IAAPA Fireside Chat: Inspiring Minds of the Industry

Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege to visit some of the most amazing attractions around the world. I’ve met lots of inspiring people who are looking to innovate and diversify our industry. Now is the time to give these places and faces the spotlight to inspire others and show just how great this industry is.

Kayleen Walters, the Vice President Franchise Development for Gaming at Microsoft will also join during the second half of this Fireside Chat. We will hear how Mojang Studios is joining forces with Merlin Entertainments to bring Minecraft adventures to life in the real world through immersive and interactive attractions – as just announced. Kayleen and Scott will also be available for interviews immediately after this session.

Hear about the panelists in Jakob's own words:

Scott O'Neil, Merlin Entertainments

About two years ago, Scott O’Neil was introduced as new CEO of one of the biggest global attraction operators Merlin Entertainments. I have had the chance to meet him on several occasions around the world and met somebody, whose openness, transparency, and eagerness to have a positive impact on the company and its people has inspired me. With a new Leadership Team in place, there is a remarkable wind of change within the company and I’m thrilled to see what lies in their future ahead.

Robert Dahl, Karls Elebnisdorf

We all talk about retail: about struggling malls looking for entertainment or about how to increase per-cap spending in the shops of our attractions. Robert Dahl is probably the global champion in the space of retailtainment. 6 of his incredible strawberry farms “Karls Erlebnisdorf” already exist across Germany, 13 are in the planning, and now he is expanding into the US. If you have never heard of or been there, you have to check out his unique facilities that took an evolution of a strawberry farm to full scope retail worlds in responding to the trend of regional authenticity . But first let’s learn from Robert what it takes to achieve this creativity, concept, and success.

Steve Thomas, Belmont Park

Staying relevant for more than 100 years, that’s quite an achievement and sometimes a refreshed vision is needed to keep a legend living on. Giving guests an authentic San Diego experience with absolutely no compromises when it comes to top notch hospitality is the course that Steve Thomas has charted for Belmont Park. During my visits in the last 2 years it was easily apparent that everyone at the park is buying in to Steve’s leadership and vision for the beachfront park. Every detail of the operation is being worked on to further improve the park and make it better than it has ever been before. An incredibly successful lap pool, a continuously innovating food & beverage concept, and a thorough beautification of all aspects of this gem. A tremendous leader of people, Steve’s work at Belmont Park is a prime case study demonstrating that new rides are not needed to bring a fresh energy to an attraction.