Signal

About Signal

Signal is a podcast for leaders in the attractions industry who are shaping the future of guest experiences. Hosted by RocketRez CEO John Pendergrast and industry veteran Tim Samson, each episode brings candid, forward-looking conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing operators today. From the evolution of the experience economy to the role of technology, shifting consumer behaviors, and the operational realities of running attractions, Signal goes beyond surface-level commentary. John and Tim draw on their unconventional paths—from roller coasters and reservation systems to scaling enterprise software—to uncover what really matters for the next decade of attractions. Expect stories from operators, insights from thought leaders, and honest discussions that cut through the noise. Signal isn’t just about trends—it’s about helping attractions leaders navigate change with clarity, connection, and a guest-first mindset. 👉 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe and join the conversation on the future of attractions.

Publisher

RocketRez

Category

business · society & culture · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Sept 2025

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   Water Safety Products - What Four Decades of Serving Waterparks Teaches You About Listening to Customers

   How do you become a trusted name in the waterpark world and stay one for nearly 40 years? Paula, George, and Haley are the family behind Water Safety Products, whose lifeguard suits, rescue tubes, and breakaway lanyards are used at parks in more than 30 countries. They join John and Tim to share: How to tell a one-off customer request from a need the whole industry has Why a new product takes about two years to make it into park budgets How long-standing relationships survived the industry's shift to corporate ownership Why waterparks are still "the industry that hugs" Show Notes You'll hear about: How a 1987 request from Wet 'n Wild turned a fashion swimwear brand into the go-to supplier of lifeguard uniforms Why "listen to your customers" only works if you can tell a one-off request from an industry-wide need The industry staples that started as operator ideas: breakaway lanyards, colored rescue tubes, the Scott Carruthers bead program, and the new Whistle of the Year Why new products take about two years to show up in park budgets, and what that means for suppliers and operators How long-standing relationships have held up as the waterpark industry has become more corporate and more international What it was like opening Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi, and engineering waterparks across the U.S. for 22 years Bringing decoration in-house with Satellite Screen Printing, and why knowing a park's real opening date matters more than the order deadline The honest pros and cons of running a family business, and advice for anyone thinking about starting one Timestamps (00:00) — Introduction: Meet Paula, George, and Haley of Water Safety Products (00:24) — From fashion swimwear to lifeguard suits: how it all started (03:51) — Walking out of the fashion business and starting a company at home (07:04) — Growing up in the warehouse (and Box Fort Town) (11:22) — Growing 25% a year for a decade (13:01) — What "listening to customers" actually looks like on the ground (14:38) — Telling a one-off request from an industry trend (16:14) — Why new products take two years to hit the market (18:17) — Industry staples that started as customer ideas (21:28) — The Whistle of the Year (24:35) — "The industry that hugs": why waterpark people never leave (26:53) — Waterpark culture vs. the surf industry (30:31) — How a more corporate industry has (and hasn't) changed relationships (31:59) — Going international: Dubai after 9/11 (34:17) — Navigating cultural differences in swimwear (36:33) — The IAAPA fashion show years (37:44) — George's path: opening Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld (44:35) — Haley's path: 22 years engineering waterparks at Water Technology (49:55) — Why Canada has so few outdoor waterparks (51:36) — Why George came back to the family business (56:40) — The business within the business: Satellite Screen Printing (1:09:05) — Controlling priorities and knowing a park's real deadline (1:10:42) — Do they share the same vision for the future? (1:16:18) — The hardest part of working with Mom (and with your kids) (1:22:22) — Haley's 1992 waterpark road trip journal (1:24:55) — George's shotgun slide rescue (1:27:23) — Advice for anyone starting a family business (1:32:38) — What's next for Water Safety Products About Paula Panton Paula Panton is the founder of Water Safety Products, Inc., a Florida-based international supplier of lifeguard uniforms and safety equipment. After years in the fashion swimwear business, Paula designed her first lifeguard suits for Wet 'n Wild in 1987 and incorporated Water Safety Products in 1989, starting the company out of her home. Over nearly four decades, Paula has built the company by listening to operators and turning their ideas into products. Water Safety Products helped introduce the breakaway lanyard, colored rescue tubes, and the Scott Carruthers bead program, and now serves waterparks and aquatic facilities in more than 30 countries. For about ten years, Paula and her team also produced the fashion show that opened the IAAPA Expo. About George Panton George Panton is Vice President of Water Safety Products, Inc. and President of Satellite Screen Printing, the company's in-house screen printing, embroidery, and transfer printing operation. He began his aquatic career as a Brevard County Ocean Rescue beach lifeguard and is a graduate of the University of Denver. After college, George led the pre-opening souvenir photography program at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and served as the first merchandise manager for Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. Since returning to the U.S., he has led customer service, marketing, and product innovation at Water Safety Products, and has visited more than 100 waterparks worldwide. About Haley Conrad Haley Conrad joined Water Safety Products after a 22-year career at Water Technology, Inc., where she engineered, project managed, and sold waterpark projects across the United States and opened the company's Texas office. A Tulane University engineering graduate, Haley now leads manufacturing and production at Water Safety Products, with a focus on keeping lifeguard swimwear made in the USA. Links & Resources Learn more about Water Safety Products https://www.watersafety.com/ (https://www.watersafety.com/) Connect with George Panton on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-panton-7714111a (https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-panton-7714111a) Connect with Haley Conrad on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-conrad-5606594 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-conrad-5606594) Learn more about RocketRez https://www.rocketrez.com/ (https://www.rocketrez.com/)

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Kari Manev — Operator Pitfalls & Word on the Street

   Why are so many waterparks still missing out on revenue they could easily capture? Kari Manev started as a lifeguard, became a waterpark director of operations, and has since worked in revenue management and founded Attraxion.ai. She joins John and Tim to explain: Why open-date tickets should cost more How one park moved from variable to dynamic pricing and is already beating its best year by 11% Why cart abandonment might be the fastest revenue win on your list What advance purchase does behind the scenes: better forecasts, smarter staffing, and no more running out of chicken tenders at 2 p.m. Show Notes You'll hear about: Why open-date tickets should be a premium product, and how rewarding guests for choosing a date pays off How one park moved from variable to dynamic pricing and is already 11% ahead of its best year The operational payoff of advance purchase: better forecasts, smarter staffing, and kitchen pars that hold up on a busy Saturday Why cart abandonment recovery may be the single fastest revenue win for most operators What RFID taught operators about evaluating technology: when 5–12% utilization creates long lines at the front gate Where the attractions industry really stands on AI, and practical places to start, from analyzing guest reviews to building internal tools for staff Why every operator needs an AI policy before a key employee walks out the door with the tools they built Why the best time to make a technology decision is during the busy season, not after it Timestamps (00:00) — Introduction: Meet Kari Manev (01:24) — From Six Flags lifeguard to waterpark director of operations (04:25) — Why Kari moved from operations into revenue technology (07:16) — What keeps her hooked, and "the Jane problem" (08:53) — How RocketRez and Attraxion.ai feed each other (12:25) — What operators are saying in summer 2026 (13:42) — Is it a technology problem or a people problem? (15:24) — Ticket scanning, NFC, and the human side of technology (18:26) — The RFID lesson: when low utilization creates long gate lines (20:42) — Why technology can't be evaluated in isolation (23:55) — Using AI to stress-test decisions against guest and team impact (25:01) — How Kari helps operators evaluate new technology (27:16) — Money on the table: the case for dynamic pricing (29:57) — From "we can't raise prices" to busier than ever (31:50) — The hidden benefits of advance purchase: forecasting, staffing, and kitchen pars (33:12) — Cart abandonment: the revenue most operators aren't recovering (36:28) — Price transparency and the "as low as" problem (38:30) — If you could only pick one: cart abandonment or dynamic pricing? (39:51) — The AI reality check: where the industry actually stands (45:46) — Choosing the right AI tool for the job (49:09) — Why every operator needs an AI policy (51:35) — Where to start with AI: just ask (53:14) — When AI tools have personalities (55:17) — The buying cycle: why summer is the right time to decide (1:00:00) — Fighting analysis paralysis (1:01:56) — The gap between what vendors build and what operators need (1:04:18) — Mobile ordering, wait times, and fairness (1:07:07) — What attractions can learn from ski areas, hotels, and Chipotle (1:08:39) — What will separate the operators who pull ahead (1:10:41) — The one thing to do right now (1:12:07) — How fast will the industry change? About Kari Manev Kari Manev brings over two decades of experience in waterpark operations, hospitality, and technology. She began as a lifeguard at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, later leading training and grand openings for CoCo Key Water Resorts and training teams internationally at SST in the UAE. Today, she helps attractions improve revenue and guest experience at RocketRez and, as founder of Attraxion.ai, helps leaders put AI and emerging technology to work in their operations. She serves on WWA’s Technology Committee and the board of The Gift of Swimming in Windermere, Florida. Links & Resources Connect with Kari Manev on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimanev/) Learn more about Attraxion.ai (http://attraxion.ai/) Learn more about RocketRez (https://www.rocketrez.com/) Follow John (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) on LinkedIn About Signal Signal is the podcast for attraction leaders shaping the future of guest experiences. Hosted by John Pendergrast and Tim Samson, we bring you candid conversations with industry innovators who are building the experiences that bring people together. Subscribe to Signal wherever you get your podcasts, and visit signal-podcast.com for more episodes and resources. This episode of Signal is brought to you by RocketRez - powering the world's most successful attraction operations.

3. 

   22 Dec 2025

   Pricing Science, Walk-Up Revenue, and Why Attractions Undersell Themselves with Harry Tomasides & Tom Chiarella of Digonex

   If you're not dynamically pricing your walk-up window, you're probably leaving money on the table. In this episode of Signal, hosts John Pendergrast (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim Samson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) sit down with Harry Tomasides, Chief Revenue Officer, and Tom Chiarella, Chief Product & Technology Officer, at Digonex (https://www.digonex.com/)—one of the industry's most established names in pricing science. With a team of PhD economists who don't just run algorithms but provide human-supervised price recommendations, Digonex has spent over a decade helping attractions, performing arts venues, and live entertainment organizations rethink their approach to pricing. What makes their approach different? Operators can approve, reject, or override every recommendation. It's pricing science with a human touch. Harry and Tom break down what dynamic pricing actually means (hint: it's not the same as rules-based pricing), why the walk-up window is chronically underpriced, and the biggest mindset shift attractions need to make: stop underselling yourselves. You’ll hear about: What pricing science actually looks like in practice—from booking data to weather to price elasticity Why "rules-based pricing" isn't the same as dynamic pricing (and why that distinction matters) The walk-up pricing problem: why there's "no daylight" between online and gate pricing at most attractions How one client went from "we'll never charge $40" to comfortably pricing at $45—with no guest blowback Why attractions consistently undersell themselves compared to performing arts and live entertainment The role of AI in pricing: where it helps, and why human oversight still matters How OTA distribution fits into a dynamic pricing strategy—and why commercial agreements often get in the way Timestamps: (00:45) — Introduction: Meet Harry Tomasides and Tom Chiarella from Digonex (01:51) — How the pricing conversation has evolved over the last decade (03:04) — Tom's journey from Gateway Ticketing to Digonex (04:19) — What pricing science actually looks like in practice (07:06) — Keeping humans in the loop: why recommendations beat black-box algorithms (09:05) — The data inputs that drive price recommendations (10:59) — Why Tom made the career shift to dynamic pricing (12:42) — The generational perception problem: is dynamic pricing a "money grab"? (15:08) — The optics of pricing and why it's deeply personal for clients (17:01) — Execution matters: How Shedd Aquarium messages dynamic pricing (20:24) — Guest experience and crowd smoothing through pricing (22:48) — Comfort levels: from "never $40" to $45 without blowback (27:48) — Defining dynamic pricing vs. rules-based vs. variable pricing (31:45) — Where AI fits—and why it won't replace economists yet (35:11) — Walk-up dynamic pricing: why it's essential, not optional (38:25) — Why so many operators aren't doing walk-up dynamic pricing (42:05) — OTAs and distribution:...

4. 

   10 Dec 2025

   Activating Guest Data with the RFM Framework for Attractions with TJ Christensen, CEO & Founding Partner of BlueGator

   If McDonald's can turn a $3 coffee customer into a breakfast regular, why can't you turn your "stroller brigade" into lunch customers? In this episode of Signal, hosts John Pendergrast (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim Samson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) sit down with TJ Christensen, CEO and Founding Partner of BlueGator (https://www.bluegator.com/), a Salesforce consulting firm helping zoos, museums, aquariums, and theme parks turn guest data into unforgettable experiences. With over 20 years in attractions—including roles at Disney, Wyndham, and a decade leading product strategy at Accesso—TJ has seen firsthand why most attractions are drowning in data but starving for insights. His solution? Apply the RFM (recency, frequency, monetary) framework—the same scoring methodology that powers loyalty programs at retail giants—to the unique challenges of zoos, museums, and theme parks. From identifying high-frequency, low-spend members to building tech stacks that put operators in control, this conversation explores why your ticketing system isn't a CRM, how AI will change guest engagement, and what attractions can learn from an English Premier League membership box. You'll hear about: The RFM framework explained: how McDonald's turns coffee buyers into breakfast regulars—and how attractions can do the same Why your ticketing system is not a CRM (and what to do about it) The "stroller brigade" strategy: turning high-frequency, low-spend members into lunch customers Why less than 10% of attractions are using data well—and what separates the leaders How to assess your tech stack: is it ready for the next five to ten years? The Edmonton Zoo's Twitch experiment that generated $60,000 in donations from a red panda Where AI fits: SDR agents, service chatbots, and content engines Why human connection still matters—and where technology should (and shouldn't) replace it Timestamps: (01:35) — TJ's journey: from Disney to BlueGator (05:02) — From French fries to fundraising: the RFM framework explained (10:28) — Why attractions are behind on data—and what's changing (13:00) — Your ticketing system is not a CRM (here's why it matters) (16:11) — World-class operators, not world-class data people—until now (22:07) — Flash sales without cannibalization: targeting with CRM data (25:08) — The photo that sold for $5 after five years—and what it teaches (27:01) — Extending brand beyond four walls: the EPL membership box story (28:21) — Edmonton Zoo's Twitch experiment: $60K from a red panda (33:05) — Why operators hesitate to automate—and how to build trust (34:04) — What's broken in most tech stacks (hint: it's the silos) (43:44) — Building in-house capability vs. outsourcing everything (45:00) — Why BlueGator exists: family memories and life-changing experiences (49:50) — Where AI fits: SDR agents, service bots, and content engines (54:27) — Human connection vs. AI: where's the line? (59:37) — The one thing operators should do after this episode (1:00:07) — Lightning round: McRib, dynamic pricing, and the metric nobody tracks About TJ Christensen TJ Christensen is the CEO and co-founder of BlueGator (https://www.bluegator.com/), a Salesforce consulting firm that helps zoos, museums, aquariums, and theme parks turn guest data into unforgettable experiences. With a background...

5. 

   26 Nov 2025

   Getting Guests to Do One More Thing at Morey’s Piers with Tyler Jacobs

   What if loyalty wasn't about coupons—but about getting guests to do just one more thing? In this episode of Signal, hosts John Pendergrast and Tim Samson sit down with Tyler Jacobs, Director of Guest Engagement & Analytics at Morey’s Piers & Resorts, to break down how one of America’s most beloved seaside destinations is modernizing guest engagement without losing its soul. In just four months with a core team of three, Tyler and his colleagues launched Morey’s FAM Club—Morey's first-ever loyalty program. They integrated multiple systems, cleaned years of guest data, and rolled out a points-based program that delivers real-time offers within five minutes of a guest stepping off a ride. What makes this story remarkable? Morey's has always been known for its no-discount philosophy. Loyalty at Morey's isn't about giving things away—it's about creating value, nudging behavior, and enhancing the guest experience. You’ll hear about: Why Morey's talked about loyalty for two decades before finally launching—and what changed How competing with pizza stands "just feet away" across the boardwalk drove the need for loyalty The "make it dumb" philosophy that unlocked years of stalled innovation Why offers have to be valuable—and how "buy one chips, get one free" failed Building a guest 360 view without massive budgets or giant tech teams The edge case that almost broke the system—and how Tyler refused to admit defeat Why technology should enhance the experience, not replace it ("What is grandma going to do?") How five years of data infrastructure groundwork made a four-month launch possible Timestamps: (02:27) — Tyler and Tim's working relationship: why they still talk (almost) dailyy (07:00) — Why loyalty had been talked about at Morey's for 20+ years (10:52) — What made "now" the right time to finally launch (12:22) — Competing without gates: the boardwalk challenge of pizza stands and t-shirt shops (15:15) — Disagree and commit: how speed forced better decisions (17:11) — Why offers must be valuable (and why "buy one chips" failed) (22:28) — Guest experience impact: real-time offers five minutes after riding (26:58) — The personalization line: when knowing your guest becomes creepy (39:08) — Season pass holders vs. new visitors: the 50/50 surprise (43:08) — The free soda trade-off: giving real value in exchange for engagement (47:02) — The edge case that almost broke everything (and why hope isn't a plan) (53:05) — Agile development in attractions: it's OK if it's not perfect (53:41) — The FAM Club name origin: awkward family photos that almost never saw light (59:28) — Final advice: small scrappy teams can deliver enterprise-level innovation About Tyler Jacobs Tyler Jacobs is a seasoned amusement industry leader specializing in Customer Experience, Analytics, and Marketing. With a comprehensive background spanning guest experience, hospitality, food & beverage, and sales, he has built a reputation for elevating multiple facets of attraction operations. Tyler’s ability to interpret data, influence cross-functional teams, and design guest-centric strategies has made him a trusted voice at Morey’s Piers & Resorts, where he currently serves as Director of Guest Engagement & Analytics. His work focuses on transforming insights into action—optimizing loyalty, improving guest satisfaction, increasing revenue, and redefining how attractions understand their audience. Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-jacobs-a19136147/). 🔗...

6. 

   12 Nov 2025

   Building Culture That Lasts by Design with Shaun McKeogh, CEO & Founder of Attractions Academy

   Every operator knows culture matters—but few know how to design one that survives when half the team turns over every season. In this episode of Signal, hosts John Pendergrast (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim Samson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) sit down with Shaun McKeogh, ICAE, Founder and CEO of Attractions Academy (https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-academy). With more than two decades leading organizational development and cultural transformation across 30-plus countries, Shaun has helped brands like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Gardens by the Bay Singapore, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, and the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative turn culture from a slogan into a system. Shaun shares what most leaders overlook about culture, why investing in seasonal staff pays long-term dividends, and how simple, repeatable frameworks can make service excellence part of daily operations—not an afterthought. You’ll hear about: Why most operators fail at culture (hint: they treat seasonal staff like they're "just temporary") How Ferrari World built world-class culture from scratch across 32 nationalities The difference between "great job today" and recognition that actually changes behavior Why employee engagement surveys are underutilized (and how to fix that) How to make seasonal workers fall in love with your company—even if they're only there for six weeks Why "hiring for attitude" isn't enough without strategic onboarding systems Timestamps: (01:49) — From clown to consultant: Shaun's unconventional path to attractions training (06:45) — Building Ferrari World's culture from a blank canvas across 32 countries (13:02) — The fatal mistake: treating seasonal staff as "only here for six months" (17:11) — How to make employees fall in love with your company (and why it matters) (21:56) — Building culture with limited time: the strategic roadmap approach (25:20) — Making employees real stakeholders: the Warner Brothers bakery experiment (35:31) — The "no written plan" test: if service delivery isn't documented, it's not important (40:44) — Managing toxic team members in family-like departments (45:12) — Ferrari World's suggestion box system that actually worked (and paid employees) (52:33) — From "great job today" to specific recognition that changes behavior (1:02:39) — The one thing operators should do next week to start building better culture About Shaun McKeogh, ICAE Shaun McKeogh is CEO and Founder of Attractions Academy (https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-academy), providing specialist training, organizational development, and consultancy worldwide. With over two decades transforming cultures and elevating leadership within the global attractions, tourism, and entertainment industries, Shaun has partnered with premier brands including Vinpearl Group Vietnam, Gardens by the Bay Singapore, Manchester United China, IAAPA, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, and the General Entertainment Authority on transformational people strategies—contributing to initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. His expertise spans organizational development, cultural transformation, leadership development, and Service Excellence Quality Management Systems across theme parks, museums, cultural centers, and destination resorts. Career highlights include leading the award-winning cultural program at Ferrari World Abu...

7. 

   29 Oct 2025

   Pricing Confidence, Parity, and Behavioral Strategy with Evan Reece, CEO of Truest.me, former CEO Liftopia, Catalate

   What if pricing wasn’t just about numbers—but about shaping behavior? In this episode of Signal, hosts John Pendergrast (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim Samson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) sit down with Evan Reece, best known as the former CEO of Liftopia and Catalate, where he pioneered dynamic pricing and ecommerce strategies that transformed how attractions and ski resorts sell experiences. Now CEO of Truest.me (http://Truest.me) and a retained advisor to attractions, marketplaces, and reservation technology platforms, Evan shares why pricing hygiene—consistency, transparency, and organizational alignment—matters more than any algorithm. With over $1.2B in bookings powered by his pricing models, he’s learned that good pricing starts with trust. From avoiding self-sabotage to preparing for an AI-powered retail landscape, this conversation explores how data, psychology, and behavior intersect to drive revenue—and confidence. You’ll hear about: Why bad “pricing hygiene” undermines even the smartest dynamic pricing systems How to regain control of price parity across OTAs, marketplaces, and direct channels Lessons from Liftopia and Hotwire on consumer behavior and data-driven decisions Why fear-based pricing still limits many attractions—and how to move past it The right way to test pricing boundaries without alienating your audience Why transparency, UX, and timing build long-term pricing confidence How AI and agentic search could disrupt pricing—and what to do about it now Timestamps: (00:00) — Parity &amp; hygiene: the fastest way to boost conversion and trust (03:17) — What bad pricing hygiene looks like (and why it kills your strategy) (05:23) — Finding lower prices on five websites in eight minutes (11:29) — Why price parity is a long-term investment in consumer confidence (17:42) — Fear-based pricing: Why operators are afraid to test (33:01) — AI &amp; LLMs will expose your gaps—how to prepare now (43:40) — Product ≠ price: why "commitment" (timing/terms) is your real lever (45:57) — Disney’s lesson: finding your true upper limit—and why it matters (56:21) — UX moves the money: McDonald’s kiosks, add-ons, and smarter flows (1:02:15) — The one pricing metric every operator should track About Evan Reece Evan Reece focuses his time between retained advisory work with attractions, marketplaces, and reservation technology platforms, and as CEO of Truest.me (http://Truest.me) — a professional wellness company helping people grow by acting as CEOs of their own careers. He is best known for co-founding Liftopia and later leading Catalate, pioneering dynamic pricing and reservation technology for medium and large-scale attractions. Starting in the ski industry, his work set the global standard for dynamic pricing and ecommerce best practices across more than 250 ski areas and attractions, powering over $1.2B in bookings. Whether helping attractions modernize pricing strategy or helping individuals invest in their own growth through Truest, Evan’s career centers on changing consumer behavior for the benefit of both people and businesses. For the latest on what Evan’s working on, visit <a href="http://Truest.me" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

8. 

   15 Oct 2025

   Turning Viral Videos into Waterpark Visitors with Alex Ojeda, TIME100 Creator & Attractions Consultant

   What does it take to turn viral content into real-world revenue for attractions? In this episode of Signal, hosts John Pendergrast (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim Samson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) sit down with Alex Ojeda, a first-generation Mexican-American creator, consultant, and industry superfan whose high-energy content reaches over 15 million followers and generates more than two billion annual impressions every year. Named to the TIME100 Creators list as one of the world’s most influential digital voices, Alex is best known for his thrilling first-person videos spotlighting the planet’s most cutting-edge waterparks and attractions—from the U.S. and UAE to China, Brazil, and beyond. Now, he’s helping operators and brands translate viral storytelling into business impact. Alex shares what it’s like to bridge both worlds—creator and consultant—and how attractions can thrive in the age of short-form video, influencer partnerships, and social-first guest engagement. You’ll hear about: How Alex turned his passion for waterparks into a global creator career The moment that landed him a consulting role with Royal Caribbean International Why “authenticity” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a brand strategy What most attractions get wrong about social media and influencer partnerships The physical reality behind “riding for the shot” (and what it teaches about storytelling) How to future-proof your brand through creator collaborations and C-suite alignment Timestamps: (00:00) — Why Alex's content drives real turnstile clicks, not just views (08:28) — How social-first thinking is reshaping attraction marketing budgets (14:00) — What attractions get wrong with social media hiring (16:27) — Why every attraction already has an audience—you just need to engage them (24:05) — How to leverage hate comments to your advantage (38:48) — How to build sustainable in-house content capabilities (42:02) – Global insights: what the next generation of guests expect (53:53) — Lightning Round: biggest mistakes, favorite platforms, and what's next About Alex Ojeda Alex Ojeda is a first-generation Mexican-American creator, consultant, and industry superfan whose high-energy content reaches over 15 million followers and generates more than two billion annual impressions. He’s widely recognized for spotlighting the world’s most cutting-edge waterparks and attractions—often among the first to experience and share headline-grabbing openings across the U.S., UAE, China, Brazil, at sea, and beyond. Named to the TIME100 Creators list as one of the most influential digital voices globally, Alex partners with brands like Royal Caribbean International, where he serves as a global creator ambassador and design consultant for their groundbreaking new waterpark in Mexico. Beyond content creation, Alex works with attraction industry clients as a social media strategist and consultant, helping them better understand the evolving digital landscape—from short-form video and influencer strategy to in-house content systems—bringing a creator’s perspective to C-suite strategy. 🔗 Links &amp; Resources Follow Alex Ojeda on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@alexojeda), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/alexojeda), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/alexojeda), <a href="http://facebook.com/alexojedatravel"...

9. 

   1 Oct 2025

   Building Joy at Scale with Sara Schiller, Co-CEO of Sloomoo Institute

   In this episode, John and Tim sit down with Sara Schiller (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-schiller-1b55022/), co-founder and co-CEO of Sloomoo Institute (https://sloomooinstitute.com/) — America’s beloved slime museum and sensory experience. What started as a spark of joy between friends has grown into a national phenomenon: five flagship locations, 2 million guests, and over $40M in revenue. Sara shares her remarkable journey of transforming adversity into creativity and explains why immersive experiences are reshaping both attractions and retail. From redefining “play” for adults to pioneering an inclusion-first workforce, Sara and her team are proving that joy is not just a feeling — it’s a business model. You’ll hear about: The origin story of Sloomoo and how slime became a medium for healing and connection Why immersive experiences are the future of retail and family entertainment The role of trust and partnership in doing something that’s never been done before Lessons from navigating a pandemic launch and pivoting to virtual experiences How Sloomoo integrates accessibility, neurodiversity, and inclusion into its DNA Expanding the Sloomoo-verse through licensing, IP, and media Timestamps: (00:00) – Sara’s darkness-to-light story: adversity, hope, and discovering slime (07:09) – Finding optimism as an entrepreneur and the first 3,000 guests at Sloomoo (11:12) – Falling in love with slime and the origin of the name “Sloomoo” (14:36) – Designing immersive spaces that feel elevated for adults *and* kids (18:10) – New exhibits, disco slime, and translating digital trends into analog play (26:16) – Pivoting through the pandemic with virtual camps and corporate activations (32:01) – Scaling the “Sloomoo-verse” through licensing, media, and IP (36:16) – Building a profitable business while driving social good and inclusion (46:04) – Marketing Sloomoo to adults while delivering joy for kids (53:13) – Why immersive experiences are the future of retail (59:39) – Lightning round: advice for attraction operators and the future of play About Sara Schiller Sara Schiller is the co-founder and co-CEO of Sloomoo Institute. Since opening in 2019 with her best friend Karen Robinovitz, Sloomoo has grown into a multi-location immersive brand, welcoming millions of guests and earning accolades including EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year and a spot on the Inc. Female Founder 250. Sara leads Sloomoo’s inclusion initiatives, including a 10% neurodiverse workforce commitment. Previously, she reinvented corporate meetings through her company Meet and co-founded the Wooster Collective, a pioneering street art platform. Sara holds an MBA from NYU Stern and is a proud mom of two daughters — Sloomoo’s own “Chief Creative Kids.” Links &amp; Resources Visit Sloomoo Institute (https://sloomooinstitute.com/) Follow Sara on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-beard-schiller-6a61641/) Learn more about RocketRez (https://www.rocketrez.com/) Follow John (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) on LinkedIn About Signal Signal is the podcast for attraction leaders shaping the future of guest experiences. Hosted by John...

10. 

    16 Sept 2025

    The Experience Economy, Tech’s Role, and the Biggest Blind Spot in Attractions

    In this debut episode of Signal, hosts John Pendergrast (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim Samson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) set the stage for what this podcast is all about: candid, forward-looking conversations for leaders in the attractions industry. John and Tim share their unconventional journeys—from roller coasters at Cedar Point to early software builds for reservation systems—and why operators today need more spaces to talk openly about the challenges shaping guest experiences. This conversation covers four key industry trends and digs into why technology must serve guests first, why standardization matters, and where operators are most at risk of falling behind. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why the experience economy isn’t just maturing—it’s evolving Where tech adds value vs. where it breaks immersion How high demand is colliding with operational headwinds (and what VIP pricing means for access) How economic uncertainty is reshaping consumer behavior and shortening stay patterns The industry’s biggest blind spot: misalignment between guest-first business models and order-first technology Timestamps (00:00) Intro: Why start this podcast? (01:35) Tim’s journey from roller coaster ops to tech (05:32) John’s path from wannabe pop star to software entrepreneur (10:05) The experience economy: maturing or evolving? (15:35) Why technology is foundational—but not the magic (21:22) Balancing guest nostalgia with digital tools (23:05) High demand meets operational headwinds (32:21) Economic uncertainty and the “one-and-done” guest (36:43) The industry’s biggest blind spot in technology (52:17) What Signal is really about (58:16) Closing thoughts: lifting all boats in the attractions industry 👉 Follow John (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pendergrast-082820/) and Tim (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothysamson/) on LinkedIn for more insights.

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