IAAPA Week: Water Parks Latin America, Caribbean

Alejandro Gonzalez Guevara is an electrical engineer from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, with 23 years of experience in pumping systems and equipment for wastewater treatment at an engineering firm in Colombia called BYR INGENIERIA DE FLUIDOS. At this same company, he developed and led the technical and commercial team for Energy Management in motor pumps and chilled water networks.  

He is currently working as the company's commercial manager. He is married and the father of four children. 

Jean Pierre heads the global sales team responsible for Crystal Lagoons’ rapid expansion in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. His mission is to internationally promote the licensing of technology and the “master agreements” of the Public Access Lagoons® model, strategic long-term contracts with a large volume of projects, which are negotiated by specific areas or regions. He has led negotiations in different markets, such as Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, Spain, Cambodia, Turkey, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Guatemala, and the opening of commercial offices in Dubai and Mexico City. 

Jean Pierre is a commercial engineer with a Master of Science in Marketing from Adolfo Ibáñez University with more than 17 years of work experience in the real estate, telecommunications, retail, and technology sectors. 

Ruben Guinto began his professional career in 1988 at the CICI water park in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. He is an Electromechanical Engineer, with a Master's degree in Business Administration, a Master's degree in Marketing, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. 

Ruben's professional and professional development includes companies such as Grupo Magico Internacional, Entretepark, and El Rollo. Currently, Ruben works for the Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec water park, one of the Six Flags and Cedar Fair parks in the state of Morelos, Mexico. Ruben has distinguished himself by always designing and developing successful sustainable practices. 

Darlene began her career in the amusement industry more than thirty years ago working as a summer lifeguard at Six Flags America. She left her job as a high school Spanish teacher in 1997 to join the industry full-time. During her service to Six Flags, Darlene worked at multiple properties managing Admissions, Guest Services, Aquatics, Rides, Park Services, Entertainment, Security and Safety before transitioning to an executive position in corporate brand development.  

Since 2011, Darlene has played an important role in education development for Ellis & Associates (E&A), including authoring aquatic industry education content and leading E&A’s successful IACET accreditation. Today she is the Operations Education Manager at E&A, continuing her important work in safety education, spearheading new content development, and upholding the highest standards for continuing education. 

Experienced Tourism & Hospitality Consultant, with demonstrated history in startup operations and operations rebuilds. Areas of wisdom and expertise: safety and risk management, aquatic risk management, human capital, P&L management, change implementation, food & beverage, and customer service.  

Inspirational leadership skills and strong operational acumen with a Master of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Skills & Certificates: M.S. Recreation, Sport and Tourism, B.S. Public Service & Public Policy, Cert. Leadership & Ethics, Cert. Public Management & Public Administration, E&A Instructor Trainer, E&A ILTP Instructor, CPO Certified, OSHA 10 Certified, ServSafe Manager, ServSafe Manager Proctor & Instructor. 

With over two decades of professional experience, his focus is on leading operational profitability and guest satisfaction in the recreation and tourism sector. Currently, he implements innovative business strategies and action plans that reinforce the positioning of Piscilago's service offering, thus achieving the fulfillment of assigned budgetary and administrative objectives. 

In a previous role as Head of the Recreation and Tourism Operations and Services Department at Colsubsidio, he ensured the profitability and continuous improvement of processes at multiple facilities. His commitment to excellence and sustainable development is reflected in his participation as an independent speaker, sharing knowledge in nanotechnology and best practices in lifeguarding, contributing to the advancement of the sector. 

Javier is a partner at The Fun Lab, a Spanish business and engineering consulting firm specializing in water leisure projects, recreational pools and family tourism. In addition, it is a Spanish entity accredited by ENAC (National Accreditation Entity) for the comprehensive official inspection and certification of water leisure areas, in accordance with European regulations. Its activity focuses on consulting and strategic project planning. 

In addition, he is a founding partner and business and product manager of the startup Famliday, an APP for searching, comparing, and booking tourist accommodation, restaurants and regulated leisure establishments that are 100% 'family-friendly', which will soon be available on the market. In the 2020-2021 academic year, he began his PhD studies in Tourism at the Universidad Complutense of Madrid. 

José Antonio holds a Master's degree in Creativity and Strategic Advertising from the School of Business Sciences, Marketing and Public Relations in Barcelona, Spain. He has a degree in Marketing and a Postgraduate degree in Neuromarketing from the Institute of Applied Neurosciences, Braidot. 

With more than seven years of experience, Antonio has created new ways for Ping Solutions to increase brand value through emotions, personality, and creativity. He is passionate about researching the purchasing habits of film and entertainment fans. In addition, he is actively involved in the development of promotional products (collectibles and premium) that generate an emotional bond between the consumer and the license. Thanks to his vision and leadership, he has achieved a commercial relationship between Ping Solutions and some film studios, as well as signing clients such as Walt Disney, Nickelodeon, Pepsico, Cinépolis, Cineplanet, Danone, Sigma, Carl's Jr., among others. He also teaches Strategic Advertising and Brand Building, Marketing and Promotion of Musical Projects at the Universidad Anáhuac México, North Campus. 

Driven by a passion for solving problems that enhance customer’s experience and satisfaction, Manuel Ferrer-Herrera works at Ballast VR, the industry leader in virtual reality for waterparks. A seasoned engineering and business executive, Manuel's career spans medical devices/MedTech, industrial systems, automotive, and high-tech sectors, where he consistently champions the integration of technology to improve people’s lives and work outcomes. Manuel's academic foundation includes a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, an M.S. from Marquette University, and an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute.

Manuel enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring the latest technology gadgets, and refining his home automation system. He firmly believes in technology's incredible power to transform how we live, work, and play.

With more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment and tourism industry, Franco began his career in 1997 with the opening of Wet'n Wild in Cancun, where he specialized in aquatic safety and rescue. He expanded his experience in diverse operational and service areas, with the opening and management of multiple dolphinariums in Quintana Roo, Mexico,  as well as in the operation of renowned adventure and nature parks, such as Selvatica, Ventura Park and Selva Magica.

Currently, Franco is responsible for the operation of all dolphin habitats, water parks, adventure parks and theme parks operated by the company in Mexico. His leadership encompasses more than ten parks and seven brands, consolidating his experience in the management of large tourist complexes.

Franco is distinguished by his constant innovation in creating strategies that optimize both the guest experience and the profitability of each park and habitat. The Dolphin Company focuses on generating and sharing unforgettable experiences, always in harmony with the environment, and has positioned itself within the entertainment industry in Mexico and the world.

Omar holds an executive MBA, specializing in marketing and related business management disciplines, as well as a diploma in labor relations from the University of Zaragoza. His expertise extends to business models, strategy, fundamental marketing, lean startup, finance, accounting, and leadership.

As part of the Tickamore team, Omar advises leisure and entertainment companies and institutions on ticketing and access control software solutions, from museums, parks and attractions, zoos, aquariums, sports activities and shows, among others.

Currently, Omar is part of the Education Committee of IAAPA Latin America, Caribbean.

Ximena is a social communicator and journalist, she has a master's degree in marketing management, a diploma in digital marketing, with more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications management including crisis management for the public and private sector in Colombia. Passionate about communications and its processes, trainer of spokespersons for the media, effective presentations, public speaking, and teamwork. Ximena presents the video Sailing Storms: Digital Crisis Management.