After decades of shaping the global attractions industry, David Mandt (Former IAAPA Chief Governance Officer & Executive Director of the IAAPA Foundation) has officially retired—and he’s joining us for his first exclusive interview since stepping down at the end of 2025!

Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with David to reflect on a career that has left an indelible mark on our industry. Whether you are a seasoned executive or just starting your journey in attractions, this is an episode you cannot miss.

🎢 What’s inside the episode:

🎧 Listen Now

#AttractionsGroup #IAAPA #IAAPAFoundation #ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #Leadership #Podcast #DavidMandt #AmusementParks #CareerMilestones

Welcome to another exciting year for the Attractions Group Podcast!

Buckle up for an awesome ride, we're excited that you are joining us!

We break down what Christmas looks like for theme parks heading into 2025, how seasonal events are evolving, and what recent announcements mean for the future of the attractions industry. Then we zoom out to discuss why Qiddiya City matters, how Six Flags’ global expansion is changing the landscape, and what this project signals for the next generation of theme parks.

Whether you’re a theme park fan, coaster enthusiast, or someone who follows the industry closely, this episode connects current news with where the parks are heading next.

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🎢 Six Flags New CEO John Reilly: IAAPA Fallout & What's Next | Attractions Group Podcast

The biggest attractions business news is here! Join hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling for a deep-dive analysis into the monumental leadership shift at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Veteran operator John Reilly has been named the new President and CEO, and this episode breaks down exactly what that means for the future of Six Flags and the broader regional park landscape.

Reilly is taking the reins at a pivotal moment—fresh off the heels of the Six Flags and Cedar Fair merger, and with the high-stakes lessons and innovations revealed at the recent IAAPA Expo still top of mind.

In this episode, we discuss:

🎧 The Attractions Group Podcast A podcast for theme-park employees, industry pros, and fans who want real conversations about operations, leadership, innovation, and all things attractions. Hosted weekly by David Detling & Clete Reinberger.

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Subscribe for weekly episodes on theme park news, operations, and industry insights! Follow the

If you want more episodes about theme-park news, roller coaster rumors, IAAPA announcements, and operations insights, hit the bell 🔔 so you never miss out.

Cedar Fair new CEO, Cedar Fair CEO 2025, Cedar Point news 2025, Kings Island news 2025, Knott’s Berry Farm news, theme park news, theme park industry, amusement park news, roller coaster news, Attractions Group Podcast, theme park podcast, Cedar Fair Six Flags merger, Six Flags news, IAAPA 2025, roller coaster updates, Disney news 2025, Universal Studios news, theme park analysis, amusement industry trends, coaster enthusiasts, roller coaster construction, park operations, theme park leadership, new attractions 2025, theme park strategy, Clete Reinberger, David Detling

#SixFlags #ThemeParkNews #JohnReilly #IAAPA #ThemeParkPodcast #AmusementParkNews #CleteReinberger #AmusementIndustry #AttractionsGroup #RollerCoaster #DavidDetling #ThemeParkBusiness #SixFlagsCEO #ThemeParkIndustry #CedarFair #ParkOperations #IAAPAExpo #ThemedEntertainment #SeaWorld #Leadership

Join hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger for a deep-dive breakdown of everything that went down at IAAPA Expo 2025 — the biggest global gathering for rides, tech, attractions, and themed entertainment.

Whether you’re in operations, design, guest experience, or leadership, this episode gives you an insider-level look at the products, people, and innovations shaping the future of our industry.

The Attractions Group is a podcast by and for theme park employees — from front-line cast members to park leadership, designers, operators, and anyone passionate about building world-class guest experiences. Each episode blends real-industry insight with practical takeaways, stories from the field, and conversations with the people driving innovation in themed entertainment. If you work in parks—or dream of it—this is the place for you.

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If you love roller coasters, dark rides, themed design, guest operations, or anything IAAPA-related, you’ll feel right at home here. Hit Subscribe for weekly episodes covering:

#iaapa2025 #IAAPAExpo #ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #NightflightExpedition #FalconsCreative #DarkRides #RollerCoasters #ThemedEntertainment #AmusementParks #ParkOperations #GuestExperience #AttractionsGroup #ThemeParkPodcast #BehindTheScenes #RideDesign #ExpoHighlights

Join Alex & Isabelle from the Attractions Group and the Energy Efficiency Group (both based in Cincinnati!) for this "high-voltage" webinar on a critical, often overlooked, strategy for massive energy savings at theme parks, zoos, waterparks, and large attractions.

These venues are powerhouses of energy consumption, running thousands of horsepower of inductive loads, including:

Rides and Attractions: Motors for roller coasters, carousels, and dark ride animatronics.

HVAC Systems: Air conditioning for indoor exhibits, restaurants, and offices.

Pumps: Massive pumps for water rides, pools, and fountains.

This heavy reliance on electric motors often leads to a poor power factor (PF), meaning the park is drawing more current than is efficiently being used to do the actual work. This translates directly to higher utility bills and potential penalties.

In this episode, Alex and Isabelle will break down the practical application of Power Factor Correction (PFC) technology, showing you how to:

Reduce Utility Penalties: Eliminate or significantly lower fees from your electric utility for low power factor.

Increase System Capacity: Free up electrical capacity within your existing infrastructure, allowing you to add new attractions without costly upgrades.

Lower Overall Energy Consumption: Decrease the total power demanded from the grid, leading to substantial kWh savings.

Improve Equipment Lifespan: Reduce electrical stress on transformers, motors, and cables.

Learn why PFC is the essential, non-disruptive, behind-the-scenes strategy your operations team needs to deploy right now to achieve significant energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

For more information:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/eeg-llc

#EnergyEfficiency #PowerFactorCorrection #ThemeParkEnergy #WaterParkSavings #ZooOperations #CincinnatiBusiness #SustainableAttractions #UtilityBills #ElectricalEngineering #FacilityManagement

⛰️ Attractions Group Podcast: A Smoky Mountain Expedition with Dollywood President Eugene Naughton 🎢

Join hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling for a fascinating deep dive with a true industry visionary, Mr. Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company!

In this must-listen episode, we go straight to the heart of the Smoky Mountains to discuss what it truly takes to operate a world-class resort in the attraction-rich Pigeon Forge area. Eugene Naughton shares exclusive insights on leading the company through its historic 40th anniversary and the exciting developments shaping the 2025 operating season!

But the main event? We get details on the newly announced, record-breaking attraction that is set to redefine family thrills: "Night Flight Expedition." Hear directly from the source about this first-of-its-kind indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride, and how it embodies the magic and adventure of the Great Smoky Mountains at night.

Whether you're a theme park professional, a die-hard Dollywood fan, or just curious about the business of fun, this episode is packed with leadership lessons, industry analysis, and a look at the future of one of America's favorite family destinations.

Connect & Explore: Attractions Group Podcast:

Hosts:

The Dollywood Company:

#AttractionsGroupPodcast #Dollywood #NightFlightExpedition #EugeneNaughton #ThemeParks #AmusementIndustry #PigeonForge #SmokyMountains #RollerCoaster #NewFor2026 #HybridCoaster #WaterRide #AttractionsIndustry #ThemeParkNews #Dollywood2025 #DollyParton #AttractionsGroup

Get ready for a deep dive into the thrilling world of coaster history! 🎢 In this episode, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with two incredible guests from the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in Texas: Kris Rowberry and Mark Rosenzweig.

Kris and Mark pull back the curtain on the massive undertaking of preserving amusement park history. They share:

This is a must-listen for coaster enthusiasts, theme park professionals, and anyone who loves a great behind-the-scenes story.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes from the Attractions Group Podcast!

Connect with Our Guests & NRCMA

NRCMA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalRollerCoasterMuseum/

NRCMA on X (Twitter): @NRCMA

Connect with The Attractions Group Podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup

X (Twitter): @attractions_grp

LinkedIn (Attractions Network Group): https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/

Connect with David Detling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddetling/

#AttractionsGroupPodcast #RollerCoasterMuseum #CoasterEnthusiast #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #RollerCoasters #NRCMA #KrisRowberry #MarkRosenzweig #Museum #ThemeParkHistory #BehindTheScenes #Podcast #AttractionsIndustry #Texas

🚀 Beyond the Theme Park Gates: Interview with Former Disney Executive Djuan Rivers 🏔️

Join The Attractions Group Podcast hosts Clete Reinberger, David Detling, and America's Theme Park Technologist, Matthew Miller, for an incredible conversation with former Disney Executive and global adventurer, Djuan Rivers!

From leading one of the world's most successful theme park divisions (including his time as VP of Disney's Animal Kingdom during the opening of Pandora - The World of Avatar) to now traveling the globe, Djuan shares his fascinating journey.

Hear the stories behind the headlines, including the incredible distinction of being the only person (that we know of!) to have both ridden Expedition Everest and successfully done a HALO skydive over the real Mount Everest!

Also in this must-watch episode:

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a true leader and world traveler.

Connect with the Attractions Group:

Djuan Rivers

#DjuanRivers #DisneyExecutive #ExpeditionEverest #MountEverest #SevenSummits #DisneyParks #AnimalKingdom #ThemedEntertainment #ThemeParkPodcast #TravelGoals #AntarcticaMarathon #AdventureTravel #AttractionsGroupPodcast #PodcastInterview #TravelInspiration #MatthewMiller #DisneyLegend

Don't miss our latest episode featuring David Rosenberg, EVP of SSA Group! David dives deep into the future of the Attractions Industry, focusing on the critical intersection of Guest Experience and Sustainability. Learn how attractions are innovating to create seamless, impactful, and environmentally conscious visits.

Plus, stick around for a high-thrill segment as your co-host, Clete, unveils his highly debated Top 10 Roller Coasters! 🎢 Do your favorites make the cut? Tune in to find out which steel and wood masterpieces reign supreme!

#AttractionsGroupPodcast #GuestExperience #Sustainability #AttractionsIndustry #SSAGroup #DavidRosenberg #ThemeParks #RollerCoasters #AmusementPark #CoasterEnthusiast #ThemedEntertainment