Real Talk: Hiring and Talent in Today’s Attractions Industry

The attractions industry is evolving fast, and the way we find, attract, and retain talent hasn't always kept up. This session brings together hiring managers, industry leaders, and emerging professionals for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what's actually working and what isn't.

We'll kick off with an open roundtable where both sides of the hiring equation get a seat at the table. Bring your challenges, your questions, and your hot takes. Then we'll break into smaller groups to dig into real problems and brainstorm practical solutions before coming back together to share what we found.

Whether you're the one posting job listings and wondering why your inbox is empty, or you're the one scrolling those listings wondering if there's a place for you in this industry, this is the session for you.

No fluff. No polished talking points. Just real people figuring out how to build something better together.

Discussion topics include:

• Where did all the applicants go? The state of talent pipelines in the attractions industry today.
• What do candidates actually want, and are we listening?
• The experience gap: how do we attract people who have never considered this industry as a career?
• Internships, apprenticeships, and grow-your-own talent strategies.
• Retaining the people you already have before you have to replace them.
• How manufacturers and suppliers can differentiate themselves as employers in a competitive market.
• Industry visibility: are we doing enough to make attractions look like a career and not just a job?
• Open floor: what's your biggest hiring headache right now?