VOL. 9 | NO. 4 |
FALL 2023
CONTENTS
ON THE COVER
Rising Stars class of 2023 (clockwise, from upper left):
Mason Craine, Challenge Quest, Okla. Ruthie Rivers, Granite Insurance Jesse Pasacreta, The Adventure Park at Storrs, Conn. Drew Stewart, Mica Moon Zip Tours, Wash. Natalie and Gatlin Carnley, Butter and Egg Adventures, Ala. CJ Hughes, Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii Kanoe Lewis, Kohala Zipline, Hawaii Michael Kidd, Carlingford Adventure Centre, Ireland >> 42
Be Smart With Artificial Intelligence Tips for creating an AI game plan. By Troy Hawks 54 50 Builder Profile: Perfect Synergy Erik and Jennifer Marter have grown Synergo into a multifaceted company
How Are We Doing? A comprehensive guide to operational reviews. By Rohan Shahani 46 24 What’s Happening With Free Falls While not the draw they were once thought to be, free falls still have an important place. By Josh Laskin 30 Park Spy “How do you stop at the end of the zip line?” 32 Sustainability Simplified How to calculate your business’s climate impacts, and steps to reduce them. By Erika Kazi 36 It’s Just Business Essential key performance indicators to track and analyze for business success. By Micah Salazar 42 Rising Stars The 2023 Rising Stars are poised to guide the industry into a successful future. By Moira McCarthy
Cover design: Joerg Dressler
3 Letter from the Editors Balancing Act 6 Park Briefs Webb promoted, ACCT conference updates, SAM Summer Ops Camp. By The Editors 10 Weathering the Summer of ‘23 Operators reflect on business levels, staffing, and staying relevant post-Covid. By Linda Goodspeed 14 Legal Challenges of Self-Guided Activities Self-guided operations come with unique risk management considerations. By Reb Gregg 18 Please, Come Again Best practices for fostering repeat business. By Steph Sibille
through togetherness, a strong culture, and hard work. By Katie Brinton and Bob Curley How Shepherd of the Hills continues to thrive in the tourist mecca of Branson, Mo. By Peter Oliver
58 Park 360: Heading for the Hills
WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
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Bob Curley April Darrow Linda Goodspeed CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL OFFICE P.O. Box 1776 • McCormick, SC 29835 Tel. 203.263.0888 Website: www.adventureparkinsider.com Publisher Olivia Rowan—olivia@adventureparkinsider.com Editor Dave Meeker—dave@adventureparkinsider.com Senior Editor Katie Brinton—katie@adventureparkinsider.com Associate Editor Jack Fagone—jack@adventureparkinsider.com Digital Editor Jack Fagone—jack@adventureparkinsider.com Design Director Sarah Wojcik—sarahw@adventureparkinsider.com Graphic Design Consultant Joerg Dressler—joerg@dressler-design.com Production Manager Donna Jacobs—donna@adventureparkinsider.com
ADVERTISING/MARKETING OFFICE 70 Pond Street • Natick, MA 01760 Tel. 508.655.6408 / Fax 508.655.6409 Advertising Director Sharon Walsh—sharon@adventureparkinsider.com Marketing Manager Sarah Wojcik—sarah@adventureparkinsider.com Marketing Associate Jordyn Bremer—jordyn@adventureparkinsider.com ADVENTURE PARK INSIDER — Vol. 9, No. 4, Fall 2023, is published quarterly: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, by Beardsley Publishing Corp., 70 Pond Street, Natick, MA 01760-4438. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Beardsley Publishing, P.O. 1776, McCormick,SC 29835. Copyright 2023 Beardsley Publishing Corp. All rights reserved.
Josh Laskin Moira McCarthy Peter Oliver Micah Salazar Rohan Shahani Steph Sibille
Reb Gregg Troy Hawks Erika Kazi
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR Rick Kahl
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