IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers (Virtual)

Matthew has a proven executive track record, with experience in the hospitality, real estate development, financial services and themed entertainment industries.

Prior to starting OE Experiences, Matthew was CEO of Boyd Hollow Resorts, Inc., where he oversaw the development of a new concept in themed hospitality which culminated in its celebration as a Top 5 announcement at the 2019 IAAPA Expo by Theme Park University.

Before Boyd Hollow Resorts, Inc., Matthew was Vice President at USI Consulting Group, a Registered Investment Advisory firm with over $20 billion in assets under advisement. He was responsible for relationship management, business development, portfolio allocation strategies and production of key deliverables for clients.  He also worked at Finard Properties, a Boston, MA based real estate development company, and Caesar’s at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in the finance department.

He is recognized by his peers as a strong leader with an unyielding focus on vision and success. Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the Calloway School of Business & Accountancy at Wake Forest University.

Neil Dwyer has spent the last 16 years in theme parks and has extensive experience in many areas of attractions (both revenue and non-revenue generating). 

Born and educated in the UK, Neil begun his career working with some of the UK’s most famous theme parks. Neil held prior roles as the Director of Carnaval Entertainments with Global Village, and the Director of Operations at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park. He also held the Park Operations Manager position at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, UK’s largest amusement park. Neil also spent time in various other theme parks in the UK including managing the operations of Camelot Theme Park and being instrumental in the development of Spooky World - a multi-million-pound Halloween attraction in Cheshire, UK.

Neil is also a Committee Member of the Amusement Parks and Attractions Constituency Committee.

As the Academy’s Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, Melissa Felder is responsible for museum earned revenue and marketing strategy, including branding, design, advertising, communications, sales, membership, retail, and dining. She drives museum visitation and engagement through digital communications channels, including web, email, social media, VR and online publications, as well as on-site museum programs.

Felder joined the Academy in 2012, bringing an extensive background in consumer marketing, sales, and operations with a variety of large corporations as well as start-ups. She has driven significant revenue and deepened consumer engagement for leading brands in the financial services, packaged goods, and technology sectors.

Felder earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also received her Masters of Business Administration in Marketing.

David Gray is the Human Resources Manager for Lagoon Amusement Park located in Farmington, Utah. David has been with Lagoon for 23 years, beginning his career scooping ice cream at the Park at the age of 15.

As Lagoon’s Human Resources Manager for the past 13 years, David oversees the park’s various HR functions for a seasonal staff of over 3,000 team members and a full-time year-round staff of 175. During his tenure in the HR role at Lagoon, David has been instrumental in creating several successful new recruitment strategies, employee engagement initiatives, and leadership development programs. One of David’s strongest passions is making sure each team member has an amazing and rewarding experience; an experience that they will carry with them throughout their life and future careers.

David has an MBA degree from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Weber State University. David is currently serving on the IAAPA Human Resources Subcommittee. He also serves on various committees for the local Davis Chamber of Commerce, including the Leadership Institute program.

Randy Josselyn is an expert in ticketing systems, theme park marketing membership programs and waterpark design/operations. Randy works at Gateway Ticketing Systems as the Principal for Wildlife and Conservation providing operational insight and best practices in the industry. Prior to joining Gateway Ticketing, Randy founded Trajectory Ticketing, a consulting company providing expertise for waterparks, theme parks and museum/zoos/aquariums. Prior to that, Randy was employed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts where he managed new and existing ticketing projects, including the Annual Passport Monthly Payment Program. Randy was also the Director of Admissions and Hospitality at Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine, California where he worked for 15 years, working up through the ranks in a variety of departments. At Wild Rivers, Randy was responsible for ticketing systems, computer technology, website development, parkwide hospitality, pricing, guest services, and was a member of the Wild Rivers marketing team. Randy chairs the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) IAAPA Finance and Technology Committee and instructs the Institute of Attraction Managers program. Randy is a multiyear speaker at the IAAPA, WWA and other associations and is an IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE). Randy and his wife Bria reside in in Nashville, Tennessee with their 5 children.

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