Redefining Safety & Operations in a Changing Industry

Overview:

In the latest episode of Live with Sondra, Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology, sat down with Jakob Wahl, President & CEO of IAAPA, to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of the attractions industry.

5 Insights from This Live

Safety goes beyond regulations.
It now includes cybersecurity, food safety, and operational security, demanding a proactive approach.
Technology is revolutionizing attractions.
Dynamic pricing, mobile integration, and augmented reality are reshaping guest interactions and personalizing experiences.
Sustainability is becoming an expectation.
IAAPA is recognizing global efforts with a new sustainability award, emphasizing ecological, social, and economic responsibility.
Mentorship and leadership development matter.
Building networks and fostering young professionals—especially women—are key to industry growth.
Attractions are about storytelling.
Intellectual property, immersive environments, and shareable experiences are driving guest engagement and retention.

5 Notable Quotes:

“We always thought we did a lot for accessibility, but we can do so much more—and we will. The IAAPA EMEA Safety Committee has done some fantastic white papers on accessibility some of them are 70 pages on how everyone can improve accessibility in their Parks… it’s for free for our members.”
– Jakob Wahl
“This is one of the few industries where you can go from a ride operator to a CEO, because that was my experience. I got into the industry because I loved laser tag. “
– Sondra Shannon
“Technology might not be the reason why people come, but it enhances the experience.”
– Jakob Wahl
“Sustainability is not only [about] recycling, it’s so much more —it’s ecological, social, governance, and economic [factors].”
– Jakob Wahl
“When we design and create space for everybody, actually, everyone wins.”
– Sondra Shannon

IAAPA’s Approach to Industry Support

Jakob highlighted IAAPA’s dedication to advocacy, education, and innovation. The organization provides networking opportunities, best practice sharing, and resources to help attractions navigate challenges. From new safety initiatives to global sustainability efforts, IAAPA continues to drive positive change within the industry. Their latest mentorship programs also focus on empowering young professionals and fostering career growth.

Jakob’s Preferences and Technology

Jakob emphasized the power of technology in transforming guest experiences. Attractions are integrating mobile applications, dynamic ticketing, and augmented reality to create seamless, interactive, and customized experiences. He also noted how pre-visit engagement has evolved, allowing guests to plan and personalize their visits in ways that were never possible before.

Sondra’s Perspective on Industry Growth

Sondra reflected on the evolution of the attractions industry, emphasizing that change is inevitable—and essential. She applauded IAAPA for its leadership in setting safety standards and fostering innovation. She also highlighted the importance of mentorship, particularly for women in the industry, and encouraged professionals to expand their networks and seek growth opportunities.

Improving Guest Experience

The conversation underscored the need for accessibility, inclusivity, and guest-centric design. Attractions like Morgan’s Wonderland, an ultra-accessible theme park in Texas, set a gold standard for inclusivity. IAAPA continues to promote accessibility initiatives, ensuring that all guests, regardless of ability, can enjoy memorable experiences.

Creating Memories and Guest-Centric Culture:

Attractions are more than just entertainment; they are about storytelling, emotions, and shared experiences. From seasonal events to immersive intellectual property-based attractions, parks are prioritizing unique, photo-worthy moments that guests can treasure and share.

Gatemaster’s Guests’ Appreciation and Value:

At Gatemaster, we value the insights shared by industry leaders like Jakob Wahl. Our technology solutions are designed to enhance operations, improve safety, and optimize guest experiences. Whether through innovative ticketing solutions or seamless guest management systems, we are committed to helping attractions thrive in this ever-changing landscape.