Welcome to this episode of "Are You Listening?" where we dive into the fascinating world of listening to guest feedback. Join us for an insightful episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Jamie Flaherty, VP of Business Development & Marketing at NetServ Applications, as we dive deep into the role of guest feedback, technology, and data in transforming the attractions industry!

In this episode, Jamie discusses:

- The Future of Guest Feedback: How feedback on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor shapes the future of attractions.

- Sentiment Analysis: Turning negative reviews into actionable improvements for better guest experiences.

- Tech Innovations: How tools like geofencing and push notifications can delight guests and enhance operations.

- The Power of Centralized Data: How centralizing systems for ticketing, retail, and F&B boosts operational efficiency and unlocks valuable insights.

- Professional Growth: Jamie’s advice on networking, mentorship, and building a successful career in the attractions industry. Tune in to discover practical tips and the latest trends in the industry from two experts!

Tune in for an exciting session with two industry experts!

Connect with Jamie Flaherty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieflaherty/

Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

👻 Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra", featuring Professor Lynne Vincent, Associate Professor at Syracuse University. With expertise in creativity, team dynamics, and emotional engagement, Lynne shares her unique perspective on how psychology influences the design of thrilling guest experiences.

In this session, Lynne will explore:

• Creativity in Attraction Design: Drawing inspiration from iconic attractions like Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, and the impact of team collaboration on storytelling.
• Psychology of Fear & Emotions: Unpacking how fear and excitement shape the emotional journey of haunted attraction guests.
• The Allure of Haunted Houses: Understanding why people seek out fear-based experiences and how they foster creativity.
• Adaptation & Inclusion Trends: How emotional engagement and team dynamics are shaping the future of attraction design.
• Practical Insights for Operators: Actionable tips for fostering creativity and emotional resonance in attraction operations.

📅 Don’t miss this insightful conversation blending creativity, psychology, and themed entertainment to inspire your next attraction project!

Connect with Lynne Vincent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-vincent-965a6446/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

🌊 Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra", featuring Shawn Kidd, Director of Operations at Island H2O Water Park. With over 30 years of experience in aquatic safety, team leadership, and waterpark operations—including tenures at Disney and StarGuard ELITE—Shawn shares his expertise on driving success in waterpark management.

In this session, Shawn will explore:

• Aquatic Safety Essentials: Proven strategies for ensuring guest safety and minimizing risks in water attractions.
• Building High-Performance Teams: Leadership techniques to motivate and prepare teams for operational excellence.
• Innovation in Operations: The role of cashless systems, dynamic pricing, and weather insurance in optimizing efficiency.
• Enhancing Guest Experience: Methods to improve guest flow and create memorable, enjoyable visits.
• Lessons from Disney: Insights into how Disney’s philosophy shaped Shawn’s approach to leadership and operations.

📅 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the waterpark industry’s top leaders and gain actionable insights to elevate your park’s operations!

Connect with Shawn Kidd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-kidd-spk/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

Welcome to this inspiring episode of "Live with Sondra", featuring Aurora Elicerio, Principal Owner of Eos Edge Consulting. With over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition, development, and DEIB strategy, Aurora is passionate about empowering underrepresented talent and fostering transformative workplace change.

In this session, Aurora will explore:

• Talent Attraction & Retention: Proven strategies to attract and retain underrepresented talent in today’s competitive market.
• Decoding Cultural Scripts: Insights into leveraging lived experiences for career mobility and growth.
• Self-Identification Expansion: How expanding self-identification categories impacts DEIB initiatives and drives inclusivity.
• Personal Storytelling in Careers: The importance of storytelling in amplifying career growth and creating new opportunities.
• Building Strong Networks: The value of networking across industries for career resilience and development.

📅 Don’t miss this powerful conversation on overcoming challenges and building a thriving career post-company split.

Connect with Aurora Elicerio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurora-elicerio/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

The Human Factor in Ride Safety and Queue Design

Welcome to this insightful episode of "Live with Sondra", featuring Neil Wilson, Senior Consultant at Universal Verification and author of Absolute Efficiency. With global experience in theme park operations, Neil is dedicated to enhancing ride safety, minimizing wait times, and improving the overall guest experience.

In this episode, Neil will explore:

• Enhancing Ride Safety: How human-centered design and advanced systems help minimize risks for guests and staff.
• Queue Management Best Practices: Proven strategies to reduce wait times, alleviate guest frustration, and improve flow.
• Guest Flow Innovations: Approaches to distribute attendance more evenly and maximize park efficiency.
• Staff Welfare Strategies: Methods to improve workplace conditions and reduce conflicts between guests and staff.
• Future Trends in Theme Parks: Insights into emerging technologies shaping safety, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.

📅 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leading expert about the operational strategies driving safer and more efficient theme parks!

Connect with Neil Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-wilson-77b0b9118/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

Podcast Description:

Inside FEC Success: Insights on Food, Beverage, and Operational Strategy

Welcome to an exciting episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Tim Murphy, CEO of Murfeez Entertainment! With over 35 years of experience in entertainment and food and beverage, Tim is a leading voice in transforming Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) into thriving attractions.

In this episode, Tim will dive into:

• Innovations in Family Entertainment Centers: How the latest trends and immersive experiences are revolutionizing FECs.
• Integrating Food & Beverage: Why F&B is central to creating memorable guest experiences and boosting satisfaction.
• Operational Excellence: Proven strategies for turning underperforming FECs into profitable ventures.
• Balancing Quality & Costs in F&B: Tips on managing costs while maintaining high standards in dining offerings.
• Line-Item Management Techniques: Advice on maximizing profitability through smarter operational practices.
• Emerging Trends in Family Entertainment: A look at the future of the FEC industry and staying competitive in a fast-evolving market.
• The Role of Technology: How cutting-edge tech is enhancing guest engagement and operational efficiency in high-traffic venues.

📅 Don’t miss this valuable discussion with one of the entertainment industry's top strategists. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their FEC operations and guest experiences!

Connect with Tim Murphy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmurphyceo/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

Safety First: Innovative Approaches to First Response & Injury Tracking

🩺 Join us for a compelling episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Jennifer Mifsud, the visionary creator of a first aid reporting app designed to transform injury tracking and safety protocols in high-traffic environments. Discover how her innovations are reshaping industries like attractions and sports.

In this episode, Jennifer discusses:

• Innovations in First Response: The inspiration behind her first aid reporting app and how it bridges gaps in traditional injury tracking.
• Technology’s Role in Safety: How cutting-edge tools are enhancing safety and efficiency in dynamic, high-stakes settings.
• Streamlining Injury Documentation: The value of digital solutions for tracking injuries, managing concussions, and improving return-to-play processes.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Strategies for uniting safety efforts across teams to ensure seamless operations.
• The Future of Safety Tech: Predictions for technological advancements that could impact industries from sports to theme parks.

📅 Tune in for this essential conversation about the intersection of technology and safety, and how it’s driving operational excellence across industries.

Connect with Jennifer Mifsud: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermifsud/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

Welcome to this episode of "The Power of Giving: Transforming Community Engagement Through Charitable Marketing," where we explore the profound impact of strategic giving on business growth and community building. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Renee Zau, Co-founder and CEO of DonationMatch, as she reveals how charitable marketing can foster authentic connections and drive lasting ROI.

In this episode, Renee dives into:

• Revolutionizing Cause Marketing: Discover how DonationMatch transforms in-kind donations into meaningful partnerships, creating impactful connections for both charities and donors.
• Community Engagement as Strategy: Learn why an abundance mindset and community giveback are essential for cultivating strong, loyal relationships with your audience.
• Innovation in Charitable Giving: Explore how AI, data analytics, and digital tools are reshaping donation management and enhancing community engagement.
• Ensuring Compliance and Efficiency: Best practices for fraud prevention, time-saving efficiencies, and maintaining security in donation processes.
• The Power of Industry Networking: Insights on how industry events, like IAAPA, drive collaboration and inspire impactful community partnerships.

Tune in for a powerful discussion on how your business can amplify its brand and community presence through thoughtful, strategic giving.

Connect with Renee Zau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneezau

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

Beyond Borders: How International Staff Elevate U.S. Attractions

🌍 Step into the world of cultural exchange in this thought-provoking episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Renee Clarke, an expert from Greenheart Exchange. Renee shares her passion for fostering international staffing and its transformative impact on U.S. attractions.

In this episode, Renee dives into:

• Cultural Exchange & Seasonal Staffing: How international staff on J1 visas enhance diversity and enrich guest experiences.
• Best Practices for International Staffing: Proven tips for recruiting, onboarding, and supporting seasonal staff.
• Challenges & Solutions in Staffing: Strategies for seamless integration of international workers and overcoming unique challenges.
• Advocacy & Industry Trends: Insights from Renee’s recent IAAPA advocacy in Washington, D.C., on the future of international staffing.
• Trends in J1 Visa Staffing: The evolving role of international staff and its impact on guest satisfaction.

📅 Don’t miss this enlightening discussion on how international staffing shapes the attractions industry!

Connect with Renee Clarke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-clarke-7142a22/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4

Behind the Screams of Scare Acting & Show Ushering

🎃 Step behind the scenes of the Halloween magic in this captivating episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Dustin Parro, a dedicated show usher and scare actor at California's Great America. Dustin shares his journey, passion for theme park entertainment, and what makes Halloween events at CGA unforgettable.

In this episode, Dustin dives into:

• Personal Journey & Role at California's Great America: His evolution as a show usher and atmosphere actor.
• Halloween Haunt & Tricks & Treats at CGA: What sets CA Great America's Halloween events apart.
• Preparing for the Haunt: How performers bring their A-game to create spine-tingling guest experiences.
• Connecting with Guests & Colleagues: Insights on the impact of collaboration and guest interactions.
• Passion for Theme Park Entertainment: What fuels his excitement for the industry and his future goals.

📅 Tune in for an exciting look at the artistry and dedication behind the scenes of theme park entertainment!

Connect with Dustin Parro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-parro-5928a950/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4