Join us at the GT Summit 2026 and Transform Your Future!
Turn your Attraction Business Into a Revenue Powerhouse
40 Seats. Unlimited Growth. One Unforgettable Experience.
The GT Summit 2026 is designed for serious attraction professionals who are ready to elevate their operations and achieve massive growth. Whether you own, operate, or manage a family entertainment center, museum, zoo, or waterpark, this summit gives you the clarity, strategy, and community to take your business further than ever before.
This isn’t your typical industry conference — it’s an intimate, results-driven experience built for leaders who want to enhance operations, boost revenue, and create unforgettable guest experiences alongside others who share their same passion and drive.
JUSTIFY YOUR ATTENDANCE
Need executive approval from your manager? Use our blog: The ROI of Strategy: Why the GT Summit is an Investment, Not an Expense.
With only 40 seats available, every attendee gets the focus, connection, and transformation that leads to real results — not just inspiration.
Can’t join us in person? Virtual tickets are available, so you can still access every session and be part of the experience from anywhere.
Spaces are limited — secure your spot before they’re gone!
Location
THRIVE WORKPLACE, 5610 Ward Road, Suite 300, Arvada, Colorado, 80002
Register for the 2026 GT Summit
March 11th-12th
- Get insider insights from industry leaders and innovators.
- Streamline your systems for smoother operations and happier guests.
- Leave with tools and strategies that drive revenue and growth.
- Network with peers who share your challenges and ambitions.
- Enjoy fun, interactive networking activities that build connections and spark new ideas.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Speakers
More Speakers Will Be Announced Soon.
Ruby Newell-Legner
- Creating Memorable #CX in Sports, Leisure & Entertainment
- Fan Experience & Employee Engagement Strategist
- Generating a Culture to Turn Every Customer into a Fan
- Speaker, Consultant, and Trainer
Ruby Newell-Legner has spent three decades transforming service cultures across 1,695 sports, leisure, and recreation facilities worldwide—including 104 amusement parks, family entertainment centers, waterparks, and 67 professional sports teams.
Through her 7 Star Service solutions, Ruby helps attraction leaders build guest-centric cultures that elevate satisfaction, strengthen employee engagement, and drive results. Her clients have achieved a 17% increase in customer satisfaction, 19% growth in repeat business, and 16% revenue growth in just one year.
A Certified Speaking Professional, Ruby has delivered over 4,000 programs in 26 countries. She served as President of the National Speakers Association (2015–2016) and the Global Speakers Federation as President from 2024–2025.
Sondra Shannon
- Gatemaster Tech CEOHost of Live with Sondra
- Revenue Strategist
- Transaction & Membrrship Economy Solutions Expert
- 10X Level 2 Certified Business Coach
- Helping Leaders Grow
Sondra Shannon is an accomplished business leader, entrepreneur, and speaker known for her innovative approach to technology and passion for empowering others.
As CEO of Gatemaster Technology, she has transformed the company into a trusted leader in ticketing and point-of-sale solutions for the attractions industry. Since taking the helm in 2012, Sondra has combined visionary leadership with deep technical expertise to drive growth, inspire teams, and deliver exceptional client results.
She is also the creator and host of “Live with Sondra,” a show where she engages industry experts and entrepreneurs in authentic conversations about leadership, work-life balance, and personal growth.
With more than two decades of experience in attractions and technology, Sondra is dedicated to creating inclusive guest experiences, enhancing business operations, and fostering meaningful industry connections.
A sought-after speaker, Sondra delivers engaging presentations that blend practical strategies with inspiring stories from her journey as a CEO, working mother, and advocate for innovation. Her energy and insight inspire others to dream big, work smart, and achieve lasting success.
Tiffany Blair
- EVP, Client Success & Support at Gatemaster Technology
- Tech Strategist & Product Development
- Guest Experience & Revenue Strategy Expert POS & eCommerce Consultant
- 10X Business Coach
- Live with Sondra” Guest Coordinator
Tiffany Blair is the Executive Vice President of Customer Service and Support at Gatemaster Technology, bringing over 17 years of experience in onboarding and supporting businesses across 16 countries and 11 industries.
She has helped hundreds of organizations boost revenue, reduce costs, and streamline operations through system automation. Tiffany also leads hardware and development teams, driving continuous software and product innovation.
Based in Denver, Colorado, Tiffany is a proud mom and attractions enthusiast who brings both passion and precision to everything she does.
Dr. Stephen Richardson
- Founder, Engineer, Innovator
- Crafting Smart Software that Powers Guest Experiences Worldwide
- Passionate About Building Technology That Lasts
Dr. Richardson started Gatemaster, like many successful San Francisco bay area tech start-ups, in his garage. Since its inception in 1994, Gatemaster has grown to become the industry leader in point-of-sale and ticketing software with clients in 16 countries worldwide and satellite offices in California, Utah and Colorado. He lives (and programs) in northern California.
Jake Shannon
- Grant Cardone’s 2024 10X Coach of the Year
- $5.8M Client Revenue Generated | 1,275% ROI
- Helping CEOs Achieve 61% Growth in 6 Months
- Ranked Top 0.1% of 122,974 Business Coaches Globally
Jake Shannon is a dynamic entrepreneur and elite business coach, recognized as the #1 Elite 10X Business Coach out of 600 for Grant Cardone. He empowers high-performing entrepreneurs to achieve extraordinary results. Jake founded Scientific Wrestling, becoming the world’s leading authority on catch-as-catch-can wrestling, and invented the Macebell, sparking a global fitness movement.
With an MS in Financial Engineering and expertise in performance metrics, he brings analytical precision to business growth strategies. His work in professional wrestling merges authentic catch-as-catch-can with modern entertainment, positioning him at the forefront of combat sports evolution.
A dedicated family man and mentor, Jake balances his ventures with helping others reach their full potential through No1Coaching.com
Adam Macy
- Lead Developer at Gatemaster Technology
- Expert in E-Commerce, Mobile POS, Web Solutions, & more
Adam is Gatemaster’s resident web guru having spearheaded Gatemaster’s e-commerce and mobile pos development teams. When he is not programming projects he is tending to his goats and chickens with his family.
Manny Navarrete
- Software Support & QA Technician at Gatemaster Technology
- 10 Years in Software Development
- Ensuring Software Excellence
- Delivering Reliable Solutions
Manny is a new player in the attractions industry but have been working on software for close to 10 years. He studied Computer Science Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, and was self-employed doing a wide range of technical consultations, before finding a home at Gatemaster Technology.
Renee Zau
Charitable Marketing & Community Engagement Strategist Co-founder & CEO, DonationMatch
- Transform manual donation headaches into a high-impact, data-driven customer acquisition channel.
- Capture “hidden ROI” by using tickets and certificates to drive guest loyalty and significant lifetime value.
- Eliminate “fear of the flood” through an automated platform that handles volume, regulatory compliance, and fraud prevention.
- Generate a double-digit “return on relationship” by proactively using inventory to foster deep-rooted community connections.
Renee Zau is the Co-founder and CEO of DonationMatch, a platform that streamlines sponsorships for thousands of brands. With over 10 years of experience, she helps attractions transform community giving into a high-impact marketing strategy.
By removing operational silos, Renee empowers facilities to focus on the emotional impact of their work while maintaining full control over their inventory and brand reputation.
Stephanie Greer
Payment Integrity & Dispute Management Specialist Partner Launch Manager, Xplor Pay
- Win the “Chargeback War” by mastering the complex lifecycle of illegitimate disputes and fraud.
- Deploy a “Chargeback Control Room” methodology to transition your team from reactive handling to proactive revenue protection.
- Increase win rates and minimize financial leakage through training on industry best practices and dispute intricacies.
- Access next-generation security tools like 3D Secure to transform operational burdens into high-tech defense systems.
Stephanie Greer has spent seven years in the payments industry helping merchants protect their bottom line. She empowers attraction owners to strengthen backend processes against modern financial threats.
Her session is designed to ensure facility revenue stays where it belongs. She provides insider access to streamlined dispute management tools that turn payment security into a competitive advantage.
Matthew Ulery
Access Control & Systems Integration Specialist Sales Manager – GA/Attractions, Alvarado
- Achieve market-leading growth, drawing on experience scaling technology startups to growth rates exceeding 750%.
- Execute a “Guest Journey Audit” focusing on the entry point to create a frictionless, 7-star first impression.
- Unify your tech stack by ensuring turnstiles, pedestals, and handhelds operate as a single, intelligent system.
- Solve operational bottlenecks using a unique perspective informed by a decade on the product user side.
Matthew Ulery is a premier Sales Engineer at Alvarado, leading the sports and entertainment division in venue access. He works alongside global ticketing leaders like Ticketmaster, Gateway, and Gatemaster to ensure system synergy.
At the GT Summit, Matthew provides the blueprint for “Intelligent Entry.” He empowers leaders to move beyond simple hardware and toward a fully integrated stack that enhances security and streamlines crowd control.
Dr. Stephen Sims
Ed.D, ATC, ICAE
Waterpark Operations & Organizational Leadership Strategist General Manager, SomerSplash Waterpark
- Master operational scalability through nearly 20 years of experience leading multi-million dollar recreational facilities.
- Drive massive attendance growth, famously increasing park attendance by 50% through refined service procedures.
- Manage high-stakes complexity, overseeing a $1.2M budget and a 120-person seasonal team daily.
- Protect the “Health of the Operation” using expertise as a Certified Athletic Trainer to lead safety and risk management.
Dr. Stephen Sims is an IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE) who brings scholarly rigor to facility management. With a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, he bridges the gap between academic policy and real-world profitability.
He provides tactical evidence from two decades on the front lines, giving facility leaders the blueprint for managing seasonal chaos and implementing policies that turn local attractions into regional powerhouses.
Cheryl Nachbauer
Multisensory Storyteller & Innovation Strategist Founder, Colibr? Design Collective | Entertainment Market Lead, MA Design
- Pioneer “Belonging Intelligence” using a framework that translates emotional connection into actionable analytics.
- Build regenerative storyworlds where data and architecture co-create ecosystems, such as the reef-based Kaxn? Park.
- Deliver proven engagement results, including a 37% increase in multigenerational participation for the YMCA.
- Redefine industry standards by moving beyond “attractions” to create ecosystems of measurable belonging.
Cheryl Nachbauer is a multidisciplinary designer pioneering the fusion of design and data. As a visionary in universal design, she creates storytelling systems that bridge cultures and abilities through color, texture, and technology.
Her work demonstrates that when data and design co-create, experiences become tools for empathy and connection. She shows attraction leaders how to co-create experiences that resonate on a deeply human level while delivering world-class results.
Kreda McCullough
Award-Winning AI Messaging Strategist & Buyer Psychology Expert Founder, Visionary Vibe Solutions
- Bridge the gap to revenue by aligning messaging for over 300 businesses to turn “expertise” into measurable income.
- Deploy the “AI Voice Audit” to score brand authority, engagement, and conversion potential while maintaining authenticity.
- Utilize science-backed strategies rooted in sales psychology, neuroscience, and real market research.
- Eliminate “post and hope” marketing by building buyer-psychology-driven systems that make your brand the obvious choice.
Kreda McCullough is the 2025 Spark Award winner, specializing in high-conversion messaging. She helps leaders leverage customized AI solutions to amplify their impact and tighten offer language.
At the GT Summit, Kreda provides the blueprint for Messaging Alignment. She empowers facility leaders to stop settling for “polished” content and start executing moves that resonate deeply with guests and move the money.
Erik Flood
Business Transformation Director & IoT Strategy Leader New Business Models Director, Essity / Tork
- Optimize high-traffic venues using smart restroom solutions currently active in 20+ countries worldwide.
- Solve “unsolvable” operational problems including labor shortages and hygiene complaints through IoT/SaaS technology.
- Harness “Vision Cleaning” models to transition from reactive maintenance to data-driven staff productivity.
- Unlock better business outcomes by treating hygiene as a critical pillar of guest satisfaction and park performance.
Erik Flood is a “business transformation architect” with a background in computer science. He oversees the global Tork IoT business, helping venues use data to solve real-world staffing and expectation pressures.
He is a champion for AI and automation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency. By integrating emerging technologies into service models, he empowers operators to unlock better impressions where every minute counts.
Brandon Toller
VP of Solutions Delivery, Teak Expertise in SaaS Product Management and Solutions Delivery
- Deliver high-performing SaaS by overseeing the strategic lifecycle of digital solutions at Teak (formerly Protecht).
- Master “Product Adoption” to bridge the gap between technical capabilities and successful implementation for clients.
- Optimize User Experience (UX) and product roadmaps through a specialized degree in Technical Communications.
- Drive operational ROI by leveraging Agile Methodologies to ensure software investments translate into results.
Brandon Toller is an experienced VP of Product Management with a demonstrated history of delivering high-performing digital products. He specializes in the intersection of digital marketing and user adoption.
At Teak, he leads the delivery of solutions that simplify complex software for the end user. His expertise ensures that new technology is not just purchased, but effectively integrated into the facility’s daily workflow.
Robert Persichitte
Financial Systems & Performance Auditor Founder, Delagify Financial
- Build bulletproof financial systems by identifying exactly where traditional accounting systems fail to provide information integrity.
- Move from “guessing” to “knowing” using the Chaos to Clarity framework to analyze backend data quality.
- Reveal true profitability to manage rising costs and make confident, data-driven decisions that impact the bottom line.
- Refine your accounting practice beyond incomplete spreadsheets toward clear, dependable numbers and solid evidence.
Persichitte leverages an extensive background as a performance auditor and methodologist. He provides the blueprint for producing the high-stakes financial reporting required by modern attraction operators.
His work focuses on the intersection of data and strategy, ensuring that leaders have reliable evidence to guide their organizations through complex economic shifts and operational noise.
Testimonials
Alex Cavioli, Paystri
“I took so much out of seminars, not only learning more about Gatemaster and how they do business, but all the people that they put in their circle. And I learned so much about myself as a business person and so much about the different people that are here. “
Ebony Marshall, Supply Chain Professional
“There were so many amazing speakers. They all were really coming from the heart, trying to make sure that they were empowering not only the clients and the customers that we support, but also the employees or colleagues as now we know that we should call them.”
Deana Jean, Founder of the Success Tribe Network & CEO of Intentional Excellence Consulting
“There are so many amazing gems and really, really great takeaways. My biggest take away here was really the networking. The opportunity to learn, connect and engage, and really have an opportunity to have conversations with people who are in different areas of business, who we can synergize with, who we can feed off of, but also who we can pour into. “
FAQs
🗣️ What are the Benefits to Speaking at the GT Summit?
As a featured speaker, you are more than a presenter—you are a cornerstone of the GT Summit experience. In recognition of your time and expertise, we provide a comprehensive Speaker Success Package designed to amplify your reach and ensure a seamless experience.
Exclusive Speaker Benefits
- Complimentary VIP Access: Your full event registration is waived (a $499 value!), giving you all-access entry to every session, keynote, and official networking event.
- Full Hospitality: Enjoy all hosted meals and refreshments throughout the conference alongside our community of innovators.
- Thought Leadership & Visibility: Establish yourself as an industry authority. Your session will be promoted across our marketing channels, including social media, email campaigns, and the official GT Summit workbook.
- High-Value Networking: Gain direct access to a curated audience of industry leaders, owners, and operators for meaningful, high-level connections.
- White-Glove Production Support: Focus on your message while we handle the rest. Our production team provides full audio-visual support and layout guidance for a flawless delivery.
Note on Registration: As a speaker, you do not need to register for the GT Summit event. Our team has an official guest and speaker list so you will be added in. We’ll send you the formal confirmation and attendee details as we get closer to the event.
Note on Travel: To keep our event accessible to all, speakers are responsible for their own travel and lodging. We have secured a preferred room block at our partner hotel to make your stay as convenient as possible.
🏛️ Why is the GT Summit an essential event?
This is our second annual GT Summit, and we are building on last year’s overwhelming success to deliver an even more powerful, two-day event. While the Summit format is new, we bring a rich history of successful, high-value gatherings, including our popular “Gear Up Parties” (100+ attendees) and the acclaimed “Live with Sondra” series, which has hosted over 60 influential guests like Jakob Wahl and our 2026 Keynote, Ruby Newell-Legner!
You aren’t just attending an event; you’re joining a proven tradition of excellence.
💎 What makes the experience unique?
Exclusivity: We’ve designed the Summit for focused impact, not massive crowds. We intentionally cap in-person attendance at only 40 seats. This ensures you experience focused, high-level connection, deep interaction, and meaningful conversations—not just passive listening.
🎙️ Who is speaking at the Summit?
Our speaker roster is built on proven expertise!
We are thrilled to announce that Ruby Newell-Legner from 7 Star Service (a former Live with Sondra guest) will be returning by popular demand as our esteemed Keynote Speaker and MC. We have also personally invited every past Live with Sondra guest, and we are expecting several more thought leaders from that network to join the speaker roster. This ensures every session is delivered by a vetted professional with a proven track record of success.
If you would like to be considered as a 2026 GT Summit speaker, please apply here:
📈 Will attending lead to post-event training or business?
Our audience is not just showing up—they’re showing up to work.
Our attendees are composed of serious attraction leaders and decision-makers who are actively seeking strategies to implement immediately in their businesses. While we cannot guarantee post-event business, the format, exclusive attendance cap, and the caliber of participants are specifically designed to foster high-level, actionable connections and collaborations.
The insights shared in these sessions will also be used in future educational programs, extending the impact of the content long after the event ends.
🧳 What about travel and accommodation?
We’ve secured a discounted hotel block for attendees at The Residence Inn by Marriott Arvada Denver West. Feel free to book using the following link: Book Here
💻 Who is the virtual ticket ideal for?
The virtual ticket is primarily for employees of attractions who cannot travel or for whom travel expenses are not covered by their organization. It allows businesses to invest in their staff’s training and expertise without the cost of business travel.
🤝 Who typically attends the GT Summit?
While our core attendees are serious attraction leaders and decision-makers, the Summit is open to any industry leader, as the expert topics translate across various business sectors.
Our audience is primarily focused on actively seeking actionable strategies to implement immediately to increase attendance and enhance the guest experience.
📅 Will there be an agenda with start and end times?
Yes! The final agenda will be posted here in January 2026 and shared with all attendees. In-person guests receive a hard copy; virtual guests get a link via live chat.
💸 What is your refund or cancellation policy?
We do not offer refunds for registration or ticket purchases.
🔄 Can I transfer my registration/ticket to a colleague if I can no longer attend?
Yes! If you purchased a ticket, you may share the join link (for virtual) or your registration confirmation (for in-person) with a colleague.
🎙️ What is the format of the sessions?
Our sessions are interactive and diverse, featuring keynote speakers, collaborative panels, and expert lectures —some of which will be virtual. You’ll leave with clear, actionable insights that directly benefit your business.
♿ Is the GT Summit venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes! Thrive Workplace is wheelchair accessible.
🍽️ Will food/lunch be provided?
Yes! We provide all in-person attendees with both breakfast and lunch during the Summit. We aim to have a variety of foods and drinks available to ensure there is something for everyone.
