PODCAST · business
Live with Sondra
by Sondra Shannon
"Live with Sondra" is hosted by Sondra Shannon, the CEO of Gatemaster Technology. In this engaging series, Sondra explores the latest attractions and amusement park trends, offering invaluable insights to owners and operators. Each episode features discussions with industry experts, focusing on enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative technology and legendary service. The show aims to provide practical solutions and creative ideas to improve the overall guest experience and operational efficiency in amusement parks and attractions.
Episodes
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Park Gamification: Immersive FEC Missions for Guest Engagement ft. Ben Griffith
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Ben Griffith, CEO of PlayMAXX. We’re diving into how attraction gamification and RFID technology transform on-premise guest experiences and boost engagement. He'll cover: ▶ Integrating RFID trigger points into new and existing attractions. ▶ Bridging…
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Laser Tag: Winning the Membership Game ft. Mitchell Robertson
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Mitchell Robertson, Global Business Development Manager at Delta Strike International Ltd. We’re diving into how to move beyond the "one-time activity" trap and turn laser tag into a revenue-generating powerhouse. He'll cover: ▶ Strategies for converting...
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BD vs. Sales: Why Mixing Them Kills Your Revenue Growth ft. Molly Piveral
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Molly Piveral, Chief Connector at Simply Molly. We’re diving into why treating Business Development and Sales as the same thing is costing you long-term sustainability. She'll cover: ▶ Why BD is the long game and Sales is a transaction. ▶ How to break the...
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Haunt Design: Scoring 15M+ Views with Emotional Storytelling ft. Norman Gidney
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Norman Gidney, Owner and Creator of HorrorBuzz.com. We’re diving into how immersive storytelling drives attraction traffic and how to scale your brand’s digital footprint. He'll cover: ▶ The exact mechanics behind what makes a seasonal haunt effective and...
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Attractions Culture: Creating Teams Where Service Stays Alive ft. Ryan Minton
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Ryan Minton, Author and Founder of Thanks for Coming in Today. We’re diving into the "Privilege of Leadership" and how to build a frontline culture that makes guests never want to leave. He'll cover: ▶ Creating a workplace culture where frontline employees...
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Beverage Revenue: How to Automate Your Park's Margins ft. Greg Luther
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Gregg Luther, Sr. Director of Beverage Programs at Botrista. We’re diving into how automated beverage programs are transforming the F&B landscape and turning simple sips into major revenue engines. He'll cover: ▶ Automating the Pour: How to launch premium...
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Strategy Beyond the Berm: Driving Cross-Sector Growth ft. Liz Sanchez Rasking
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” featuring Liz Sánchez Rasking, Founder and Principal of Looking Glass Strategies. We’re diving into how to take elite themed entertainment design principles "beyond the berm" to drive strategic clarity and cross-sector business growth. She'll cover: ▶ The…
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Attraction Networking: Building the Global Deals Behind the Rides ft. Emily Popovich
Are you building connections or just contacts? 🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Emily Popovich, Director of Global Business Development at KMI International. We’re diving into how elite industry networks, strategic partnerships, and human connections shape the future of global…
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Guest Media: Scaling Revenue Through Automation ft. Francois Tremblay
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Francois Tremblay, CEO of Kool Replay Inc. We’re diving into how to turn your attraction’s guest media into a high-margin, automated revenue stream. He'll cover: ▶️ Unlocking the "hidden gold mine" in your current photo/video operations. ▶️ Replacing…
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Stop Payment Disruptions: Secure Your Software & ROI ft. Chris Wheeler
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Chris Wheeler, President of Paystri Inc. We’re diving into how payment M&A affects your tech and how to fix your guest's checkout friction. He'll cover: ▶ Protecting your platform from payment industry M&A disruptions. ▶ Implementing Dual Pricing to reclaim...
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The Fan Journey: Ticketing Strategies for Loyalty ft. Jenipher Kantor
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Jenipher Kantor, Founder of Jenipher Kantor Consulting! Jenipher is a master of the "Fan Journey," helping venues turn ticketing headaches into loyalty wins. She'll cover: ▶️ How ticketing strategy shapes the entire event experience. ▶️ Removing friction in...
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50 Years of Insights: Scaling Florida’s Best Attractions ft. Bill Lupfer
🎙️ Join us for “Live with Sondra” with Bill Lupfer, President & CEO of the Florida Attractions Association! With 50 years of experience, Bill knows exactly what it takes to make an attraction thrive. He'll cover: ▶️ The power of connected industry communities for better outcomes. ▶️ Strategies…
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Haunt Design: Scoring 15M+ Views with Emotional Storytelling
Welcome to this episode of Live with Sondra, where we explore the art, psychology, and emotional power behind haunted attractions and immersive storytelling with Norman Gidney, Owner and Creator of Horror Buzz and Creative Producer in Themed Entertainment. From lifelong haunt fandom to building...
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Stop Losing Profit: The Power of Embedded Payments ft. Mark Passifione
🎙️ Live with Sondra: Stop Losing Profit — The Power of Embedded Payments ft. Mark Passifione Welcome to this episode of Live with Sondra, where we uncover one of the most overlooked revenue leaks in attractions, venues, and entertainment businesses: payments. Joining Sondra (and Bron) is Mark...
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Waterpark Wealth: Maximize Revenue from Concept to Launch ft. Ken Handler
🎙️ Live with Sondra: Waterpark Wealth — Maximize Revenue from Concept to Launch ft. Ken Handler Welcome to this episode of Live with Sondra, where we take a deep dive into how today’s most successful water parks engineer revenue on purpose. Joining Sondra is Ken Handler, President of Global...
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From Vision to Reality: Secrets of Themed Fabrication ft. Michael Acevedo
🎙️ Live with Sondra: From Vision to Reality — Secrets of Themed Fabrication ft. Michael Acevedo Welcome to this episode of Live with Sondra, where we go behind the scenes of the attractions industry to uncover how immersive worlds are built—from the first creative spark to the final guest...
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Quilting Culture: Kind Leadership for Growth ft. Nathan Caldwell
🎙️ Podcast Title: Quilting Culture: Kind Leadership for Growth Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore the transformative power of kindness in leadership with Nathan Caldwell, Owner and Keynote Speaker at Empowering Kindness. Nathan is a leadership expert and author who…
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The Invisible Guide: AI's Role in a Seamless Visit ft. Takashi Nakaguchi & Antonio Giordano
Welcome to this episode of Live with Sondra, where we uncover how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming guest experiences in attractions. Joining us are Takashi Nakaguchi, Co-Founder & CEO of Nutmeg, and Antonio Giordano, Business Development Lead at Nutmeg, two innovators redefining…
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Canadian Strategy: Pricing, People & Park Profit ft. Bob Williams
Welcome to this episode of Live with Sondra, where we head north to unpack how Canadian operators balance smart pricing, people-first leadership, and sustainable park profit. Our guest is Bob Williams, General Manager of Calaway Park—a three-decade industry leader known for operational…
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The CEO's Guide to Multi-Unit Action Park Strategy ft. Bron Launsby
Welcome to this episode of Live with Sondra, where we dive into the world of multi-unit operations and strategic leadership in the attractions industry. Joining us is Bron Launsby, CEO of Action Park Group, a visionary leader driving growth and innovation across multiple parks. In this session,...
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Secure Automation: Stop Losing $25M+ to Risk Gaps ft. Shannon Noonan
🎙️ Podcast Title: Secure Automation: Stop Losing $25M+ to Risk Gaps Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we dive into the critical intersection of automation, cybersecurity, and operational growth with Shannon Noonan, CEO and Founder of High Noon Consulting. With over 18 years of...
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Tech Meets Nostalgia: Building Future Parks ft. Markus Mack-Even
Podcast Title: Tech Meets Nostalgia: Building Future Parks Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore the art and strategy behind designing theme parks that blend cutting-edge innovation with timeless emotional storytelling. Joining us is Markus Mack-Even, Founder and CEO of...
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Data-Driven Culture: Engaging Modern Audiences ft. Chloé Grossmann
🎙️ Podcast Title: Data-Driven Culture: Engaging Modern Audiences Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore how attractions and cultural institutions can harness data to personalize guest experiences, boost attendance, and build long-term loyalty. Joining us is Chloé…
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Strategic Resilience: Leading Attractions Through Change & AI ft. Steve Gavatorta
🎙️ Podcast Title: Strategic Resilience: Leading Attractions Through Change & AI Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore how strategic leadership, resilience, and customization can empower attractions to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Joining us is Steve Gavatorta,...
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The Future of Refund Protection in Theme Parks & Attractions ft. Morgan Abney
🎙️ Podcast Title: The Future of Refund Protection in Theme Parks & Attractions Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore how refund protection is reshaping guest experience, revenue strategy, and customer loyalty in the attractions industry with Morgan Abney, Partner Manager...
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Power Up Your Success With Collaborative Strategies ft. Deana Jean
🎙️ Podcast Title: Power Up Your Success with Collaborative Strategies Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore how collaboration can unlock growth, innovation, and team alignment with Deana Jean, Founder of Collab Queen and Strategic Collaboration Expert. Deana helps...
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F&B as Destination: Driving Attraction Success ft. Ken Whiting
🎙️ Podcast Title: F&B as Destination: Driving Attraction Success Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore how food and beverage can become a powerful driver of guest engagement, revenue, and brand identity with Ken Whiting, CEO of Whiting Foods and former Chair of the Board...
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Live Experience Data: From Insights to Audience Impact ft. Cody Lassen
🎙️ Podcast Title: Live Experience Data: From Insights to Audience Impact Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore the intersection of entertainment, ticketing, and data with Cody Lassen, Tony Award-Winning Producer and Principal at Cody Lassen & Associates. With a portfolio...
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Exceeding Expectations: Culture & Experience Design ft. Phil Bruno
🎙️ Podcast Title: Exceeding Expectations: Culture and Experience Design Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore the powerful connection between internal culture and guest experience with Phil Bruno, Chief Experience Officer and Founder of Treat Experiences. With over 45...
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Community Powered Economies: A New Era for Attractions ft. Jaye Watts
🎙️ Podcast Title: Community Powered Economies: A New Era for Attractions Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore the intersection of gamification, tech, and community with Jaye Watts, Founder and CEO of Coexist. Jaye is a Grammy-winning recording artist, AI ethics…
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Spatial Computing: AI, VR, and The Future of Attractions ft. Steve Smith
Podcast Title: Spatial Computing: AI, VR, and The Future of Attractions Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore the cutting edge of guest experience design with Steve Smith, CEO and President of Tana Solutions, Inc. Join us for a visionary conversation about how immersive...
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The Secret to 60% Foot Traffic Growth ft. Chelsea Warner
🎙️ The Secret to 60% Foot Traffic Growth Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we unlock the power of grassroots marketing and data-driven strategy with Chelsea Werner, Director of Key Partnerships at Radius. If you're an attraction or business looking to boost foot traffic by...
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The Power of Imagery: Your Park's Visual Story ft. Stephanie Tassone
Welcome to this episode of "The Power of Imagery: Your Park's Visual Story" where we explore how intentional visuals turn curiosity into ticket sales. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Stephanie Tassone, Founder of Stephanie Tassone Creative, whose design,...
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Transforming Spaces: The Rise of Downloadable Theme Parks ft. Aidan Wolf
Welcome to this episode of "Transforming Spaces" where we dive into the rise of downloadable theme parks and the future of interactive play. Join us for an inspiring episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Aidan Wolf, CEO and Co-Founder of DreamPark, and recent Shark Tank success story who is...
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Mastering Resilience: Leading Attractions Through Change & AI ft. Steve Gavatorta
Welcome to this episode of "Mastering Resilience" where we dive into leading attractions through change, challenges, and the rise of AI. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Steve Gavatorta, President/Owner of Steve Gavatorta Group, who empowers individuals and...
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Data-Driven Culture: Engaging Modern Audiences ft. Chloé Grossmann
Welcome to this episode of "Data-Driven Culture" where we dive into how data can transform the way attractions and cultural institutions engage with today’s audiences. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Chloé Grossmann, Area Manager at Arenametrix, who specializes…
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Bowling & Beyond: Social Gaming's Attraction Impact ft. Bart Burger
Welcome to this episode of "Bowling & Beyond" where we dive into how social gaming is transforming the attractions industry and driving Location Based Entertainment to new heights. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Bart Burger, Director of Marketing & Investor...
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Inclusive Innovation: Empowering Teams & Enhancing Guest Experiences in Attractions ft. Marah Rodriguez
Welcome to this episode of "Inclusive Innovation" where we dive into how empowering teams and embracing inclusive innovation can transform guest experiences in the attractions industry. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Marah Rodriguez, Regional VP of Sales at...
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The Principled Path: Leading Attractions Through Transformation & AI ft. Bruce Wren
Welcome to this episode of "The Principled Path" where we dive into leadership, transformation, and the role of AI in shaping the future of attractions. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Bruce Wren, Founder & CEO of ACE Independent Consulting Services, who is…
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Storytelling Magic: Building Brands for Attractions ft. Peter Jude Ricciardi
Welcome to this episode of "Storytelling Magic" where we explore how story-driven branding brings attractions to life and builds lasting guest connections. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Peter, Founder of Brandartica and former Disney strategist, who shares how...
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F&B as Destination: Driving Attraction Success ft. Ken Whiting
Welcome to this episode of "F&B as Destination" where we dive into the power of food and beverage in driving attraction success. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Ken Whiting, President/CEO of Whiting’s Foods, a true visionary who believes F&B can be the main…
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Exceeding Expectations: Culture & Experience Design ft. Phil Bruno
Welcome to this episode of "Exceeding Expectations" where we dive into the art of culture and experience design that keeps guests coming back. Join us for an informative episode of "Live with Sondra" featuring Phil Bruno, Chief Experience Officer of Treat ‘em Right Experiences, who brings decades...
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The Tech Behind the Tap: Innovations in Self-Serve F&B ft. Jose Hevia
🎙️ Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra," where we explore the innovations transforming attractions and hospitality. In this episode, titled "The Tech Behind the Tap: Innovations in Self-Serve F&B," Sondra sits down with Jose Hevia, CEO and Founder of DraftServ Technologies, to uncover…
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Breaking Barriers to Inclusion: Creating Inclusive, Sustainable Experiences ft. Emmanuel Kelly
Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra," where we explore the people and ideas shaping the future of attractions and entertainment. In this inspiring episode titled "Breaking Barriers to Inclusion: Creating Inclusive, Sustainable Experiences," Sondra sits down with Emmanuel Kelly…
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The Power of Improv in Leadership: Boosting Culture & Resiliency ft. Heather Barnes
Welcome to this episode of “Live with Sondra,” where we explore the ideas and people shaping leadership, culture, and guest experience in the attractions industry and beyond. In this powerful episode titled “The Power of Improv in Leadership: Boosting Culture & Resiliency,” Sondra sits down with...
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Smart Restrooms, Happier Guests: The Cleanliness KPI You’re Missing ft. Sara Muntner
Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we uncover the untapped opportunities that make attractions thrive. In this episode, titled "Smart Restrooms, Happier Guests: The Cleanliness KPI You’re Missing," Sondra sits down with Sara Muntner, Customer Success Manager at Essity…
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Savor the Story: F&B That Shapes the Guest Journey ft. Sarah Bisacca
Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore how to transform everyday moments into extraordinary guest experiences. In this episode, titled "Savor the Story: F&B That Shapes the Guest Journey," Sondra sits down with Sarah Bisacca, Freelance Writer and Global Theme Park Foodie…
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Bringing Stories to Life: The Power of Video in Attractions ft. Joshua Leppert
🎙️ Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we spotlight the creative minds shaping the future of attractions and entertainment! In this episode titled "Bringing Stories to Life: The Power of Video in Attractions," Sondra welcomes Joshua Leppert, Executive Producer at Sunshine Media…
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AI-Powered Messaging: Transforming Audience Connections ft. Kreda McCullough
🎙️ Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore the intersection of technology, communication, and meaningful brand impact. In this compelling session titled "AI-Powered Messaging: Transforming Audience Connections," Sondra sits down with Kreda McCullough, CEO and Visionary of...
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Boost Retention & Culture Without Breaking the Budget ft. Anthony Poponi
🎙️ Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we explore the intersection of leadership, fulfillment, and workplace well-being. In this impactful session titled "Boost Retention & Culture Without Breaking the Budget," Sondra sits down with Anthony Poponi, CEO of Focus on the 40…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
"Live with Sondra" is hosted by Sondra Shannon, the CEO of Gatemaster Technology. In this engaging series, Sondra explores the latest attractions and amusement park trends, offering invaluable insights to owners and operators. Each episode features discussions with industry experts, focusing on enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative technology and legendary service. The show aims to provide practical solutions and creative ideas to improve the overall guest experience and operational efficiency in amusement parks and attractions.
HOSTED BY
Sondra Shannon
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Live with Sondra have?
Live with Sondra currently has 109 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Live with Sondra about?
"Live with Sondra" is hosted by Sondra Shannon, the CEO of Gatemaster Technology. In this engaging series, Sondra explores the latest attractions and amusement park trends, offering invaluable insights to owners and operators. Each episode features discussions with industry experts, focusing on...
How often does Live with Sondra release new episodes?
Live with Sondra publishes regularly with 109 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Live with Sondra?
You can listen to Live with Sondra on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Live with Sondra?
Live with Sondra is created and hosted by Sondra Shannon.
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