AttractionPros Podcast

https://alive-solutions.com/

Are you looking for ways to lead your team into the "new normal"? Schedule a FREE 30 minute call with Matt Heller to talk about anything you'd like... engaging remote employees, personal leadership struggles or your favorite ice cube recipes! Just having someone to talk to can help you maintain perspective and spur new ideas. To schedule your call, click here. When the time is right and you'd like to dig deeper, you may be interested in a coaching program, online workshop (customizable to you and your team) or a book-club style learning engagement. Learning doesn't have to stop because we are social distancing! Click here for virtual and online learning resources!

Tuesday Apr 07, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 136: Natalie Livingston talks about her rants, finding opportunity in every situation and why she is known as Water Safety Mama

Tuesday Apr 07, 2020

Natalie Livingston is the President and Founder of ALIVE Solutions, where she and her business partner are dedicated to "keeping people and operations alive and well".

In this episode, Natalie tells us why she doesn't think there is a lifeguard shortage, what parents need to know to keep their children safe around water and her viral rant that lead to her title of "Water Safety Mama."

For more on Natalie and ALIVE Solutions:

https://www.facebook.com/AquaticsTribe/

https://www.facebook.com/aquaticsafetyconnection/

Josh – josh@amusementadvantage.com

Matt – matt@performanceoptimist.com

This episode is brought to you by BackLooper. Have you ever gotten a negative review online? Better yet, have you ever gotten a negative review online that you actually found to be useful? Wouldn’t you have preferred that that guest contacted you directly? Every organization has its flaws, and you shouldn’t be learning about yours through social media. BackLooper was created to solve this problem directly, by collecting better feedback data from more guests, especially compared to online review sites and many other feedback collection methods. By using BackLooper’s intuitive reporting, you can better understand what your guests are saying in masses, and make quick decisions from the results. To learn how you can substantially increase the amount feedback you receive from your guests, and get started with a no-risk plan, visit www.amusementadvantage.com/backlooper, and contact Josh directly at josh@amusementadvantage.com . It’s time to spend less time wondering what your guests are thinking, and more time connecting with them on a personal level.

Tuesday Mar 31, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 135: Emily Howard talks about attraction design, putting animals first and telling the right story

Tuesday Mar 31, 2020

Emily Howard, Vice President at PGAV Destinations, is well versed in creating amazing animal habitats, but admits that she still learns something new every time she interacts with a zoo or aquarium professional.

An architect by trade, Emily has a deep love of animals that fuels her work with PGAV. In this discussion, we dive deep into the details of attraction design, find out how stories are crafted and how they impact the end user experience.

To find out more about Emily and PGAV: https://pgavdestinations.com/

This episode is brought to you by BackLooper. Have you ever gotten a negative review online? Better yet, have you ever gotten a negative review online that you actually found to be useful? Wouldn't you have preferred that that guest contacted you directly? Every organization has its flaws, and you shouldn't be learning about yours through social media. BackLooper was created to solve this problem directly, by collecting better feedback data from more guests, especially compared to online review sites and many other feedback collection methods. By using BackLooper's intuitive reporting, you can better understand what your guests are saying in masses, and make quick decisions from the results. To learn how you can substantially increase the amount feedback you receive from your guests, and get started with a no-risk plan, visit www.amusementadvantage.com/backlooper, and contact Josh directly at josh@amusementadvantage.com . It's time to spend less time wondering what your guests are thinking, and more time connecting with them on a personal level.

Tuesday Mar 24, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 134: Dennis Speigel talks about the impact of COVID-19 to the attractions industry and the world

Tuesday Mar 24, 2020

Dennis Speigel is the President of International Theme Park Services, a consulting company that serves the global attractions industry. We asked Dennis if he could spend some time with us discussing the impact of COVID-19 on attraction operators now and in the foreseeable future.

While Dennis admitted that we really don't know how long this pandemic will last or what the true outcome will be, he was able to provide perspective and advise on a wide range of subjects. A few we touched on were: should attractions be closed, what can we expect from our guests when it's time to re-open and to remember that as an industry, we are resilient.

For more on International Theme Park Services: http://www.interthemepark.com/

To contact Dennis: dennisspeigel@interthemepark.com

Episode Note: In the intro, we mention that Dennis appeared in the show Tenspeed and Brown Shoe. We later learned that we was actually not in that show but is still credited for it on IMDb.

This episode is brought to you by BackLooper. Have you ever gotten a negative review online? Better yet, have you ever gotten a negative review online that you actually found to be useful? Wouldn't you have preferred that that guest contacted you directly? Every organization has its flaws, and you shouldn't be learning about yours through social media. BackLooper was created to solve this problem directly, by collecting better feedback data from more guests, especially compared to online review sites and many other feedback collection methods. By using BackLooper's intuitive reporting, you can better understand what your guests are saying in masses, and make quick decisions from the results. To learn how you can substantially increase the amount feedback you receive from your guests, and get started with a no-risk plan, visit www.amusementadvantage.com/backlooper, and contact Josh directly at josh@amusementadvantage.com . It's time to spend less time wondering what your guests are thinking, and more time connecting with them on a personal level.

Tuesday Mar 17, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 133: Josh and Matt talk about working remotely; designating work time, staying social and taking naps

Tuesday Mar 17, 2020

With COVID-19 showing its teeth in the US, many employees have begun working from home. Of course this is great to slow down the spread of the virus, but it has also thrust these employees into situations they may not be equipped to handle.

In this episode, Josh and Matt reveal some best practices for working at home, whether they follow them 100% of the time or not. A few of the tips include to designate a work space, take regular breaks and engage with people socially (but at a distance).

http://www.teaconnect.org/NextGen/TEA--University-Clubs/index.cfm

This episode is brought to you by BackLooper. Have you ever gotten a negative review online? Better yet, have you ever gotten a negative review online that you actually found to be useful? Wouldn't you have preferred that that guest contacted you directly? Every organization has its flaws, and you shouldn't be learning about yours through social media. BackLooper was created to solve this problem directly, by collecting better feedback data from more guests, especially compared to online review sites and many other feedback collection methods. By using BackLooper's intuitive reporting, you can better understand what your guests are saying in masses, and make quick decisions from the results. To learn how you can substantially increase the amount feedback you receive from your guests, and get started with a no-risk plan, visit www.amusementadvantage.com/backlooper, and contact Josh directly at josh@amusementadvantage.com . It's time to spend less time wondering what your guests are thinking, and more time connecting with them on a personal level.

Tuesday Mar 10, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 132: Three theme park students talk about recruiting, job seeker success strategies and the importance of soft skills

Tuesday Mar 10, 2020

Charlie Wickham, Dan Mueller, and David Eubanks are all engineering majors pursuing careers in the attractions industry. The self-proclaimed "Roller Coaster Tycoon" generation, they have developed their passion over years of observations and experimentation. They are now poised to take over as the next leaders in theme park and attraction design.

In this unique episode, we hear many different perspectives on topics like recruiting, networking and setting yourself up for success. They also talk extensively about their student associations and why its so important to get involved.

For more information on our guests and their clubs:

Charlie Wickham

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliewickham/

Personal Website: charliewickham.weebly.com

Email: wickham@iastate.edu

Phone: (651) 324-9730

Iowa State Club: tpegisu@gmail.com

David Eubanks

Email: delogical@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-eubanks-314402119/

Facebook Group: Facebook TEA-at-UC

LinkedIn Group: LinkedIn TEA-UC

U Cincinnati Club: ucteapresident@gmail.com

Dan Mueller

Email: Mueller.440@osu.edu
Website: Https://tpegosu.com

Here’s the link to all the TEA list of clubs:

This episode is brought to you by BackLooper. Have you ever gotten a negative review online? Better yet, have you ever gotten a negative review online that you actually found to be useful? Wouldn't you have preferred that that guest contacted you directly? Every organization has its flaws, and you shouldn't be learning about yours through social media. BackLooper was created to solve this problem directly, by collecting better feedback data from more guests, especially compared to online review sites and many other feedback collection methods. By using BackLooper's intuitive reporting, you can better understand what your guests are saying in masses, and make quick decisions from the results. To learn how you can substantially increase the amount feedback you receive from your guests, and get started with a no-risk plan, visit www.amusementadvantage.com/backlooper, and contact Josh directly at josh@amusementadvantage.com . It's time to spend less time wondering what your guests are thinking, and more time connecting with them on a personal level.

Tuesday Mar 03, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 131: Pat Simmons discusses creativity, elegant solutions and creating an attraction that is beloved by the community

Tuesday Mar 03, 2020

Pat Simmons is the Director and CEO at the North Carolina Zoo. She has brought her many years of experience building up a smaller zoo to the world's largest zoo. In this dynamic conversation, Pat shares openly about her approach to building a beloved attraction, balancing creative and scientific mindsets and why understanding yourself is critical to your success, no matter what field you work in.

For more on the North Carolina Zoo: https://www.nczoo.org/

To contact Pat directly: patricia.simmons@nczoo.org

This episode is brought to you by BackLooper. Have you ever gotten a negative review online? Better yet, have you ever gotten a negative review online that you actually found to be useful? Wouldn't you have preferred that that guest contacted you directly? Every organization has its flaws, and you shouldn't be learning about yours through social media. BackLooper was created to solve this problem directly, by collecting better feedback data from more guests, especially compared to online review sites and many other feedback collection methods. By using BackLooper's intuitive reporting, you can better understand what your guests are saying in masses, and make quick decisions from the results. To learn how you can substantially increase the amount feedback you receive from your guests, and get started with a no-risk plan, visit www.amusementadvantage.com/backlooper, and contact Josh directly at josh@amusementadvantage.com . It's time to spend less time wondering what your guests are thinking, and more time connecting with them on a personal level.

Tuesday Feb 25, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 130: Tony Moore talks about unique attraction business models and building a sustainable culture

Tuesday Feb 25, 2020

Tony Moore is the Executive Director and CEO of Gathering Place in Tulsa, OK. The Gathering Place is truly a unique property not only because of their attraction mix, but also because of their business model. In this episode, Tony talks about what it was like building the park and it's culture, why focusing on quality is so important, and how community and civic responsibility play a role in the daily operation of the park.

To learn more about Gathering Place: https://www.gatheringplace.org/

This episode is brought to you by BackLooper. Have you ever gotten a negative review online? Better yet, have you ever gotten a negative review online that you actually found to be useful? Wouldn't you have preferred that that guest contacted you directly? Every organization has its flaws, and you shouldn't be learning about yours through social media. BackLooper was created to solve this problem directly, by collecting better feedback data from more guests, especially compared to online review sites and many other feedback collection methods. By using BackLooper's intuitive reporting, you can better understand what your guests are saying in masses, and make quick decisions from the results. To learn how you can substantially increase the amount feedback you receive from your guests, and get started with a no-risk plan, visit www.amusementadvantage.com/backlooper, and contact Josh directly at josh@amusementadvantage.com . It's time to spend less time wondering what your guests are thinking, and more time connecting with them on a personal level.

Tuesday Feb 18, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 129: Franceen Gonzales talks about her safety journey, giving back and doing what you love

Tuesday Feb 18, 2020

Franceen Gonzales is Executive Vice President, Business Development for WhiteWater West Industries. She has enjoyed an amazing career in the waterpark industry, and in this episode she shares how she got started and what has kept her going throughout the years. We also touch on her inclusion in Blooloop's Top 50 Theme Park Influencer list, her dedication to safety and the unsung heroes who keep our employees and guests out of harms way.

For more on WhiteWater: https://www.whitewaterwest.com/en/

To contact Franceen: Franceen.gonzales@whitewaterwest.com

This episode is brought to you by BackLooper. Have you ever gotten a negative review online? Better yet, have you ever gotten a negative review online that you actually found to be useful? Wouldn't you have preferred that that guest contacted you directly? Every organization has its flaws, and you shouldn't be learning about yours through social media. BackLooper was created to solve this problem directly, by collecting better feedback data from more guests, especially compared to online review sites and many other feedback collection methods. By using BackLooper's intuitive reporting, you can better understand what your guests are saying in masses, and make quick decisions from the results. To learn how you can substantially increase the amount feedback you receive from your guests, and get started with a no-risk plan, visit www.amusementadvantage.com/backlooper, and contact Josh directly at josh@amusementadvantage.com . It's time to spend less time wondering what your guests are thinking, and more time connecting with them on a personal level.

Tuesday Feb 11, 2020

AP Podcast - Episode 128: Jim Seay talks about aerospace engineering, the importance of having a mentor and celebrating the success of others

Tuesday Feb 11, 2020

Jim Seay is the President and Owner of Premier Rides, who is dedicated to "supplying the leisure industry with the highest caliber of amusement rides and attractions available." During this deep dive of a conversation, Jim reveals how he got started in the industry, why it's more fulfilling to make roller coasters than weapons, and that if you want to succeed in this industry, you've got to be ready to put in the work.

For more on Premier Rides: http://premier-rides.com/