AttractionPros Podcast

AttractionPros
  • 5.0 (24)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

AttractionPros brings you into the room with the top leaders, executives, and influencers in the attractions industry, to gain the widest possible perspective of all areas of the industry. Most people are only exposed to the practices of their own organization without seeing how the rest of the industry operates. By following AttractionPros, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and learn from the best of the best, whether you are the CEO or just beginning your career.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 470: Bob Rogers talks about deep story, show business identity, and getting fired from Disney

    Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What’s the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2026, happening in Orlando, Florida, November 16th - 20th. It’s where more than forty-thousand professionals come to share the wonder, explore over a thousand innovative exhibitors, and discover future-focused solutions. From education to networking to ideas that drive real business impact, IAAPA Expo is where what’s next takes shape.   Register now and save up to 30% at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo.   Bob Rogers is the Founder of BRC Imagination Arts. Since founding the company in 1981, Bob has helped create award-winning museums, brand homes, visitor centers, and immersive experiences around the world, earning nearly 500 international awards for creative excellence. His new book, Deep Story, shares many of the principles that have guided his work over the past four and a half decades. In this interview, Bob talks about deep story, show business identity, and getting fired from Disney. Deep Story “You need to go deep, deep, deep into two things and find a common link. You need to go deep into the hearts of the audience... then you go deep into the subject or deep into the brand... and what you're looking for is the same emotional truth.” Bob explains that meaningful attractions are built by connecting the emotional core of an audience with the authentic emotional core of a brand or subject. Rather than relying on technology, clever ideas, or spectacle alone, he encourages creators to begin with the desired outcome and design experiences that inspire lasting change after guests leave. Using examples ranging from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Las Vegas Raiders, Bob demonstrates how emotional resonance creates memorable experiences that influence behavior long after the visit ends. These principles form the foundation of Deep Story and can be applied well beyond themed entertainment. Show business identity “Part of what I was doing there was show business identity.” Bob reflects on his first job demonstrating magic tricks at Disneyland, where he realized that the performance was only part of the experience. Beyond entertaining guests and selling magic tricks, he was helping visitors see themselves differently. Someone entered the shop as a Disneyland guest and left believing they might be a magician. That realization shaped the philosophy behind BRC Imagination Arts. Throughout his career, Bob has focused on creating experiences that do more than entertain. His goal has been to inspire positive changes in how people think, feel, and act, making transformation the true purpose behind the show. Getting fired from Disney “I've been fired by Disney three times. So if I can do it and just keep going, then so can they.” One of the interview's most memorable stories centers on Bob's curiosity as a young Disneyland Cast Member. Fascinated by how the park operated behind the scenes, he wandered into maintenance areas and asked countless questions about everything from Audio Animatronics to operations. That curiosity eventually led to his dismissal and a permanent "no rehire" designation. Rather than allowing those setbacks to define him, Bob used them as motivation. His entrepreneurial journey began after another opportunity led him to form BRC Imagination Arts, ultimately turning a career disappointment into the foundation of one of the industry's most respected creative firms. He shares this story to encourage young professionals to persevere through setbacks, recognizing that career obstacles often become turning points.   Bob can be reached on LinkedIn, and readers can learn more about Deep Story at www.bobrogers.com. To learn more about BRC Imagination Arts, visit www.brcweb.com. To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

  2. Sep 1

    Episode 469: Guest Experience Operating System Minisode

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

  3. Aug 25

    Episode 468: The Four Levels of Accountability Minisode

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

  4. Aug 18

    Episode 467: Coaster Nerd Con 26 - Extra Helpings

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

  5. Aug 11

    Episode 466: Ryan Allen talks about how creativity builds community, the intentionality of hospitality, and quicksand

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

  6. Aug 4

    Episode 465: Coaster Nerd Con 2026 Recap

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

  7. Jul 28

    Episode 464: Caroline Schumacher talks about inspiring hope, light, and joy, a first-class hospitality mindset, and work-life integration

    Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning. Caroline Schumacher is the President and CEO of Give Kids The World. After beginning as a College Program Cast Member at Walt Disney World, Caroline built a career spanning volunteer management, guest operations, fundraising, and executive leadership before leading the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and recently returning to Give Kids The World. Her experience bridges hospitality, attractions, and nonprofit leadership, all centered on creating unforgettable experiences for families facing extraordinary challenges. In this interview, Caroline talks about inspiring hope, light, and joy, a first-class hospitality mindset, and work-life integration. Inspiring hope, light, and joy “This week really is just filled with light and joy for them, and they have all these amazing family memories built during this week.” Caroline explains that Give Kids The World exists to provide weeklong, cost-free vacations for children with critical illnesses and their families while partnering with wish-granting organizations throughout the world. Beyond offering accommodations and access to Central Florida attractions, the village creates an environment where families can temporarily set aside medical appointments, treatments, and uncertainty in favor of laughter, connection, and lasting memories. She also discusses how thoughtful language supports the organization's mission. Shifting from terms like "terminal illness" to "critical illness" better reflects the hope they want every family to experience. Whether through personalized experiences like King Micah's coronation or everyday interactions throughout the village, every detail is designed to replace fear with optimism and remind families that joy still has a place in their lives. First-class hospitality mindset “We never want our families to feel like they're getting charity.” Caroline believes exceptional hospitality comes from making every family feel genuinely valued rather than simply cared for. Inspired by the service standards at luxury resorts, her team focuses on personalization rather than expensive gestures. Every department, from housekeeping to engineering, understands its role in creating a seamless experience that feels intentional and uniquely tailored to each family. She emphasizes that outstanding hospitality begins with an authentic culture. Employees and volunteers must consistently live the organization's values because guests and volunteers quickly recognize whether those values are genuine. By creating meaningful experiences through thoughtful details, Give Kids The World delivers hospitality that rivals world-class resorts while offering something families cannot find anywhere else. Work-life integration “Balance is really unrealistic.” Caroline shares her philosophy that work-life integration is healthier than chasing perfect balance. She explains that different seasons of life naturally require different priorities, making the idea of equal balance unrealistic. Rather than separating work and personal life into competing categories, she encourages leaders to recognize how both can complement one another. She intentionally brings her family into her work by involving her children in volunteer opportunities and celebrating professional successes together. Likewise, she encourages leaders to acknowledge the sacrifices made by employees' families, recognizing that meaningful work often requires support from loved ones behind the scenes. This perspective creates stronger relationships at home while fostering healthier, more sustainable leadership.   Caroline can be reached on LinkedIn. To learn more about Give Kids The World Village, volunteer, donate, or schedule a tour, visit www.gktw.org. During the interview, Caroline also encourages visitors to connect with her on LinkedIn if they would like to learn more about the organization or arrange a visit to experience the village firsthand. And to get your “FAAAANTASTIC” socks, where all proceeds go directly to Give Kids the World, click here. To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

  8. Jul 21

    Episode 463: Evan Hall talks about the magic of show control, surprise and delight through A/V, and being the Chief of Big Ideas

    Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Evan Hall is the Chief of Big Ideas of Forward Thinking Designs. Growing up in a family of touring musicians, Evan followed his parents into technical entertainment before beginning his own career at Disney, where he progressed from selling popcorn to becoming a show technician. After years in themed entertainment and AV integration, he co-founded Forward Thinking Designs to focus on creating immersive experiences through show control and programming for attractions around the world. In this interview, Evan talks about the magic of show control, surprise and delight through A/V, and being the Chief of Big Ideas. Magic of Show Control “I've got a conductor, I have a show, we're running it, and I have lots of different characters and actors and musicians all playing in harmony in unison.” Evan compares show control to an orchestra conductor coordinating every instrument to create a seamless performance. While guests only experience the finished attraction, his team's role is to ensure countless technical systems work together invisibly behind the scenes. Whether synchronizing audio, lighting, safety systems, or special effects, the goal is complete transparency so guests experience only the story and the magic, never the technology powering it. Surprise and Delight through A/V “Anything technology, anything AV, anything that is gonna surprise and delight, that's really what gets our team super excited.” Rather than focusing on traditional AV installations, Forward Thinking Designs specializes in entertainment experiences that create memorable emotional moments. Evan explains that every project begins with the creative vision, asking what guests should see and feel before determining how technology can make it happen. By planning for future expansion, simplifying user interfaces, and embracing emerging tools like AI where appropriate, the company creates systems that are both immersive for guests and intuitive for operators. Chief of Big Ideas “It's never been my place to come up with an idea. It's always been my place to come up with a spark of an idea and then honestly get out of the way.” Evan's unique title reflects his leadership philosophy. Rather than trying to solve every problem himself, he creates the initial spark and empowers his team to develop the best solution. He emphasizes understanding the end user, encouraging creativity, and allowing technical experts the freedom to innovate while keeping everyone focused on delivering experiences that guests will remember. For Evan, leadership is less about having every answer and more about creating an environment where great ideas can grow.   Evan can be reached on LinkedIn, as well as by email at evan@forwardthinkingdesigns.com. He also shared info@forwardthinkingdesigns.com as a general contact email. To learn more about Forward Thinking Designs, visit www.forwardthinkingdesigns.com.   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

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5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

AttractionPros brings you into the room with the top leaders, executives, and influencers in the attractions industry, to gain the widest possible perspective of all areas of the industry. Most people are only exposed to the practices of their own organization without seeing how the rest of the industry operates. By following AttractionPros, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and learn from the best of the best, whether you are the CEO or just beginning your career.

Information

  • Creator
    AttractionPros
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 . All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    AttractionPros Podcast

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