AttractionPros Podcast

Linda Freeman an Industry Manager specializing in the attractions industry at Rockwell Automation.  In that role she helps her clients find the best safety and security automation solutions as well as raising the bar on safety standards across the board. 

Linda has two messages for this conversation: safety should ALWAYS be top of mind and the industry needs diverse voices to be as safe as we can be. You will hear both of these messages loud and clear as Linda relays her experiences in the industry and makes the compelling case to get involved at any level. 

To connect with Linda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-freeman-677aa62/

For more on AIMS:

• https://aimsintl.org/

For more on NAARSO:

• https://naarso.com/

For more on ASTM:

• https://www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/F24.htm

If you know of someone who would be a great guest on the show, or have an idea fo a topic for us to explore, email [email protected].

For more on Josh and BackLooper:

https://www.backlooper.com/

[email protected]

For more on Matt and Performance Optimist Consulting:

http://performanceoptimist.com/

[email protected]

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#weareallAttractionPros

When we heard there would be no IAAPA trade show in Orlando in 2020, we felt many manufacturers and suppliers would be missing the opportunity to get in front of their clients and customers to tell their story. We wanted to help in some small way.

In this episode, Josh and Matt preview some of the incredible insight and content available in AttractionPros's most comprehensive and collaborative effort to date: Suppliers Speak: Attractions Industry Providers Share their Messages

The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the attractions industry will be studied for years to come, with many lessons that can prepare the industry for future crises.  In August 2020, executives from more than 25 attractions shared details as to their first actions, what they wish they would have known going into it, and how their business philosophy has changed.

In this piece, the focus has now shifted to industry suppliers.  While suppliers have faced different challenges than operators, the need to adjust and adapt has been just the same, from furloughs and workforce reductions, the struggles of accessing stimulus funds, and not knowing when their clients would reopen or return to normal.  Industry suppliers have had to rethink their offerings and creatively find ways to stay connected, stay involved, and stay in business.

This is also a reminder that those who serve attractions operators are here to help and support the industry.  In the e-book, several manufacturers, consultants, and technology providers share their tips, recommendations, and suggestions that operators can implement right away.  The variety of recommendations include operational standards for frontline staff, philosophies for management and leadership, and long-term guidelines for marketing, capital expenditures, and strategy planning.

In the video segments, the suppliers answered three critical questions: 

• How have you continued to serve your clients and the industry since the pandemic began?

If you would like your company to be added to this feature, please contact us at [email protected]

For more on Josh and BackLooper:

https://www.backlooper.com/

[email protected]

For more on Matt and Performance Optimist Consulting:

https://www.performanceoptimist.com/

[email protected]

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#weareallAttractionPros

Eric Fluet is the owner of Get it Done Marketing, and provides marketing insight, strategy & execution for businesses of all sizes and budgets.

We learn in this episode how Eric started as a ride operator and used his early experience in amusement parks to build a thriving business that helps other businesses. His stories (including capitalizing on the Pope's visit to NYC) capture the fun and inventiveness that can be used to market your own business. 

For more:

• Get it Done Marketing:  https://www.getitdonemarketing.com/

If you know of someone who would be a great guest on the show, or have an idea fo a topic for us to explore, email [email protected].

For more on Josh and BackLooper:

https://www.backlooper.com/

[email protected]

For more on Matt and Performance Optimist Consulting:

http://performanceoptimist.com/

[email protected]

Open this page in your browser

#weareallAttractionPros

Jim Kunau is the GM of Island H2O Waterpark in Kissimmee, FL, which is the most technologically advanced waterpark in the world - and that's not just marketing jargon!

Jim has a fascinating career that spans a few industries and sub careers. We get to hear how he earned his first paycheck because he wanted a baseball glove, and follow the journey to today where he over sees the operation of a waterpark that was designed from the ground up for social and digital interaction. 

For more:

• Island H2O Live: https://www.sunsetwalk.com/island-h2o-live-water-park/

If you know of someone who would be a great guest on the show, or have an idea fo a topic for us to explore, email [email protected].

For more on Josh and BackLooper:

https://www.backlooper.com/

[email protected]

For more on Matt and Performance Optimist Consulting:

http://performanceoptimist.com/

[email protected]

Open this page in your browser

#weareallAttractionPros

On October 7, 2020, Matt and Josh were guests at Creative Works' Amusement 360, an "event that brings the best together to educate, inspire, and share the tools for success".

The overarching topic was about gathering both guest and employee feedback and some best practices for both, but also just how similar it is to care for and engage guests AND employees... because both are human beings.

We also talk about asking for reviews, employee training and consistency. Lots of talk about consistency!

For more on Creative Works: https://thewoweffect.com/

For more on Amusement 360: https://amusement360.com/

If you know of someone who would be a great guest on the show, or have an idea fo a topic for us to explore, email [email protected].

For more on Josh and BackLooper:

https://www.backlooper.com/

[email protected]

For more on Matt and Performance Optimist Consulting:

https://www.performanceoptimist.com/

[email protected]

Open this page in your browser

#weareallAttractionPros

Pia Adlivanken is CEO of Linnanmäki Amusement Park in Helsinki, Finland where she embodies and embraces a people-first culture. 

In this episode, we discuss Pia's background and how that inspired her outlook regarding employees as well as the practical things she does to foster trust and communication. She is a firm believer that not everyone is a "funmaster" and that you have to cultivate an environment where people can use their natural talents. 

For more information or to connect with Pia:

• Linnanmäki Amusement Park

If you have a topic you would like us to cover or know a guest we should feature, let us know!  [email protected]

For more on Josh and BackLooper:

https://www.backlooper.com/

[email protected]

For more on Matt and Performance Optimist Consulting:

https://www.performanceoptimist.com/

[email protected]

Open this page in your browser

#weareallAttractionPros