Live with Sondra

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 Mobaro , who brings over two decades of experience driving safety, efficiency, and digital transformation...

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 known for developing principled leaders and driving meaningful change in organizations. In this sessio...

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 powerful stories can transform brands of any size. In this session, Peter will dive into: Crafting Br...

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 reason guests visit attractions. In this session, Ken will dive into: F&B as a Destination: Pr...

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 of expertise in elevating visitor experience and empowering teams. In this session, Phil will dive in...

🎙️ 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 how smart, self-serve beverage solutions are reshaping operations, revenue, and guest satisfaction. W...

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, Co-Founder of Outlier Ltd, to discuss his powerful mission to reimagine entertainment through accessibility, inc...

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 Heather Barnes, Founder & CEO of Improv at Work LLC, to discuss how improvisational strategies...

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 Professional Hygiene , to discuss how something as simple as a restroom can make or break the guest experience—and...

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 , to discuss how intentional, immersive, and even nostalgic food and beverage offerings can make or...

🎙️ 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 and former Show Awareness Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. With over five years of experience in the...

🎙️ 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 Vibe Solutions , to uncover how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of marketing—and helping b...

🎙️ 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, Positive Psychology Expert, and Author of The Little Book of Workplace Happiness . With his unique blend of...

🎙️ Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" where we dive deep into the heart of hospitality to uncover what makes a guest experience truly unforgettable. In this inspiring session titled "The Power of Being Rememberable: Elevating Guest Loyalty & Experiences," Sondra welcomes back one of her favorite guests, Bob Pacanovsky, the Chief Hospitality Officer at the Black Tie Experience who is...

Welcome to this episode of "Live with Sondra" , where we explore how innovation, safety, accessibility, and sustainability are shaping the future of the attractions industry. In this session, Sondra is joined by Jacob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA , the global association serving the attractions industry. With decades of leadership experience and a global perspective, Jacob Wahl dives into how...

Welcome to this powerful episode of "Live with Sondra" , where we dive into what it really takes to elevate team performance, leadership, and revenue through the power of coaching. In this special session, Sondra is joined by her husband and coach, Jake Shannon , the #1 Elite Business Coach at Grant Cardone Enterprises. Together, they unpack proven strategies that drive growth, culture, and high-p...

Season pass renewals should be seamless, fast, and guest-friendly , yet many attractions still struggle with outdated processes that frustrate both staff and visitors. In this episode of Live with Sondra , Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology , shares firsthand experiences and industry best practices for making season pass renewals more efficient and guest-centric. In this session, Sondra...

🚀 The GT Summit 2025 is here! Are you ready to transform your attraction business? Join us April 9th-10th, 2025, in Arvada, Colorado , for a game-changing two-day event filled with expert insights, networking, and hands-on learning designed to elevate your operations and guest experiences. In this episode, Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology , gives you a sneak peek into what’s in store...

The GT Summit 2025 is just around the corner, and if you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet— now is the time! Join us in Denver, April 9th-10th, 2025 , for two days of expert insights, networking, and actionable strategies to enhance your attraction’s operations. Whether you’re in ticketing, operations, accounting, or guest experience , this summit is packed with value you won’t want to miss. In thi...

As leaders, we often talk about caring for our people, building great workplace cultures, and investing in strong teams—but do our actions reflect that? In this episode of Live with Sondra , Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology , dives into a controversial but necessary conversation: Is your technology helping or hurting your team? In this session, Sondra will cover: The Hidden Cost of Too...

Thinking about upgrading your ticketing and attraction management system but unsure where to start? In this episode of Live with Sondra , Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology , breaks down the four simple steps to partnering with Gatemaster —making the process seamless, transparent, and tailored to your venue’s needs . In this session, Sondra will cover: Step 1: Discovery Call – How a simp...

Providing legendary service isn't just a goal at Gatemaster—it’s our mission . Whether you're running a water park, amusement park, museum, or any ticketed attraction, your success depends on reliable support, seamless technology, and proactive solutions . In this episode of Live with Sondra , Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology , dives into why 24/7 customer support and proactive solutio...

Pricing isn’t just about setting numbers—it’s about creating trust, transparency, and value for your customers while maximizing revenue for your attraction. In this episode of Live with Sondra , Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology , explores the strategies behind pricing models in the ticketing industry and breaks down the pros and cons of Surge Pricing vs. Value Pricing . In this session...

Success in business isn’t a solo journey—it’s built through collaboration, relationships, and shared expertise . In this episode of Live with Sondra , Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology , explores the power of collaborative strategies and how businesses can leverage partnerships, teamwork, and innovation to scale faster, create impact, and achieve long-term success . In this session, Son...

Customer loyalty isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about exceeding them at every turn. In this special year-end episode of Live with Sondra , Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology , shares how attractions can create unforgettable experiences that drive repeat business and turn guests into lifelong advocates. In this session, Sondra dives into: The Power of Going Above & Beyond:...