Şöhret Pakiş

Şöhret Pakiş is an independent Global Brand & Strategy Advisor with more than 20 years of international experience in the attractions, leisure, and hospitality industries. Her expertise spans business strategy, brand strategy, marketing, international growth, product innovation, and market expansion, helping organizations build stronger brands and achieve sustainable long-term growth. 

Throughout her career, she has helped shape the global growth of brands by leading marketing and communications, strengthening brand visibility, developing growth strategies, and supporting international expansion. As part of the leadership team behind Polin Waterparks’ global journey, she contributed to the company’s expansion into more than 120 countries. Today, she advises attractions and leisure companies on brand positioning, strategic growth, product development, international expansion, and creating meaningful, future-ready experiences. 

Alongside her industry career, Şöhret completed her second Master’s degree in Neuroscience, where her research focused on the connection between neuroscience and attractions. Her work explores how a deeper understanding of human behavior and the brain can help create more engaging, memorable, and meaningful guest experiences. 

She also serves as Vice President of TEPEA (Themed Entertainment Projects & Experiences Association Türkiye), lectures at universities on branding, strategy, neuroscience, and the future of the attractions industry, and has contributed to several IAAPA committees since 2016. She is currently a member of the IAAPA MENA Education Committee, where she contributes to educational initiatives and knowledge sharing across the region. 

Beyond the attractions industry, Şöhret has played a significant role in sports development in Türkiye. She introduced padel to the country in 2019 and served as President of the Türkiye Padel Association. For the past two years, she has chaired the Padel Committee of the Turkish Tennis Federation, contributing to the sport’s national development and international growth. Her work also extends to sportainment, exploring the intersection of sports, entertainment, and engaging audience experiences. 

Beyond her professional roles, Şöhret is actively engaged in mentorship and volunteer initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, particularly women entrepreneurs. Over the past four years, she has mentored emerging founders, helping them develop their ideas, strengthen their business strategies, and unlock growth opportunities. In 2025, one of her mentees in the She’s Mercedes program received first-place recognition in technology and sustainability. She continues to dedicate her time and expertise to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.