The Future of Experiences: What Guests Expect Now (and What Comes Next) - Andy Zimmerman

Andy Povey is joined by Andy Zimmerman, CEO of Journey, the global design and innovation agency behind some of the world's most innovative immersive experiences. Andy shares how Journey blends storytelling, technology, and multidisciplinary creativity to transform everything from theme parks and observation decks to healthcare and live entertainment. They discuss the shift from digital to real-world experiences, the importance of designing every touchpoint in the guest journey, and why the most memorable moments often happen before the main event even begins.   Topics Discussed How Journey creates world-class immersive experiences across multiple industries Why storytelling is the foundation of every successful project Designing experiences beyond entertainment, including healthcare and hospitality The transformation of the Empire State Building visitor experience Lessons from Disney's MagicBand and pre-arrival guest engagement The growing demand for real-life, technology-enabled experiences How Journey combines diverse creative disciplines under one roof The future of immersive experiences and opportunities with influencer-led attractions Why every part of the guest journey, including queues, matters The shift from the experience economy to the transformation economy   Show references: Andy Zimmerman, CEO of Journey https://journey.world/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeydotworld/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewzimmerman1/   Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here