've been with IAPA for, I think, nearly 15 years.Paul Marden: Wow, so man and boy almost.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, you know, and I always say the kid in the candy store— I love doing what we do and bringing people together.Paul Marden: How could you not? So this is my first IAAPA. It has been fantastic and stood on the show floor. I think it was yesterday. I was on my own, done so many interviews. I've been bouncing around, but I just had a few minutes by myself and just stood in the middle of it all. Totally is like being a kid in a candy store, the Willy Wonka moment isn't it? Of what this place is like, because it is so fantastic.Jakob  Wahl:  It is and the most wonderful thing about it is, you know, we as an association, we create a framework, but it is actually all of you, our members, who fill it with life. Because everybody comes together. It's just a massive class reunion. People know each other. And the best thing about it is they're all willing to help and support each other. So obviously, the trade show floor is one component, but we have all those networking sessions, the education sessions, safety corners, we have places where people can exchange, depending on what they work in or where they work, and everybody comes together to share. That is so wonderful, because it's not only family-owned parks, small parks, big parks, but it's also the big private equity corporate players. They're all here to really benefit from this platform, and that fills me with pride.Paul Marden: Good. So, as the week draws to a close, what's been the real highlights for you?Jakob  Wahl: How much time do I have? First of all, the people. It's always the people. It's, you know, for me, it's my team coming together from all around the world, putting this together. And then it's... the people coming and creating those education sessions, creating those moments together, sharing their knowledge. That is just wonderful. There's not one specific moment like that, but it happens all the time. Jakob  Wahl: And then one of the highlights for me is always, always, always the opening reception. That is our Tuesday night event, which took place at Tibidabo, this classic historic amusement park on top of Barcelona. We were a little bit concerned Monday. Will it rain? Will it not rain? So we had to rent tents to make sure that everybody will stay dry. And what happens if you're intense? Obviously, it doesn't rain. Jakob  Wahl: There was an expensive insurance, but it turned out to be exactly that evening. And we have been to Barcelona three times now. We have been to the Tibidabo three times and I think I can be pretty sure that when we go back to Barcelona in three years, we will also go again to Tibidabo because, you know, it's just this evening filled with magic and good people.Paul Marden: Excellent. You've had some time wandering the show floors, I'm sure, talking to suppliers, getting a feel for what's happening in the industry. What have you heard from the show floor that you think is going to influence the sector over the year ahead?Jakob  Wahl: I would have loved to ask you that question, actually. What is your impression?Paul Marden: Oh, the blending of tech with real life I find really interesting. We all want to take our kids to attractions because we want to pull them away from their screens. But there's got to be a hook, I think. And in many cases, there are rides or there are amusements of some form that is a skillful blending of that tech with an in-life, in-real-life experience that I think is the hook to get the kids in. But then we're still wrenching them away from the screens. They're doing something for real with family.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, I think technology enhances the experience. It doesn't replace the experience. I think that is something which is very clear on the show floor, that there are different ways of how you can combine existing attractions with new technology. And we sometimes call it fusion attractions, where you bring several elements into play with each other. And I think that is very important. What we have seen also is an increase in what I would call smart technology. How can you use technology... to improve the guest flow, to make it even smoother. We all want to have a smooth process. It should be easy on the phone. All those things, besides the classic coasters and water slides and inflatables, that is, I think, some area which has really grown on our trade show floor over the past years.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. If you can smooth that process from the moment that they hit the website all the way through, getting them to the experience and then back out the other side and encouraging them to want to return again is really important, isn't it?Jakob  Wahl: And the same is for operations and maintenance, the front of house for the customer, but also the back of house. And we learned some fascinating things. We talked in our leadership breakfast with the CEO of a large park group, and he said, 'There are tools that can now predict 93% of the attendance of every day.' And that is just fascinating because that helps operational planning, that helps food and beverage planning, that helps all those aspects in running a park successfully or running an attraction successfully.Paul Marden: Absolutely. So, as we come to the end of IAAPA Expo Europe, there are many US listeners, I'm sure, also quite a few Brits as well, anticipating IAAPA Expo Orlando in November. Have you got any insider tips or things that we can look forward to in Orlando? Jakob  Wahl: I can say it will be epic. There's quite a significant theme park which opened this year, Epic Universe, which is just down the road from the convention centre.Jakob  Wahl: And we actually have not only... Mark Woodbury is speaking in our keynote in our leadership breakfast. But we also have privatised the park on Thursday evening for the IAAPA Celebrates for four hours. So it is Epic Universe, just for IAAPA members, which will be amazing. I've had the luck to visit the park several times. And I can only tell you, you know, you should be there. The evening before the show opens on Monday, IAAPA has the Legends event, the honorary evening for the Hall of Fame. And this year we're actually inducting five inductees. Among them is Dolly Parton. So if you have ever wanted to meet Dolly Parton. Paul Marden: The real Dolly Parton. Wow.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, Dolly Parton is getting into the IAAPA Hall of Fame, besides some other really fantastic candidates or inductees. And she will be there to receive that accolade. And as you said, you have many British listeners. Next year, IAAPA Expo Europe is in London.Paul Marden: Now, I'd quite like to do an edit for my family that might be listening, because that did sound quite epic. And we need to be absolutely clear that there's lots of hard work to be done in Orlando, as well as enjoying ourselves at Epic and seeing Dolly Parton.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, I'm pretty sure we need to Skip the Queue on site for a podcast from Orlando.Paul Marden: Oh, there we go. There we go. I think we should end it there. Jakob, it has been delightful to meet you. I've really enjoyed it. I'm so grateful for being invited to come to IAAPA this year. Bring the podcast here. I've had so much fun. I've learned so much. It's been wonderful. Thank you.Jakob  Wahl: Oh, we love what you do. Thank you, you know, for making the attractions industry present in the digital space. And we are all great listeners of your podcast. So thank you for what you do for us.Paul Marden: Wow, what a week. A massive thank you to IAAPA for hosting us in Barcelona. It was an incredible few days of connection, innovation, and inspiration. We've absolutely loved being part of it. And who knows, maybe we'll see you again sooner than you think. If you liked today's episode, please like us or leave a comment on your podcast platform. It really does help people to find us. And lastly, thank you to all of the team that made these daily episodes and today's wrap-up session. A possibility without the team it could not have been possible to have done this— thank you to Emily and Sami at Plaster, Steve at Folland Co. Wenayn, Claire, and Andy back at Skip the Queue HQ. It has been a delight to be with you and I look forward to seeing you again next week. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

Aujourd'hui, Curien vient vous expliquer pourquoi à ses yeux Universal va tout chambouler en Europe... au moins sur certains points. Universal va apporter quelque chose qu'Efteling, Disneyland Paris, Europa-Park, Phantasialand, le Parc Astérix, Port Aventura, le Futuroscope et tous les autres n'ont pas vraiment, mais quoi donc ? Et promis, on ne va pas débattre à l'infini sur éventuellement quelles licences y aura-t-il possiblementou pas (tout ça de façon peut-être hypothétique). Pas de débat sans fin sur Wicked, Harry Potter, le Seigneur des Anneaux, Shrek, Retour vers le Futur, Fast & Furious, tout ça, non, ça c'est juste des mots clés pour la description (hé, au moins je la fais pas écrire par IA). Du coup bah j'espère sincèrement que cet édito vous plaira et qu'il vous transmettra quelque chose, que ce soit une réflexion, un questionnement, de la hype ou peut-être même du désespoir, tout cela voudra dire que cette suite de bits et de hertz aura pas été créée en vain. C'est déjà pas mal. Parce que ça pourrait être créé sans vain dans le menu avec vin à 120 ou 100 au menu sans vin mais avec vain. 'fin, un sacré foutoir quoi. Si vous avez lu jusqu'ici dites "je suis un éminent fan de Naglatacha et de Tom de Nultros." Sinon, ben allez soutenir sur Patreon et allez écouter les meilleurs contenus du label, genre... tous les contenus du label. Mais là j'vais faire la promo de Tu connais cette série parce que c'est le plus récent, c'est pas du favoritisme, c'est juste que ptet un jour ça y parlera de For All Mankind on sait pas ????

Balaguer presenta els actes amb motiu de la Diada Nacional de Catalunya. Els actes començaran el dimecres dia 10 de setembre amb l’acte institucional a l’església de Santa Maria. Enguany es commemoraran els 50 anys del Congrés de Cultura catalana, els 150 anys del naixement del compositor de sardanes Juli Garreta i del Mil•lenari de Montserrat. El dimecres dia 11 de setembre se celebrarà al migdia una trobada al monument l’Escull on s’interpretarà la proposta de música i poesia ‘Mai la direm prou’ a càrrec de David Pradas i Núria Miret Aquest dimecres ha tingut lloc la sortida a PortAventura de tots els participants del Jova. En total han estat prop de 400 els participants de 22 municipis de la comarca que han realitzat activitats de voluntariat durant l’època estival per millorar espais del seu municipi Els alcaldes dels municipis afectats pels incendis del Baix Ebre. la Segarra i La Noguera que han estat reconeguts pel govern espanyol com a afectats per una emergència de protecció civil reclamen la màxima celeritat possible en l’arribada dels ajuts. Una rapidesa que consideren essencial per garantir que els agricultors i ramaders afectats puguin mantenir la seva activitat Agricultura desenvolupa un projecte per reduir un 15% el malbaratament alimentari als menjadors escolars. El departament implementarà un projecte pilot a deu escoles de Catalunya des de l’octubre fins al juny de 2026 La delegada del Govern a Lleida, Núria Gil, es reuneix amb UGT per abordar la campanya agrària i les condicions laborals de les persones temporeres Gairebé 69.000 persones participen en un any en les activitats organitzades pels nous rols de l’atenció primària de Lleida i el Pirineu Aquest divendres el Monestir de Santa Maria de les Franqueses acollirà una nova proposta familiar amb l’activitat “Els enigmes d’en Pius”, que tindrà lloc de les 17 a les 19.30 h a l’entorn de l’Aiguabarreig Segre-Noguera Ribagorçana Dissabte continua el cicle “Música sota les Estrelles” al Parc Astronòmic del Montsec amb l’actuació del music Kelly Isaiah Baldomar viurà la seva Festa Major amb una programació plena d’activitats. També Fontllonga celebra la seva Festa Major Esports La Noguera Balaguer es convertirà en la capital del pàdel lleidatà el cap de setmana del 29 al 31 d’agost. El quadre comptarà amb figures destacades del circuit lleidatà de pàdel, i Pablo Burdeos en serà el principal cap de sèrie El balaguerí Antonio Carreño, convocat amb l’equip espanyol +85 del Mundial de Tennis de VeteransDescarregar àudio (26:17 min / 12 MB)

El passat divendres es va posar punt final al segon torn del JoVa (Joves i Valors) a Balaguer, una proposta de voluntariat per a adolescents que combina compromís cívic i activitats lúdiques. En aquesta segona quinzena hi han participat 15 joves de 1r i 2n d’ESO, que han elaborat un mural a l’escola Àngel Guimerà sota la guia de l’il•lustrador Jordi Tordera. El projecte, impulsat per la Paeria amb suport de l’Oficina Jove de la Noguera, inclou la sortida final a PortAventura prevista pel 27 d’agost. Pel que fa a les estades d’estiu municipals, s’encara ja l’última setmana amb una valoració molt positiva S’instal•la Cartelleria d’impacte a Camarasa per alertar del perill de banyar-se. Es tracta d’una de les mesures aprovades per les autoritats arran dels ofegaments de la setmana passada. Des de l’any 2.000 11 persones s’han ofegat en aquesta zona Els Agents Rurals reforcen la vigilància en espais protegits com Mont-rebei coincidint amb el pic de l’estiu. Després de tres anys de sequera, repunta el nombre de visitants i es controla que les barques tinguin autorització Controlada la població de mosca negra a les finques d’arbres fruiters on enguany destaca la proliferació del trip. El sector assegura estar “desarmat” en la lluita per combatre l’insecte i reclama l’autorització de més insecticides Vuit sales de cine de la província de Lleida, entre elles el Cinema Balaguer, s’adhereixen a la tercera edició del programa Cine Sènior. Les persones de més de 65 anys poden assistir al cine un dia de la setmana a un preu reduït de 2€. Avui es podrà veure SUPERMAN i també UN “LIKE” DE BOB TREVINO Balaguer acull una nova campanya de donació de sang i plasma aquest dilluns i demà dimarts “L’enigma Garreta” tanca la 14a edició del cicle Juliol de Música i Poesia a Balaguer, que ja pensa en noves propostes i possibles escenaris per l’edició de l’any vinent Esports El nedador Joel Farré destaca al Campionat Estatal Júnior d’Estiu a Castelló Aquest diumenge s’ha celebrat una nova edició de les 24 hores de pesca de Balaguer, una activitat que no es duia a terme des del 2022 i que enguany ha superat les expectatives de participacióDescarregar àudio (24:15 min / 11 MB)

Hoy vuelve a las charlas de Faq-Mac Edu Herranz, socio en Spatial Voyagers y con quien ya hemos hablado en anteriores ocasiones, como su pionera experiencia de realidad mixta en Port Aventura. Además, en uno de los grandes expertos en España (y posiblemente Europa) en este tipo de entornos innovadores y por lo tanto, recurrimos a él para que nos cuente cómo ve la evolución de Apple Vision Pro, qué impacto pueden tener las novedades anunciadas en visionOS 2 y cuál es su opinión sobre lo que necesita el dispositivo para ser la revolución transformadora que todos esperamos de Apple. Si tienes comentarios, ya sabes, la web, Telegram o en la propia app de podcasts.

TONDI TGB Cap.74 "INQUISIICIONES". Continuamos con nuestros especiales remasterizados para los muy Yonki-Tondis. Inquisición, tema clásico del misterio el de esta semana donde tendremos de invitado al escritor Diego Valor presentándonos su recién publicado libro "200 casos de brujería". Pero contrastando con otras época y páises comprobaremos que lo de España fué poco menos que Port-Aventura... Nuestros colaboradores habituales: José Manuel G. Bautista, Laura Vivancos, Don Luis Luis , Paco Buitrago, Alfonso Fernández y Carlos Horrillo completan los contenidos de esta noche. Dirige y presenta: Carlos Dueñas. Contacto: todonosdaigual@outlook.com

Pese a ser un programa especial sin invitados, Carlo Padial habla brevemente con Bob Dylan, que presenta su libro "Miles Davis secuestró a mi familia (y otros datos valiosos de los mejores músicos de jazz)" y con Xavier De Erausquin, Manager de BRACAFE, sobre cómo la situación internacional está afectando al precio del café. Por lo demás, Carlo habla sobre perros y petardos, su viaje a Port Aventura, ejercicios de respiración en lugares inadecuados, ansiedad, palomitas, panaderos con complejo de superioridad, y el por qué de vez en cuando necesita hacer programas en los que no haya invitado como forma de terapia personal. MEDIA OFFLINE es un podcast presentado por Carlo Padial y producido por Pioneros del s. XXI donde el escritor, humorista y director de cine comparte su peculiar visión del mundo y recibe a invitados, algunos famosos y otros desconocidos, para hablar de cosas que le resultan interesantes. Desde cine, música, hasta insectos, enfermedades, ciencia, café con hielo y economía, todo ello sin restricciones de ningún tipo. A partir de hoy, Carlo Padial será tu mejor amigo en Internet. Online. Y Offline. En Media Offline. Entra en LA MOVIDE.Un programa esponsorizado por Bracafé, C.R.E.M.A. Barber y WODS.Entra hoy en WODS. ES/LAMOVIDEWODS es un box atípico de “crossfit. En L'Hospitalet. Carrer de Sauri 39Si vienes con la contraseña secreta: “la movide WODS” te hacemos 10€ de descuento en tu primer pago (matrícula o cuota mensual).

¿Quién no ha vivido momentos inolvidables en PortAventura World en familia o con amigos? Lo que no todos saben es que detrás de cada experiencia mágica hay un equipo humano impresionante. En este episodio del podcast Humanos con Recursos, hablamos con Belén Badia, Chief People & Culture Officer del resort, para descubrir cómo se gestiona una organización que no solo crea diversión, sino también cultura, propósito y desarrollo.Con 4.000 profesionales y más de 100 millones de visitantes a lo largo de sus 30 años, PortAventura World es uno de los destinos de ocio familiar más importantes de Europa. Pero su magia va mucho más allá de las atracciones.Según Belén, la clave está en ofrecer una experiencia tan inolvidable para el cliente como para el empleado. Y eso implica trabajar el liderazgo, la formación, el reconocimiento y el bienestar con la misma pasión con la que se diseña una montaña rusa.Puntos clave de la entrevistaEmployer Experience desde el primer díaLa experiencia del empleado comienza en el proceso de selección y se extiende a lo largo de todo su ciclo en la compañía. Desde el onboarding hasta la despedida, todo está pensado para que el paso por PortAventura sea memorable.Liderazgo con método propioHan creado su propio modelo de liderazgo: COMETA (Conectar, Orientar, Movilizar, Empatizar, Transformar, Apreciar). Una metodología que guía la formación de más de 600 líderes en todos los niveles de la organización.Reconocimiento que transformaEl programa PowerPoints premia a los empleados por vivir los valores de la empresa. Estos puntos se pueden canjear por experiencias y regalos, reforzando así una cultura de reconocimiento continuo.Bienestar integral todo el añoEl programa PAW365 cuida de la salud física, mental y personal de los equipos. Incluye desde gimnasio propio y actividades dirigidas hasta apoyo psicológico y asesoramiento legal o financiero.Engagement que se celebraLa campaña PauTeam impulsa el orgullo de pertenencia con eventos, afterworks y celebraciones como la gran fiesta del 30 aniversario, creada solo para empleados, en las atracciones del parque.Formación con impacto realGracias a la colaboración con la Universidad Rovira i Virgili han lanzado PAW Academy: un programa con grados y micro credenciales específicas para el sector del turismo y los parques temáticos.Te invitamos a escuchar esta charla con Belén Badía y descubrir cómo el propósito puede convertirse en cultura, y cómo la experiencia del empleado puede estar al nivel de la del visitante. En PortAventura World no solo se construyen recuerdos, también se construye una organización donde las personas brillan.¿Te gustaría ser un líder inusual dispuesto a aprender, crecer y cambiar para hacer una diferencia positiva en el mundo? Reserva tu plaza en el MBA INUSUAL, lo que nunca aprenderás en una escuela de negocios.Este programa de transformación y reeducación ejecutiva te llevará más allá de la administración de empresas, para convertirte en un líder innovador, audaz y con visión de futuro, una oportunidad para reinventar el liderazgo y a ti mismo. ¡Te esperamos!

T'expliquem de viva veu els 27 Premis Roc Boronat de literatura en català. La cerimònia d’entrega del Premi Literari Roc Boronat va tenir lloc dimecres 9 d’abril a l’Auditori de l’ONCE a Barcelona, en memòria d’aquest escriptor i polític republicà, promotor del Sindicat de Cecs de Catalunya. L’acte va estar presidit per Francesc Xavier Vila, conseller de Política Lingüística de la Generalitat de Catalunya. El jurat va escollir l’autor Toni Rodríguez Piris com a guanyador per l’obra presentada amb el títol Aproximadament dos quilos i mig, una novel·la que reflexiona sobre la necessitat d’aprofitar el temps. El premi està dotat amb 6.000 €. L’obra de Toni Rodríguez Piris arribarà a les llibreries a la tardor publicada per Univers. A la categoria exclusiva per a escriptors cecs o amb discapacitat visual greu, Antonio Lozano i Rabaneda va guanyar en l’apartat de prosa amb l’obra Soc a casa, amb un premi de 900 €. Narra, amb molta ironia i com si fos una carrera d’obstacles, les dificultats per viatjar sent cec de Ripollet a Barcelona. El delegat de l’ONCE a Catalunya Enric Botí destacà el compromís de la institució amb la llengua catalana i la producció literària. Durant la vetllada, es va retre homenatge a l’escriptor Xavier Bosch. La Gran Setmana de l’ONCE a Catalunya. La Setmana del Grup Social ONCE a Catalunya, sota el lema ‘Braille, 200 anys obrint portes’, va tenir lloc del 21 al 31 de maig i es van realitzar activitats a 17 centres i agències que l'ONCE té a Catalunya. Culminà amb la celebració del Diada de la Gran Família del Grup Social ONCE a Catalunya, dissabte 31 de maig, a PortAventura. Jugadors del Terrassa FC, el tenista Tommy Robredo, els escriptors Rafel Nadal, Martí Gironell, Tània Juste, Coia Valls, el Màgic Andreu, el Conseller d’Esports,... es van posar en la pell d’una persona cega per un dia. Les activitats de la Setmana del Grup Social ONCE a Catalunya van tenir una finalitat múltiple: compartir les capacitats i habilitats de les persones amb discapacitat visual; amplificar la necessitat de disposar d'entorns, béns i productes accessibles i inclusius; visibilitzar la importància de la igualtat d'oportunitats de totes les persones, i potenciar els valors de la il·lusió, la solidaritat i sensibilitzar la ciutadania donant-li l’opció de posar-se en la pell d’una persona cega. Aquest any la gran setmana va ser també un homenatge al braille, el sistema de lectoescriptura més important per a milions de persones cegues a tot el món i que enguany celebra el seu bicentenari. Dia Internacional de Persones amb sordceguesa. El passat 27 de juny es va celebrar el Dia Internacional de les persones amb sordceguesa. Per tal de donar-li visibilitat i amb l’objectiu d’oferir una experiència sensorial única al col·lectiu, l’ONCE Catalunya organitzà, com cada any, una sortida inclusiva i accessible. Aquest any, més de 60 persones amb sordceguesa, juntament amb els seus mediadors, han realitzat una visita guiada al Park Güell. Gràcies a aquesta iniciativa, els participants es van submergir, mitjançant el tacte, en aquesta joia del Modernisme. En el cas de les persones amb sordceguesa, a Catalunya n’hi ha més de 500 afiliats a l’ONCE, el tacte és la seva manera de comunicar-se i entendre el món que els envolta. Carlos Martínez va ser un dels assistents a la visita al Park Güell i, a través de la seva mediadora Eva Maria García, ens explica l’emoció que va sentir durant la visita i la importància de comptar amb entorns adaptats, per tal que les persones amb discapacitat puguin gaudir i descobrir llocs nous en igualtat de condicions. Actes de celebració 40 aniversari CRE ONCE Barcelona: la importància de la música i les famílies. El passat dissabte 24 de maig, en el marc de la celebració dels 40 anys de la signatura del conveni entre el Departament d’Educació i l’ONCE i la inauguració del Centre de Recursos Educatius (CRE) ONCE Barcelona, va tenir lloc, a la seu de l’Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC), la XIX Trobada ‘Música a les Mans’, una jornada on van participar estudiants cecs o amb discapacitat visual greu d’escoles de música i conservatoris de Catalunya, Aragó i Navarra. També amb motiu del 40 aniversari del CRE, el dissabte 26 d’abril va tenir lloc la IV Jornada amb Famílies, un dia ple de sorpreses i activitats lúdiques per compartir entre alumnes, famílies i professionals. Els assistents van poder conèixer alguns dels personatges de Star Wars, ballar zumba, fer batucada, realitzar dibuixos amb textures, escriure en braille, participar en el concurs de mecanografia... https://boletinnoticiascatalunya.once.es

Según el III Estudio de Oney sobre hábitos de consumo, los españoles gastarán un 48 % más en sus vacaciones de verano que en 2024, con una media de 1.339 € por persona. A pesar de la inflación, el 94 % tiene previsto viajar, aunque un 22 % recurrirá a la financiación. La playa será el destino favorito, mientras que los viajes internacionales concentrarán el mayor gasto.OK Mobility se convierte en partner oficial de movilidad de PortAventura World, coincidiendo con el 30º aniversario del resort temático. La compañía proporcionará vehículos eléctricos e híbridos para cubrir los desplazamientos internos y necesidades de movilidad del equipo de PortAventura, en una alianza que refuerza el compromiso conjunto con la innovación y la sostenibilidad en el sector del ocio.El 1 de julio se abre el plazo para solicitar los viajes del Imserso para la temporada 2025/2026, que contará con 879.213 plazas, ligeramente menos que el año pasado. Las solicitudes podrán presentarse hasta el 23 de julio y los primeros turnos de viaje están previstos a partir de octubre.Turespaña redefine su estrategia de promoción turística con un enfoque en los destinos del interior y el turismo sostenible, dejando de lado el tradicional sol y playa. Con motivo de su 40 aniversario, lanza la campaña internacional bajo el lema "Think You Know Spain? Think Again", destinada a fomentar viajes fuera de temporada y promocionar destinos menos conocidos. En los próximos tres años invertirá 30 millones de euros en marketing, contando en su fase inicial con la participación de 12 comunidades mayoritariamente interiores.

Salvador Illa presenta la seva proposta per a l'ampliació de l'aeroport: en Mohamed no s'ho acaba de creure. El Professor de Debò resol el misteri de l'aeroport fantasma. El Doctor de Femta respon preguntes sobre el primer banc de femta català.

El primer parque temático español cumplió el 1 de mayo su 30º aniversario, sí, de cuando Jordi Pujol y Marta Ferrusola subieron al Dragon Khan y ella dijo lo de “És una sensació”. Nos juntamos con Oscar Elgarrista, de adrenalina.cat, que ha llevado a cabo durante varios años una investigación y entrevistas a miembros del parque en sus primeros años. Con ello ha lanzado la serie PortAventura Casting ‘95 en YouTube. Nos servirá de guía para hablar de aquella época, así como para darnos su punto de vista desde el mundo de la ingeniería. No nos faltarán las opiniones de los oyentes con 14 anécdotas que nos han mandado para compartir ese momento.

Portaventura World in Spanje viert dit jaar zijn dertigste verjaardag en dat is enigszins in mineur: het park staat al even te koop. Tijd dus voor een kritische SWOT-analyse van het Spaanse resort: wat doet het resort goed en wat kan beter?

In D-Tales 413 bespreken we samen met Dennis van Oossanen de Upperlot Podcast de komst van Universal naar Europa. Welke impact gaat dit hebben, en is dit goed of slecht nieuws voor Disneyland Parijs? Daarnaast bespreken we de ontwikkeling in de Disney parken, op Disney+ en kijken we kort terug naar Jorn's vakantie in Azië. 00:00 Introductie02:16 Aankondiging van Universal Studios Europa

Serà els dies 17 i 18 de maig, amb un preu de 150 euros pels adults i de 95 euros pels infants de dos a dotze anys.

GreenMeteoMauri ens acosta a PortAventura World, el parc d'atraccions amb les xifres de sostenibilitat m

Fes-te'n mecenes i gaudeix dels avantatges! https://larrabassada.aixeta.cat/ Per fi som a Tarragona, la Txernòbil de Catalunya, la demarcació més oblidada i menyspreada del país. I no està només menystinguda pel Govern, sinó també per nosaltres, que hem esperat fins a l'episodi 47 per gravar-hi un programa. Lleida, Perpinyà, València, fins i tot Tàrrega han passat pel davant de Tarragona. Molt lamentable. I és que Tarragona, des de fa anys és el lloc on s'aboca tota la merda del país. Petroquímiques, nuclears, el Hard Rock, Port Aventura, Miami Platja... Tarragona és el paradís del ciment, del turisme cutre i dels macroprojectes i, de tant en tant, entre infraestructures vàries, hi ha algun monument romà. De fet, literalment l'Arc de Berà és una rotonda enmig de la Nacional envoltada de càmpings lamentables o el Pont del Diable és una àrea de servei de l'AP-7. En tot cas, Tarragona, aquest contínuum d'apartaments ocupats per aragonesos i sociates que van al kàrting els diumenges, ja n'està farta. Tarragona no vol ser el cul de Catalunya ni vol ser el pati del darrere on s'entafora tota la merda que no volem que ens posin a Girona o a Barcelona. Per què el sud sembla la deixalleria de Catalunya? Per què Puigdemont va dir que a Girona no hi havia espai pel Hard Rock però a Tarragona, en canvi, sí? Volem continuar destruint la costa tarragonina amb més macroprojectes i apostar només pel turisme? De tot això i molt més en parlarem amb els nostres dos convidats, gent que lluita per tenir un Camp de Tarragona més viu, més net i amb més oportunitats, l'Anna Recasens d'Aturem Hard Rock i en Misael Alerm d'Stop Creuers TGN. A banda de tot això, avui l'Iñaki i el Marc faran una secció conjunta i uniran forces per “tunnejar” el Tarragonès i el Baix Camp, però abans de tot intentarem arreglar el món. Les parts: 0:00 - Intro 6:02 - Tarragona i els macroprojectes 35:01 - Preguntes ràpides 47:02 - El Tomb 1:01:24 - La tertúlia 1:24:38 - Pimp My Land 1:38:39 - Comiat

In this extra episode, Sven and Andreu talk about the novelties coming to PortAventura Resort this year. As the park celebrates its 30th anniversary, they showcased many reasons to come and visit this major resort in Europe.

podcast recorded with enacast.com

Alf, junto a Edu Herranz de Spatial Voyagers y Jordi Centelles de Port Aventura nos cuentan los retos para crear la primera experiencia mundial en realidad mixta en un parque de atracciones.  Retos, expectativas, riesgos y futuro en una charla distendida donde conoceremos la intrahistoria de Hysteria en Boothill.  

Hey There, Hi There, Ho There and welcome to another Disneyland Paris Show! We're live from 8:30 BST every Sunday with the latest DLP news, audience trip reports, and usual fun and frolics! This week we have more trip reports including a view of Port Aventura in Spain from a DLP enthusiast... We're raising money for Dementia UK: https://www.justgiving.com/page/37disneystreetlive DLP Show - https://link.chtbl.com/DlpShow Classics Show - https://link.chtbl.com/37disneystreet Get in touch with the show: Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/253883834248894/ Instagram @37disney_street | Facebook facebook.com/37DisneyStreet | email mailbox@37disneystreet.co.uk Check out our new merch on teepublic: https://www.teepublic.com/user/disneystreet Support us on Patreon and catch the Extra Magic Time Show: https://www.patreon.com/37disneystreet

La Paeria de Balaguer ha capturat 300 coloms en un mes amb les gàbies instal•lades Centre històric per lluitar contra la plaga de coloms. La intenció de la Paeria es mantenir-les i fins i tot es planteja ampliar-les a la resta de la ciutat. També a banda de les gàbies es té previst implementar properament el pinso esterilitzant Aquest dimecres ha tingut lloc la sortida a PortAventura de tots els participants del Jova. En total han estat 350 els participants de 22 municipis de la comarca que han realitzat activitats de voluntariat durant l’època estival per millorar espais del seu municipi La inflació cau sis dècimes a l’agost i se situa en el 2,2% pel descens dels preus dels carburants i de l’alimentació. Es tracta de la dada més baixa del darrer any La UGT denuncia Elecnor per incomplir el conveni del metall de Lleida i posar en perill 30 llocs de feina. El grup, que ha guanyat una licitació de MasOrange, es nega a subrogar els treballadors de l’empresa anterior Nou comunitats de regants vinculades a l’ACATCOR, entre aquestes la de l’Algerri-Balaguer, rebran una subvenció per impulsar la digitalització en el regadiu. Els projectes seleccionats formen part dels esforços per modernitzar el reg i avançar cap a una gestió sostenible de l’aigua UP demana al nou conseller d’Agricultura gestió de la sequera i mesures per assegurar la viabilitat del sector. El sindicat es reuneix amb Ordeig i també li reclama control de la fauna cinegètica per frenar els danys als cultius Maria del Mar Bonet protagonitza aquest divendres el concert de cloenda del festival d’estiu del Mil•lenari de Sant Pere de Ponts Festa major de Fontllonga del 29 al 31 d’agost Esports El diumenge dia 8 de setembre se celebrarà a Sant Llorenç de Montgai la Travessia de natació. Una competició de natació en aigües obertes al pantà de Sant Llorenç, en diferents modalitats i categories a nivell nacional.Descarregar àudio (22:18 min / 10 MB)

En este episodio os cuento nuestro viaje a Port Aventura y Barcelona en caravana, pero como siempre a mi manera. Areas y camping que visitamos, trucos para port aventura, un pequeño percance y sobre todo nuestras anécdotas en este viaje. No dejéis de escucharlo hasta el final porque seguramente os sirva de ayuda para no hacer lo que nosotros hacemos. Salud amor y camping.

OUI on fait Noël en février, ET ALORS ? Curien et nagla, avec l'aide des nouveaux membres de l'association Kannloar, PierreH2O et Tom (qui n'est pas là mais qui a beaucoup aidé, encore merci à lui !), on fait le tour d'Europe des fêtes de Noël ou de l'hiver dans les parcs. Et vous savez quoi, y'a une souris qui FERAIT BIEN DE REGARDER CE QUI SE FAIT AILLEURS MOI JDIS ÇA JDIS RIEN. 7:24 Le Point Spot10:17 Phantasialand : Wintertraum0:53:30 Port Aventura : comme les rois mages (en Galilée)1:10:55 Walibi Belgium : Walibi Winter1:19:40 Plopsaland : Winter Magic1:34:45 Parc astérix : Noël Gaulois2:19:36 Et Disneyland Paris alors ? Le bilan Découvrez tout ce que notre association a à offrir et soutenez-nous sur elabete.com ! Et pensez à notre Patreon !

Parlem a la tert

Est-ce une bonne idée d'aller de la chaleur et des coasters en Espagne début janvier ? Oui... Et non. C'est ce qu'a essayé nagla et il vous raconte Port Aventura World, avec donc Port Aventura et Ferrari Land ! On discute coaster, dark-ride (pas beaucoup), théma, hôtels, bouffe... Mais aussi problèmes d'organisation et temps d'attente ! Est-ce qu'un Universal aurait bien raison de racheter, et qu'est-ce qu'ils devraient y faire ? Tant de QUESTIONS Rien que d'y penser est un podcast du label Élabète, et si vous voulez savoir ce que l'association de pain d'épic... vous propose, normalement, faut aller sur le TRÈS BEAU site de nagla : http://elabete.com et pour nous soutenir, c'est sur Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/rienquedypenser !

De eerste aflevering van 2024 is een feit! Dennis en Nicky praten je bij rond het laatste Universal nieuws.

Notre envoyé spécial Sebastien Ganzer est de retour comme chaque année pour un gros débrief de la saison d'Halloween! Et cette année, la tendance est au renouveau. Apres une vingtaine d'années de maisons hantées et mazes basées principalement sur l'horreur et les jump scares, cette année les ambiances oppressantes et anxiogènes sont au rendez-vous. En cette saison d'halloween 2023 Seb a eu la chance de visiter Toverland, Walibi Holland, Walibi Belgium, Parc Astérix, Port Aventura, Parque Warner Madrid et Europa Park. Rien que ça! Et au rayon digressions, on revient brièvement sur vos hot takes sulfureuses de l'épisode précédent et Sebastien nous racontera peut-être sa rencontre avec... Lena Situations! Merci pour votre écoute!

We are deep into spooky and Swiftie season. Thanks to this week's Patreon supporter, Jemima! Happy birthday to Ann's dad too! Phoenix Register: MinaLima's pop-up House of MinaLima is open in Paris from October 27 to March 9! To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter, and the release of MinaLima's Prisoner of Azkaban, the Franklin Roosevelt station in Paris has been decorated with huge Harry Potter illustrations. Check out the La Gazette article here. No owl post ☹ Tell us why your favorite public transit system should have a stop named after Newt Scamander! Main Discussion: theme parks! Amy needs immersion in her theme park experiences. Could we be getting a Wizarding World in Europe? More information on Universal's possible acquisition of PortAventura here. (Article by Shannen!) How many of us are roller coaster people? (Spoiler: none of us) Watch a Hippogriff lesson at Universal Osaka here. Shannen tells the story of a sneaky, magical wedding. Brief spoilers for Hagrid's Motorbike Adventures at 00:25:19 - 00:25:30. Pro-tip: ride the Hogwarts Express both ways! Watch Celestina Warbeck's Christmas show here. Epic Universe discussion, including pretty major spoilers, runs from 00:46:45 – 01:10:45. Specific ride spoilers from 00:53:20 – 1:00:51. Skip if you want to go into Epic Universe unspoiled! We get to armchair Imagineer! SpeakBeasty meetup in 2025! Newtcase: vampires! “He was born in 1776, as all Americans were.” Some owls have a scientific name of strigoi! We discuss our first vampires. Podcast Question: What do you expect from the Circus Arcanus show in Epic Universe?

Los Martín viajan al lugar más maravilloso de la Tierra, Port Aventura, en el product Placement más espectacular hasta la fecha. Tú únele a eso a Juani y Poli intentando hacer una paella dominguera y a Matías organizando una House Party descontrolada y el resultado es uno de los mejores capítulos de esta santa serie hasta el momento.

We thought a fitting main topic this week would be 'If we owned PortAventura World' We also discuss all the latest Theme Park news from around the globe including Lightning Rod (Dollywood) and Black Mamba being closed.

Tour PortAventura World with Sean and Alex in Spain! From Shambhala to Furios Baco, discover every inch of the resort. Note: Episode was recorded prior to the news (on 9/12) that the resort is for sale. Find out more at https://coaster-kings-radio.pinecast.co

Si algo tienen en común los cementerios, los parques de atracciones y Nicholas Cage, es el episodio de esta semana. Acompáñanos a hacer una ruta por el cementerio más maldito del mundo, a hablar de peces y las profundidades del océano y a descubrir un parque de atracciones de lo más peculiar. Agárrate, se vienen curvas. Casos: Cementerio St. Louis 1 y Lake Shawnee Amusement Park Dónde encontrarnos 👇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Simequereismorirse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simequereispodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simequereismorirse Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMQpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simequereispodcast/ Si quieres acceder a más contenido, considera apoyarnos en Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/simequereispodcast

Jesús Úbeda y David Vinuesa comentan las noticias de la semana como... ¿PortAventura regala entradas? ¿124 kebabs en un mes? ¿Musk VS Zuckerberg?

Buckle up! Filling the Sink goes on a roller coaster ride through Catalonia's theme parks and water parks. We venture into ‘Uncharted' territory at PortAventura, checking out the park's new dark ride, based on the hit video game and movie of the same name.  Plus, a guide to various parks, past and present, and a look at how some water parks are coping with the ongoing drought.  This week's Catalan phrase is 'fer dentetes.' Literally 'making small teeth,' it means to make someone envious.  Presented by Lorcan Doherty with Kate Naessens and Gerard Esciach Folch   

Lots of theme park news to sink our teeth into in this delayed episode of the Park Rush podcast; including theme park attendance figures for 2022, Uncharted's grand opening at PortAventura, The Last Of Us coming to Halloween Horror Nights, and more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkrush/message

Tom gives Josh the lowdown on his trip to PortAventura. Follow along with the day one Twitter thread - https://twitter.com/ParkRushPodcast/status/1651629577343574033 And day two - https://twitter.com/ParkRushPodcast/status/1651965202647097344 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkrush/message

Diego Fortea recupera un momento único de la radio, cuando Luis del Olmo envió a su tertuliano Javier Nart a probar la atracción del Dragon Khan en la inauguración de Port Aventura. 

Tom is back with another hotel room debrief on his second and final day at PortAventura. Here's the day's Twitter thread - https://twitter.com/ParkRushPodcast/status/1651854952665317377 And here's the YouTube live stream from the park - https://youtube.com/live/VqabcuY9nQw?feature=share --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkrush/message

Tom comes at you from his hotel room in Salou with his thoughts on day one at PortAventura! Here's the day's Twitter thread - https://twitter.com/ParkRushPodcast/status/1651488289277263878 And here's the YouTube live stream - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSy4b8LjAMA --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkrush/message

Les parcs d'attractions Universal ont la reputation de créer la surprise en allant là où leur principal concurrent Disney ne va pas. Alors que la construction du futur parc Epic Universe à Orlando avance à une vitesse fulgurante, ces derniers mois, le développement de ce qui s'appelle désormais "Universal Destinations & Experiences" a encore pris un coup d'accélérateur avec la présentation de deux projets à venir : un parc orienté enfants/famille à Frisco au Texas et "Universal Monsters Unleashed" , un complexe de labyrinthes horrifiques qui sera ouvert à l'année à Las Vegas. Enfin, on fait le point sur ces folles rumeurs qui agitent les internettes depuis quelques semaines sur l'hypothétique retour d'Universal aux commandes de Port Aventura chez nous en Europe. Liens: - Tout sur Universal Epic Universe - Le projet de parc familial d'Universal au Texas - Universal Monsters Unleashed à Las Vegas - Omega Mart, l'experience/supermarché totalement zinzin à Las Vegas - Les fameux indices qui peuvent laisser croire au rachat d'Universal par Port Aventura

In this week's episode, there is a ton of news to cover, with topics such as an update from the Orlando FreeFall accident, Bob Iger returning to Disney as CEO, and some new attractions that have been announced in this past week! In the second half of the show, the drama is covered that has occurred within the last two weeks, including some that Bob got into on Twitter!  Make sure to grab a snack and sit back and enjoy this week's episode! Show Notes: Quest Engineering report released, Orlando Freefall purposely set to have "larger opening" Orlando Freefall Records altered Bob Iger returns as Disney CEO Bob Iger outlines vision for Disney as he returns as CEO Disney files patent for new "drop swing track" system CityWalk Orlando opening "Great Movie Escape" this month Kennywood closes early... later because of weather Dreamworld Australia announces new additions Former Six Flags CEO passes away Port Aventura new coaster theme announced Original Tweet from Bob Mentioned Tweet from IAAPA Referenced in Second Half Tweet defending NRCMA 2016 Reference to a Public Wing Video Referenced in Second Half

This week we're joined by Parks and Pints (Abi and Nicole)! We talk all about Theme Park enthusiasm, vlogging, and getting into the community. We also talk news from PortAventura new 'Uncharted' Roller Coaster, Joris En De Draak at Efteling getting a Titan Track from GCI, and the rumours surrounding Grand National at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

In this week's episode, we talk about Bob Iger stepping back into Disney as CEO (sorry Bob Chapek). We also discuss PortAventura's new Intamin Roller Coaster, Legoland Germany's Mythica Roller Coaster (B&M) and Thorpe Park re-tracking Colossus debate.

In an excerpt from the latest episode of Points of Departure, the hosts travel to PortAventura to discuss their Dreams program which was designed with the intention of giving a break to all those families with children who have spent a long period of time in hospitals.

Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is  Kelly Molson, MD of Rubber Cheese.Download our free ebook The Ultimate Guide to Doubling Your Visitor NumbersIf you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website rubbercheese.com/podcast.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned in this podcastCompetition ends January 31st 2023. The winner will be contacted via Twitter. Show references: https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/https://twitter.com/DraytonManorhttps://www.instagram.com/draytonmanor/https://www.tiktok.com/@drayton_manor Danielle Nicholls - Senior Content Executive at Drayton Manor ResortWhen I graduated from Leeds Trinity University with a degree in Media & Marketing and a multitude of marketing placements in 2017, I was set on combining my two passions - storytelling and theme parks.After a year in a marketing communications role with a tour operator, I was lucky enough to secure a role in the Drayton Manor marketing team.Here at Drayton, I'm responsible for creating engaging visual and written content for all marketing channels - including web, PR, email, in park signage and of course, social media.My main focus over the last 4 and a half years has been to build an engaged social community across all our channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube.I'm forever grateful to work in such a fantastic industry, filled with incredible energy and enthusiasm.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichollsdanielle/Twitter @dnicholls_Instagram @_daniellenicholls Ross Ballinger - Design & Brand Manager at Drayton Manor Resort (Inc. Hotel, Zoo & Europe's only Thomas Land) Brand protector and innovator... I played a senior role in a busy agency studio team for nearly 9 years. I joined fresh from leaving university with a sort after London placement under my belt.I now produce fresh, engaging, and dynamic design creative for digital advertising, marketing campaigns, theme park attractions, working closely alongside a talented Marketing team. All to promote Drayton Manor Resort in the most effective and exciting method possible.I can guarantee expertise and a wealth of experience, the final outcome of the design process is not the end of my creative input, you can be assured that maintaining brand continuity and freshly injected excitement remains my priority.Spend time with me and you'll understand why I wanted to be an Actor, but you'll be glad I didn't as my energy provides office enthusiasm and endless creative steer.www.linkedin.com/in/ross-ballingerwww.behance.net/rossballinger(Portfolio)Instagram @rossballingerTwitter @rossballingerTikTok @rossballinger Transcriptions: Kelly Molson: Welcome to Skip the Queue, a podcast for people working in, or working with, visitor attractions. I'm your host, Kelly Molson. In today's episode, I speak with two great team members from Drayton Manor, Danielle Nicholls, Senior Content Executive, and Ross Ballinger, the Design and Brand Manager. We discuss the complex rebranding process. And how building a great social media community can mean your fans having your back when it comes to big change. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue.Kelly Molson: Woohoo, I've got Danielle and Ross from Drayton Manor on the podcast today. Hello.Danielle Nicholls: Hi.Ross Ballinger: Hello there. Very excited to be here.Kelly Molson: I love how excited you are. I'm just talking, listeners, Danielle and Ross are literally the most pumped guests I've ever had on the podcast.Ross Ballinger: That's it, we'd better live up to that now.Danielle Nicholls: I know, right?Kelly Molson: They've got a snazzy Drayton Manor background behind them, which is looking fierce. But as ever, we're going to start with our icebreaker questions. Imagine that you're just down your pub with your mates. This is how I need you to feel with the icebreaker questions.Ross Ballinger: Okay. Get a few beers in.Kelly Molson: Ready?Ross Ballinger: Yeah.Kelly Molson: What are you most likely to buy when you exit through the gift shop?Danielle Nicholls: Pin badge, I reckon. Yeah, I've got a little pin badge collection.Kelly Molson: I like this. Ross?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, I'm very similar. I'm fridge magnet.Kelly Molson: You can't go wrong with a fridge magnet.Ross Ballinger: No. And we've got a secondary fridge, under the stairs, which where we keep the beers. And that's where all the fridge magnets go, at the end, if we've been to an attraction.Danielle Nicholls: I love it.Kelly Molson: Is that because your house is beautiful and your partner does not want them on her fridge and you have to hide them?Ross Ballinger: Exactly. Exactly that. The wife does not want them on the normal fridge. They're hidden behind the door.Kelly Molson: Oh, I like her style.Ross Ballinger: But I've got to get a fridge magnet.Kelly Molson: Pin badges, fridge magnets, excellent choices. Mine would be a rubber. Have I told you about my rubber collection?Danielle Nicholls: That's interesting, no.Ross Ballinger: So you collect branded rubbers?Kelly Molson: Right. Well, I used to when I was a kid. I'm going to show you them. I've got them on the desk next to me.Danielle Nicholls: Oh my God, please do.Kelly Molson: I'm sorry, listeners. For the people that are listening, this is rubbish. But if you're watching the YouTube video, hello. Welcome to my rubber collection.Danielle Nicholls: Amazing.Kelly Molson: So they still smell. Again, this is not podcast material, but they smell absolutely incredible.Ross Ballinger: Smell really good.Danielle Nicholls: Oh my God, I love it.Kelly Molson: This is an '80s collection of novelty rubbers.Danielle Nicholls: What's your oldest rubber in there, which have you had the longest?Kelly Molson: So there's one in there from the planetarium, the London Planetarium.Ross Ballinger: Doesn't exist anymore. There you go, that's memorabilia.Kelly Molson: Look at my Thorpe Park one, that's my Thorpe Park one.Danielle Nicholls: Oh my gosh, that is a throwback.Ross Ballinger: Oh, that's a good one.Kelly Molson: This is an old one as well. Anyway-Ross Ballinger: Everyone still does rubbers, so we fit in there with you.Kelly Molson: Because I can collect them.Ross Ballinger: Pin badge, magnet, rubber.Danielle Nicholls: We stick together.Ross Ballinger: That's a perfect combo.Kelly Molson: It's like the perfect triangle. We're the perfect gift shop triangle. Okay, all right, next one. If you had to live in a sitcom for the rest of your life, which sitcom would you choose and why?Ross Ballinger: Oh, mine's easy.Danielle Nicholls: I feel like we're going to be the same.Ross Ballinger: Yeah.Danielle Nicholls: Friends.Ross Ballinger: Friends, yeah.Kelly Molson: Aww. Who would you be, if you had to be one of the characters?Danielle Nicholls: I'm like a perfect mix between Phoebe, Rachel, and Monica, I think.Kelly Molson: Nice, okay. Again, another little triangle.Danielle Nicholls: Maybe more towards Phoebe, I'm a bit more hippie, I guess.Kelly Molson: Ross, what about you?Ross Ballinger: I love all the guys. I love for all the guys. Because I just love Chandler because he's so funny. But then Ross is funny as well, when he doesn't try to be funny. But Ross is just such a good actor. And you don't realise, until you watch it 17,000 times, actually how good of an actor he was. I think I'd have to-Danielle Nicholls: Can you be a Gunther?Ross Ballinger: No, no. I think I just have to sway towards Chandler. Just because he was known for being comedic and stupid.Kelly Molson: And now you feel like that's your life role?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I would go and live Chandler's life any day.Kelly Molson: Okay, I love this. All right, good, good answers. It's what I thought you were going to say. This is what I thought.Ross Ballinger: Did you?Kelly Molson: Yeah, I thought it was going to be Friends. All right. If you had to pick one item to win a lifetime supply of, what would you pick?Danielle Nicholls: That is so hard.Ross Ballinger: I know. Probably whiskey, lifetime supply of whiskey, just coming out the tap.Kelly Molson: It's a good choice.Danielle Nicholls: I genuinely don't know. That's really, really hard.Ross Ballinger: It's got to be food or drink, surely.Danielle Nicholls: It's got to be crisps or something like that. You can't beat a crisps and dip combo.Kelly Molson: Yeah. What about a crisp sandwich? How do we feel about crisp sandwiches?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Danielle Nicholls: Oo, I'm not sure about that one.Kelly Molson: What?Danielle Nicholls: I'm not sure.Ross Ballinger: Come one, you're Northern. You can put anything in a sandwich.Danielle Nicholls: I would put crisps inside a cheese sandwich or something like that. But I wouldn't just have the crisps.Kelly Molson: See, I would do it either. I'm happy to have a filling sandwich with crisps in it. Or just a plain crisp sandwich.Ross Ballinger: I'd do either.Kelly Molson: What I really love about you two is how well you get on. And we're going to talk a little bit about this in the podcast today about your roles and what you do at Drayton Manor. But you look like-Ross Ballinger: Is it that evident?Kelly Molson: Yeah, it's that evident. But even from your social media channels... You guys feature quite heavily across Drayton Manor's social media channels. And, honestly, it just looks like you have the best time ever. And I want to hear more about it. But, firstly, I need your unpopular opinions. What have you prepared for us?Ross Ballinger: Okay, do you want to go first?Danielle Nicholls: As Ross alluded, I'm very, very Northern, I think. My accent a little bit, but more like how I am. So mine is, it's not a bap, it's not a bread roll, it's not a cob, it's a muffin.Kelly Molson: What?Danielle Nicholls: A muffin. That's mine.Ross Ballinger: It's a cob, it's a cob.Danielle Nicholls: No, it's a muffin.Ross Ballinger: Cob. You call it a cob.Danielle Nicholls: A muffin.Kelly Molson: No, it's a bun. What's wrong with you all?Ross Ballinger: Do you say bun? A muffin's a cake.Danielle Nicholls: I say batch as well. My partner calls it a batch, which is crazy to me. But muffin, we'll go muffin.Kelly Molson: Okay. For now, we'll accept muffin. Ross?Danielle Nicholls: Moving on.Ross Ballinger: Mine is, I just think soap operas are crap, honestly. I was going to swear, but I can't stand soap operas. And I know there's a lot of people out there that love them. But I just can't, I can't watch them. I just think they're so depressing. And if they're on, if I accidentally get home and the channel's on where it's on, I get anxious. And I have to find the remote as soon as I can to turn it off. What a waste of your life. What a waste of time, honestly. Hours and hours. And you add that up over a week and a year, think what else you could be doing. Honestly, if I turn one on now by accident, it's the same actors that are in it 20, 30 years ago. And I think, "What have they done with their life as well? They've just been in a soap opera for 30 years."Kelly Molson: These are excellent unpopular opinions. Listeners, please let me know if you agree or disagree. Thank you for preparing those for us today. I appreciate it.Ross Ballinger: No problem.Kelly Molson: Right, you guys work together. Tell me a little bit about your roles and what you do there?Ross Ballinger: So my title is design and brand manager. So I'm technically like lead designer for the resort. And the brand guardian. I look after the brand guidelines. So yeah, I'll produce, with me and my little team, everything that goes out graphically or visually across all the channels, website, printed media. So yeah.Danielle Nicholls: You definitely underplayed yourself there.Ross Ballinger: Did I?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. You do so much. You say your little team, you and one other person. You smash everything, literally everything.Ross Ballinger: Aw, thanks, Danielle.Kelly Molson: That's a lot of work for you and your team.Ross Ballinger: It is, because if you think, in the industry, I can imagine people on a parallel with us would have bigger teams, bigger resource. Because basically Drayton Manor is a massive entity. It's not just a theme park, it's a hotel as well. It's a zoo. Then we have Thomas Land, which could be considered as a separate entity. So they're what I consider as four blue chip clients. And then we operate as a little agency within the resort that looks after all those. But then, you've got the resort's departments as well, which could be clusters of clients. So you've got catering, retail, they're the big ones I can think off my head. But they all have their graphical requirements as well, design requirements. So yeah, it's a massive entity and we look after it all.Kelly Molson: And how many... Did you say there's two of you?Ross Ballinger: There's two of us, yeah.Kelly Molson: That's mad. That is mad. So I really resonate with this because I, obviously, come from an agency background. I set up my agency nearly 20 years ago. I feel ancient. But what you're doing is you are essentially a mini agency with loads of clients and two of you. It's crazy. So I can imagine it's quite stressful, but also lots of fun because you get to work on a lot of variety.Ross Ballinger: Yeah. Oh, very varied. Yeah, every day is different. And that is not just a cliche that you can just say. Literally, every day is so different. Because it's an exciting company as well, where there's new things happening all the time, constantly evolving strategies, or new things come in and go in. So yeah, it's very varied.Kelly Molson: Danielle, what's your role? Because the two of you do work quite closely together as well, don't you?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. Yeah, we do. So my role is, the title is senior content executive. So I primarily look after the social media channels, so Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Creating the content, taking the pictures, work with video agents. Sometimes creating a video in-house as well. And all of the community engagement that goes alongside that as well. Whilst also writing any copy, creating the content for the website, and any signage requirements. Literally anything that you see that has text on it, normally, me and Ross have worked together to create that. And with social, it's both paid and organic social media. So all of the adverts you see, alongside all of the organic stuff you see on our feeds. I also help out with PR as well. So we have a PR agency that we work with, but we liaise alongside them. And now, we're getting more into the traditional media as well. So the pair leaflets and out of home magazines, articles. Yeah, little bit of everything now that it's-Kelly Molson: That's mad. I love that you were just glossing over elements of your job that I'm like, "That's a whole person's job there." And we do the social community building and we do this bit and this bit. Wow, yeah, there's a lot. I just think that goes to show, even... We talk to attractions of all kinds of shapes and sizes on this podcast. And I think it just goes to show that even with an attraction that is a big attraction, and it's perceived to be a very big attraction, actually you're working with really small teams here. And there's a lot on each person's shoulder and a lot of responsibility. And I think it's really important that we highlight that, that you're doing a lot there.Ross Ballinger: But the extended team is really good as well. We've got really good team members. So the rapport across the whole team is very tight.Danielle Nicholls: In terms of the marketing side, I report into a digital marketing manager. And she is insane, she's amazing at what she does. And then, alongside me, we also have a digital marketing exec. And how it splits out is, he looks after all of the technical side, so SEO, CRM, that kind of thing. And I look after the creative content. And then we both report in to the digital manager.Kelly Molson: It sounds like-Danielle Nicholls: It's a little team but-Kelly Molson: It sounds like such fun roles as well. Genuinely, they sound really cool. Because I know, Danielle, you are a bit of a theme park... I'm going to say nerd. But you're theme park nut, right? You love theme parks.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah, absolutely, yeah.Kelly Molson: And I'm guessing, Ross, to work in a theme park, you've got to love a theme park.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, absolutely.Kelly Molson: Did you absolutely tailor your careers to make this happen? Was this always your ultimate goals? Like, "I want to work in an attraction."Ross Ballinger: Yes and no, kind of. So I studied to be a graphic designer, went to university for three years. And then I worked as a digital artist while I was at uni. And then I went straight into a local agency, after getting quite a sought after placement in London. And then I worked for an agency for nearly nine years. So I learnt my craft there, really. Worked my way up from a junior, up to a senior creative. And I ended up looking after all the top clients there as well. But almost nine years was enough. I knew I wanted to go in-house because it was at that time, there was a bit of a boom of companies and clients getting in-house designers. Because they knew how cost effective it would be to have your graphic designer in-house. So I started looking about, and I wanted a fun industry. There was no way I was going to go and work for a boiler company. I don't want to bad mouth any other companies out there but something engineering or-Danielle Nicholls: More typically fun.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, I wanted to go full on fun. And I used to come to Drayton as a kid as well so I knew Drayton Manor.Kelly Molson: That's nice to have that connection, isn't it? You know the brand, you've lived it.Ross Ballinger: I've got pictures of me around the park when I'm seven or eight with my mum and dad. So I have that nostalgic connection. And I was a big to a big Thomas fan as well when I was a kid growing up. So Thomas the Tank Engine, I had the wallpaper, had the bedspreads, loved the episodes. So when I knew that the big blue engine was here as well, it was like-Danielle Nicholls: Big boss Thomas.Ross Ballinger: Big boss, yeah, Thomas is your boss, any day. Yeah. So I was a fan of attractions anyway. Who's not a fan of going out on days out? And so it worked.Kelly Molson: Exactly, cool. But, Danielle, you went out and made that happen, didn't you? This was your focus.Danielle Nicholls: It was, yeah. I think, maybe not so much early on, I guess this is different, but from the age of about 13, 14, I knew I wanted to work in marketing. But I wanted to do marketing for a dance company at the time. So I did a couple of placements at some dance companies, Northern Ballet, Phoenix Dance Theatre, places like that. And that was the dream up until about 17, I want to say, when I was at college. I knew that I wanted theme parks. So I went and did a media and marketing degree. And as soon as I got to my second year, I was like, "Right, that's it. I need to find a theme park. I need to get experience. I need to connect with as many people as I can on LinkedIn." And it was my focus.Kelly Molson: That's interesting. Hang on, let me just... Because that isn't a typical 17-year-old's path, is it? They wouldn't necessarily go, "I know that I want to work in this industry, therefore, I need to connect with people that can help me make that happen." That's a really good piece of advice.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. And I was literally on it, messaging people. I think I messaged, at the time, the PR manager for Legoland. And was like, "Hello, anything you can help me with." I was really a bit brutal. But yeah, then I went to uni, and did everything I could whilst I was there to try and get the connections still. I applied for a couple of grad schemes with some other groups and, sadly, didn't make it through to those. So as a bit of a bridge between finishing uni and starting Drayton, I went to work for a tour operator, who sold overseas UK holidays, but also sold theatre, attraction tickets, theme parks. So it was a bit of a gap between the two.And I worked there for a year, and then the job at Drayton came up. And at the time, I was living in York, working for this tour operator. And I was like, "I've got to go for it." It was a marketing officer job, so a little bit different to what I do now. But I had to. So I drove two and a bit hours up, in my little... I had a little C1 at the time.Ross Ballinger: But I feel that we both came in at Drayton in our respective roles as entry level, really. Because I had just started as a graphic designer. I took a pay cut to come here because I really wanted to start here. It was never about anything like that. So I wanted to work at Drayton. So that proves that I wanted to work. And our roles have both escalated over the seasons that we've been here.Danielle Nicholls: Because I did move so far, and away from my family and stuff, it was a big jump. I had three weeks to find a house and somewhere to live as well, which was fun. But I managed to do it and, honestly, I don't regret it. I don't look back at all. It's probably the best thing I've ever done.Ross Ballinger: If you want it, you make it happen, don't you?Kelly Molson: Yeah, totally. And I think it really says a lot about the Drayton Manor brand that you've done that as well. There is a real... It's clear with both of you, how much you love it. And it's amazing that you've... Ross, you've taken a pay cut. You've changed where you live to come and work and be part of what's happening there. So I think that's a real testimony to the brand itself. And that's a couple of things that we really want to focus on for this conversation today. So I'm going to start with the focus on you, Danielle, if that's okay?Danielle Nicholls: Okay, yeah, that's fine.Kelly Molson: Because I think what you mentioned really briefly, when you went, "Oh yeah and we do this kind of thing as well," is what you said around the social community side. So you have built the social community and I want you to explain how you've been able to do that and what that's looked like. So tell us a little bit about that element of your role.Danielle Nicholls: So I've been here just over four years now. And in that time, we've been through so much change but, also, social has changed so much. So when I first started I was looking at social but it was more, "Let's just post and leave it," kind of thing. And see how it is engaged with, see how it works. But, over time, I've tried to hone it so it's more about a social community, rather than we're just talking at them. It's more we're talking with them and we're engaging with them. Like I say, we've grown into different channels. So we were really just focusing on Facebook. We had a little bit of Twitter, and a little bit of Instagram, but it was primarily Facebook. Whereas now, we've brought in more LinkedIn stuff and TikTok as well, which has really helped. I think in terms of building the social community though, there's so many different to-dos that you can stick to. But, for me, it's more about seeing what works for your brand. Because it doesn't always fit the same, it's not just one formula that fits all.Kelly Molson: And I guess, like you said, about bringing in different social channels, you need to work out where your audience is. I guess where you're getting the most engagement as well. And then, you are a small team, how do you then divide up where you spend your time? You've got to spend it in the areas that you're going to get that engagement. So you might then end up dropping certain channels, or not being as... I don't know, not putting as much effort into those ones, just because it's just not where you get the engagement.Danielle Nicholls: I think in terms of the different channels, they all have a different audience, if that makes sense. So Facebook is very family orientated. You get the grandparents, the mums on there. Whereas, Twitter is theme park fans and slightly younger, it's very conversational. TikTok is younger, but the demographics on there are shifting slightly to be everyone at the moment. Because it's where all the trends are and things, there's a big range. Our audience on there is 13 to maybe 35, 40 upwards. So it is very varied. Instagram is a mix between Twitter and Facebook. So you do get the families and the mums on there, but then you get the theme park fans that just want to see pictures of roller coasters. And with the introduction of reels as well, that's trying to tackle TikTok, so that's really important. And LinkedIn is corporate.But we do have a team, like I say, we have a digital manager as well, but she's so busy with all the other things that she's got to look after. So the social, like creating the content and community engagement, just sits with me. So I have a big plan of all the different channels and the different days. And because I know the Drayton brand inside and out, I know what works now. So we tend to post every other day on Facebook, every day on Twitter. And we try to do every weekday on TikTok. Instagram, very similar to Facebook. But there's not really one that I'd prioritise, necessarily. At first, it was TikTok, at the start of this year, because obviously that was where it was taking off. But now, it's just about tailoring the message across, and trying to keep active on all of them.Kelly Molson: Do you have to really tailor what you put out on each of the channels as well? So you don't do, "This is going to go out across all of our socials." You have to really think about how those... Because I guess there's subtle nuances about how people react to certain things on different channels, and how they might communicate back with you.Danielle Nicholls: I think, from what I've been doing this season in particular, is Twitter's been very conversational. So I've not necessarily been worried about always having an image on there, or always having a piece of media on there. Just some text normally works, so long as it's engaging and people feel like they want to respond to it. Whether there's a CTA on there, or it's just something that's humorous, then that tends to work quite well.Kelly Molson: It's no mean feat. That is an awful lot of work that goes into that. And I think it's really interesting to hear about the tailoring as well. And how you're going to get different reactions, from different people, on different social media platforms.Danielle Nicholls: We tend to get, particularly on Facebook, in the comments, they're always really interesting to read. They're so different to Twitter. Because Facebook, sometimes you get some complaints in there. But because our community is so strong now, we get other people responding for us, which is a good... It's amazing, I love it.Kelly Molson: That's phenomenal.Danielle Nicholls: Sometimes you've got to moderate it because they might give an answer that's not necessarily right. But yeah, a lot of the time they'll be sticking up for us. Or they'll be responding to the questions for us, which is interesting.Kelly Molson: That's really impressive, and I didn't know that that happened. Is that part of, because you've put so much work into building your community, they're now backing you to other people?Danielle Nicholls: Exactly, yeah.Kelly Molson: Wow.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. They've become our brand guardians without us making them, if that makes sense. Because they're so loyal to the brand, they just want to do all their best for us.Kelly Molson: How does that happen? Is that a time thing? Is it purely because you've spent so much time investing in those relationships that that happens now? Nobody's ever told me this before, that that happens.Danielle Nicholls: I think it's that but, also, like you say, Drayton is such a strong brand. And particularly since I've been here, we've just gone from strength to strength. So I think that helps as well. We also use user generated content. So particularly at the end of a big campaign, so Halloween, we'll say, "Share your pictures with us and we'll share them on our feeds." And that really gives them a sense of belonging as part of the community. Because they'll be scrolling down their Facebook or Instagram or wherever, and they'll see a picture of maybe their little one. Or they'll see themselves and, yeah, they love it.Kelly Molson: Yeah, I love that the whole user generated content is brilliant, because it allows people to see themselves at the place as well, doesn't it?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah.Kelly Molson: So from a sales perspective, I think if people can look at something and go, "Oh, well, that family looks just like mine." Or, "That person looks just like me." Or, "They've got this thing, just like I have." Then they're more inclined to maybe buy a ticket to come and see it as well. So it works two ways.Danielle Nicholls: It's about recognising the top fans as well. So I know Facebook has the top fan badge. And, on Twitter, we've got a closed community group which anyone can join. That's just called Drayton Manor Top Fans. And we, every so often, give them a little bit of information early before we give it to everybody else. Or little things like that, that make them feel special.Kelly Molson: So they feel like VIPs.Danielle Nicholls: So it keeps them interactive. Yes, exactly.Kelly Molson: They've got their own mini community. They feel like VIPs because they get to know stuff early. That's brilliant. Again, I've never heard any other attraction talk about doing stuff like that. Do you think that would be... I always ask about top tips, and what you would recommend other people to do that are building communities. Do you think that would be one of your top tips, is really invest in them?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. And also, respond in a personal manner, rather than it being very corporate. Include your tone of voice, wherever you can, and make sure your tone of voice is dead on point, according to your brand guidelines. But also, be bold and brave. We always say that, don't we?Ross Ballinger: Bold and brave, yeah.Danielle Nicholls: If you sway away from your brand guidelines slightly, in order to respond, particularly on Twitter, it works really well. Then don't worry too much about that. It's okay, so long as it's in keeping with your values then it's okay.Ross Ballinger: And it's evident out there as well with all the other big companies. And it becomes a news story, doesn't it, when you get supermarkets battling on Twitter. And it's exposure and engagement at the same time.Kelly Molson: And people love that.Danielle Nicholls: That's another really important thing.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, people love it. It's a comedy show.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah, engaging with other brands helps.Kelly Molson: Yeah, they want to know about the people behind the brands, don't they? And if they realise that your brand face, actually there's a human behind it who's got a sense of humour, I think that goes a really long way.Danielle Nicholls: That's what we try and do.Kelly Molson: You do it perfectly, because I love your Twitter chat. You've got a great Twitter chat. We've talked loads about brand today, and that leads me on to what I want to talk to you about, Ross, which is the Drayton Manor brand itself. Because I think, I might have got this wrong, but it's a 70 year old brand. So Drayton Manor's about 70 years old.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, 1950 was when it first came about, yeah. The Bryan family started it in the 1950s. So George Bryan Sr., had this vision to create an inland pleasure resort for the local community. And I guess, in short story, it escalated from there.Danielle Nicholls: We've got a book all about it in the shops.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, yeah. So yeah, we owe a lot to the Bryan family, really, for escalating such a tiny little brainchild into a massive attraction that we are today. So yeah, I can remember thinking that we needed to rebrand years ago though, when I first started. Because I think it's just one of those that was a little bit... I don't want to say anything bad about it but obviously it needed to change. It was a little bit outdated.Danielle Nicholls: It was a bit archaic, wasn't it?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, it was a bit archaic. It stood the test of time and it did a good job.Kelly Molson: So how long had the existing brand been in place, before you got your mitts on it?Ross Ballinger: I think the last logo that we had in the brand was probably in place for about 20 years. I think it's early 2000s, the last logo.Danielle Nicholls: There was always slight variations, wasn't there?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, there was always a few modifications on it.Kelly Molson: But I can imagine that things had changed quite dramatically over those 20 years as well. So you talk about the need for a rebrand, it was really needed.Ross Ballinger: Absolutely.Kelly Molson: What I always think's quite interesting is how long some of these things take. Because I think that people don't fully understand how long a rebrand can actually take you. So can you remember when those conversations first started?Ross Ballinger: Since I started, it's always been a project that was a pinnacle project that we always wanted to try and get on to. But just in terms of budgets and time, we never got around to it. Obviously, it came to the point, I think it was November 2021, when we first sat down and said, "Now is the time to do it." Because, obviously, we were bought out by a big company, Looping Group, and it was the perfect opportunity to do it. It's obviously a new era so it made perfect sense.Kelly Molson: So when did you launch it? So November, you sat down and went, "Right, November '21, we're going to do this." When did it actually launch?Ross Ballinger: Literally-Danielle Nicholls: Two minutes later.Ross Ballinger: Six months.Kelly Molson: Six months?Ross Ballinger: Six months, yeah. We put a brand team together, firstly. And, honestly, because we're such a small in-house team, we knew that we needed some help. So we got agency help, and we got local agencies to pitch in their best processes. So they were the experts in doing it, and they knew what protocols and procedures to go through. And we chose a really talented local agency in Birmingham. Yeah, started the project in '21, and launched it six months later.Kelly Molson: Wow, that's a phenomenal amount of work in six months.Ross Ballinger: Yeah. In, I don't know, design industry terms and the size of the business, that's no time at all, really.Kelly Molson: No, it's not. I honestly thought you were going to say we started talking about this three years ago and it took two years. It was a two year process.Ross Ballinger: The best thing was, is that we were doing that, alongside launching our brand new Vikings area. So we've got three new rides launch. We're launching a new website at the same time.Danielle Nicholls: We had a new booking system.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, a new ticketing system. As well as the regular day to day work and seasonal campaigns to market. It was literally like all Christmases come at once.Danielle Nicholls: It was. Everything we'd wanted for so long, they just went, "There you go."Ross Ballinger: All at the same time.Kelly Molson: You can have it all, but you need to do it in this amount of time. Wow. That is such a lot to all be happening at the same time. But I'm not going to lie, this happens at attractions. Suddenly, they just spring into action. We have just worked with a client with exactly the same. They did a rebrand, new website, booking system, all at the same time. And you're like, "Ah, the world is on fire. What's happening?"Danielle Nicholls: It was great though.Ross Ballinger: It was good though. We collaborated for most of it. The agency were a bit of a rock, really. And they did a lot of the legwork in terms of the brand personality, putting together the guidelines, creating the initial design concepts. But I did sit alongside them and collaborate with them. It would've just been a too big a task solely, on my own, internally, which it wouldn't have been possible. But I'd like to think I had a lot of input, inspirational design ideas along the way, that probably helped chisel the final outcome and the look of the brand that we've got now.Danielle Nicholls: Just logos in itself, you had sheets and sheets of-Ross Ballinger: Sheets and sheets of logos, yeah, logo concepts and variations. But I know I wanted something that was super flexible in terms of composition and layout. Because I know what I'd created before, it was archaic, but it was flexible. It would work on all different platforms. And then the typeface that we chose for the final logo was one of my early typefaces that I pitched in. And the swirl, that was one of my babies, that was one of my original concepts. So I always wanted to push that.Kelly Molson: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love that. But that's what makes for a good agency client relationship is that you do collaborate. That's how it should be. And they obviously nailed it. And I know that you would've had so many stakeholders involved in this process as well. So I can imagine how big a challenge that was to actually come to a final, "This is what it's going to be like," and everyone be happy.Ross Ballinger: It was a challenge, but only because we had a lot of passionate stakeholders that wanted valued input. And they had strong views, which was very fair.Kelly Molson: So the bit that ties these two stories together, the things that we've talked about today, is that... I think you alluded to the fact, Ross. That when the brand launched, it's a big change for people. The way that you've talked about the brand is incredibly passionate. I can imagine that local people, people that come to visit every week, every month, they are so... The brand is in their heart. So a big change like this can be quite uncomfortable for people. And when the brand launched, there was a little bit of-Ross Ballinger: Yeah, there was a bit of uncertainty, yeah, and a bit of shock. Yeah, they've had a logo installed in their brain for 20 years. But when we wanted to launch the rebrand, it wasn't just about a logo. We did focus on the logo probably, in hindsight, more than we should have.Danielle Nicholls: I think that's maybe a bit of a learning curve, particularly on social. The asset that we used was the old logo going into the new logo, which we thought was great. But then when we put it out, we were like, "Actually, maybe we should have focused more on..." Like you say, brand personality and visions and values, rather than just the logo.Ross Ballinger: Because the end user hasn't really seen the six months of graft that's gone into creating that. And we did portray it in five seconds.Kelly Molson: So they just get the, "Hey, this is new, you should love it." But they haven't understood about the process of why you've done certain things, and the decisions that have been made.Danielle Nicholls: Exactly, yeah. We had a blog which explained it all perfectly, but you had to click through to the blog. People didn't necessarily do that. They just saw the logo and keyboard-Ross Ballinger: But I like the journey we went through because the people that didn't actually really like it in the beginning and really just sacked it off straight away, they're the people that have warmed to it now. And seen it in execution, and how adaptable it is, and how we can get our messages across. And the fact that they love it now, and I love that, that we've turned them round.Danielle Nicholls: Because the main thing we were trying to do, really, is come away from fun family memories, and turn it to fun for everyone. That was the main message that we wanted to portray, particularly on the social channels, and in brand in general. But I think going forward we're definitely going to achieve that.Kelly Molson: But it's quite interesting because I think what you talked about earlier, Danielle, your social community, they would've played a big part in this when you launched it. So I guess it would've been harder if you hadn't already built those relationships and nurtured that community. Launching something like this, would've been 1,000 times more difficult than actually... All right, there was a bit of a bump in the road, but it wasn't the end of the world. And people, like you say, are now warming to it and loving it. Would that have happened if you hadn't put all that work into the social community aspect?Danielle Nicholls: Possibly not. I think, like I said earlier, there was a lot of people, they had our backs. So there was people like, "This is..." Being very negative. But people were responding saying, "Look, they have to move forward, they've been through this, that and the other. They have to move forward. See the positives," which was good.Ross Ballinger: I think as well, probably because we've got such a good social community, they felt comfortable with saying what they thought about it and being honest.Danielle Nicholls: Which helps because we did run focus groups beforehand, as part of the rebrand process, with suppliers, annual pass holders, staff members, literally with so many people. But until it's out there, you're not necessarily going to get that big, full, wider picture. So it did help us with how we were going to move forward with the rebrand as well, looking at their feedback.Kelly Molson: So you actually took some of their... So obviously from the focus groups, you would've taken on board some of the input that you got from those. When it launched, was there anything that you took on board from the feedback that you were getting at that point? That you could look to, not necessarily change, but I guess look at the ways that you implement it in a different way?Danielle Nicholls: I think the main thing was, like we said, the logo situation. Because everyone was so focused on the logo, we knew that, moving forwards, as we were going to explore the brand even more, we had to make sure it was about the imagery and the personality. And including the shop line there and things like that, rather than... I think that learning curve definitely came from the feedback.Kelly Molson: Brilliant. It is such a huge project to go through a rebrand. And I think there's always that anxious moment when you unveil it to people and they go... It could be a bit Marmite. But I think the way that it's been managed, that's the important part of this story, really. And that comes back to, again, it all fits together about how the two of you work together as well. And I think that's quite an important aspect to take away from this podcast episode as well. It's about, it's a team, this is a team thing that happens here. And it's not just about one person. So the brand has launched and then, suddenly, it's all on Danielle's shoulders to deal with all the stuff that's coming back. It's, this is a team thing.Ross Ballinger: Well, no, it cascaded all the way through the company, didn't it?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah.Ross Ballinger: People would be like... Even engineers, and everyone, and HR, they were like... They felt the same... It was almost a little bit of disappointment that the reaction wasn't amazing. But then, everybody felt it.Danielle Nicholls: But we all came together and-Ross Ballinger: Yeah.Danielle Nicholls: Our director of people bought us a box of Krispy Kremes in the office that day. And was like, "There you go, guys. Are you all okay?" And we were like, "Yeah, it's all good."Ross Ballinger: But there's obviously horror stories of brands doing this and reverting back. But we knew that we'd got something that was amazing that we were going to stick to. And once we knew we could roll it out, that it was going to flourish. So we're just glad that we stuck to our guns and just... We had the negativity at the beginning and, now, people love it.Danielle Nicholls: Like you say, we have people coming up to us, just telling me it's good. Saying, "I wasn't sure at first? But now we love it."Kelly Molson: Ah, see, and that's what you want. You want it to be loved by everybody that sees it now. That's brilliant. You just reminded me of something that I saw a few weeks ago. Have you seen the video when Staples changed their logo, they put out?Danielle Nicholls: Yes.Ross Ballinger: Yes, yes.Kelly Molson: That's just like, as you were talking about it, I was going, "Oh my God, I watched that last week." And it's so crazy.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. And they're all like, "Whoopa." It's amazing.Kelly Molson: "Wow, look at us." And I just didn't think it was amazing either. But I just felt really sorry for the whole team being forced to clap it and, "Yay, a logo." Oh dear, if that's what they thought brand was-Ross Ballinger: I loved it. I just think that's how you should do it, even if it is a bit cringey.Danielle Nicholls: I thought it was hilarious.Ross Ballinger: What they've done is open up the stapler in the logo, and put it on the side. But sometimes that probably would've cost them an arm and a leg just to do that as well.Danielle Nicholls: So much time.Kelly Molson: There's a massive buildup to that happening as well. And I was a bit like, "Wow, that's a massive anticlimax."Danielle Nicholls: A big press conference for it.Ross Ballinger: I just loved everything about it, honestly.Kelly Molson: The next rebrand, that's what you'll be doing, Ross. You'll get everyone in the attraction, you'll launch it on a big screen. I think what you've done, and what you've achieved, is phenomenal. Thank you for coming on the podcast and talking to me about it today. I really appreciate it. As ever, we always ask our guests if they've got a book that they love that they'd like to share with our audience. So you can pick one each.Danielle Nicholls: I think for me... And going back to me being a theme park nerd, this ties in very well. John Wardley, who is-Ross Ballinger: No.Danielle Nicholls: I know, right. John Wardley, who is a big theme park, mainly rollercoaster, designer. He's done work for Merlin, PortAventura, Oakwood, so many. He was really, really big. He worked on things like Nemesis, Oblivion, Katanga Canyon at Alton Towers, was Megafobia at Oakwood. He had an autobiography called Creating Your Nemesis, which basically spanned through his life of how we got into the theme park industry and where we went through. And it's very story based and anecdotal, but it was really inspiring. And helped me create the courage to knock on doors and do that kind of thing.Kelly Molson: Oh, I love that. Great book. Great book choice.Ross Ballinger: That's a really good response to the question. See, I'm a designer so I don't really read. I can read, but I just don't read. I'm very visual, as you can imagine. So I'm just not a fan of reading. I prefer to just scroll through Instagram and TikTok. But I have read books in the past. I remember one book, I think it's probably the only book I have read, was The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I think it's Dan Brown. But that's only because I was interested in Leonardo da Vinci, who was obviously a scientist or an... He was a bit of an artist and an architect. So I was more interested in his theories, and his Vitruvian Man, I think it is. So I was more interested in his works, really. But other than that, I do own every book by Jamie Oliver, so if a cookbook works.Kelly Molson: I don't know if you should be sharing that.Ross Ballinger: So yeah, I love Jamie Oliver. 5 Ingredients, 30 Minute Meals, brilliant.Kelly Molson: Jamie Oliver gets a bad rap and I don't really know why because he seems like a nice guy.Danielle Nicholls: Are we going back to unpopular opinion?Kelly Molson: Well, I think we should. But also a little story in that. I live in Saffron Walden, Jamie Oliver lives five minutes around the corner.Ross Ballinger: He's down the road.Kelly Molson: He goes to the market in my town every Saturday, and goes and buys his-Ross Ballinger: Oh, I'd love to meet him.Danielle Nicholls: You'd be there for a selfie.Kelly Molson: Ross, join the queue. I'd love to meet him. I've lived here since 2019. I've never seen him once. All my friends have seen him. And now, it's a thing with them. They're like, "Have you seen him yet? Have you seen him?" No. And I feel like, I'm not a Jamie Oliver stalker. I'm not going to go and harass him. I just would like to live in the town and be like, "Oh yeah, I saw him this morning." I've never seen him. My mum has been messaging me once, and she's been in the cafe in Saffron Walden, and been like, "I think Jamie Oliver's on the table next to me. I'm not sure if it's him though. I don't know if it's a fat version of Jamie Oliver, or if it's actually... Oh no, it is Jamie. It's Jamie Oliver."Ross Ballinger: Oh no. I can understand why people don't like him. But he just sploshes his olive oil everywhere, sploshes it around. But he has got that passion for cooking, which is what I resonate with. So he loves what he does, he's so-Danielle Nicholls: You can't knock his passion.Ross Ballinger: You can't knock his passion. So I'm in tune with that.Kelly Molson: All right. Listeners, well, I think that we should scrap Ross's book choice, and I think we should go with the Jamie Oliver book. So if you head over to Twitter, and you retweet this Twitter announcement with, "I want Ross and Danielle's books," then you might be in with a chance of winning Danielle's book and a Jamie Oliver cookbook. Does that sound fair?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, that'd be ace.Kelly Molson: I feel like you were more passionate about that.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Kelly Molson: All right, let's do that then. Thank you. It was lovely to have you both on. I've really, really enjoyed it.Ross Ballinger: Thank you.Danielle Nicholls: Thank you.Kelly Molson: And also thank you for the lovely little tour that I got of the new Vikings area at Drayton Manor, when you hosted the UK Theme Park Awards earlier this year.Danielle Nicholls: I'm glad you liked it.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, we did, yeah.Kelly Molson: It was awesome.Danielle Nicholls: It was amazing.Ross Ballinger: I think that's where you spotted us.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah.Kelly Molson: Well, look, I'm not going to lie, you guys were sitting behind me and you were extremely loud. And I thought, "They'll make great podcast guests."Danielle Nicholls: We were whooping everyone.Ross Ballinger: We had so much energy that day though. I was knackered by the end of the day.Kelly Molson: I loved it. No, you hosted it perfectly. It was a brilliant event. But the new area is fantastic, so definitely go on, book your ticket.Ross Ballinger: We're very proud of it.Kelly Molson: And go on and see that while you can. So thanks for coming on, guys.Ross Ballinger: Thank you.Danielle Nicholls: Thank you.Kelly Molson: Thanks for listening to Skip the Queue. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review. It really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned. Skip The Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions, that helps them increase their visitor numbers. You can find show notes and transcriptions from this episode and more, over on our website; rubber cheese.com/podcast.

¿Qué país puede presumir de tener tanta riqueza para llegar al insulto? Ninguno. España es a Twitter lo que Disney World es a Disney. Es el siguiente paso, es la experiencia inmersiva, somos el parque de atracciones de la crispación, somos Twitterlandia y llevamos toda la vida siendo los Mickey Mouse y el Pato Donald de la polarización. Ojalá que a Elon Musk no le salga bien lo de Twitter, porque el siguiente paso es comprar España y abrir el Port Aventura del enfrentamiento.

Vídeos de pessoas invadindo lugares abandonados ou pouco prováveis têm se popularizado bastante nos últimos anos. Mas você já imaginou que tem gente que também invade parques abandonados? E se a gente te contar que tem gente que vai muuuuito além e arriscam suas vidas invadindo parques e atrações em PLENA OPERAÇĀO, como uma forma de esporte?! É preocupante, interessante e cômico ao mesmo tempo (lembrando que é criminoso também). No episódio de hoje vamos comentar os casos mais famosos de invasões em parques e atrações e o que achamos de cada um deles.Alguns dos vídeos relatados nesse episódio:Red Force do PortAventura: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6abkLxDg0FQStealth do Thorpe Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7lgSivUcB8Six Flags New Orleans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J28efg5V5koNão deixe de seguir a gente em todas as redes sociais e principalmente se inscrever em nosso canal no YouTube.Instagram, Twitter e Facebook: @HapfunBrYouTube: https://bit.ly/37ghIYCE-mail: podcast@hapfun.com.brTelegram: https://t.me/hapfunbr See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nick talks to scare attraction performer and show captain Cathy about her experience in China, what she thought of the Disney parks out there and Nick also talks about experiencing Port Aventura for the first time!