IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers (Virtual)

Mary Jane (MJ) Brewer is a safety professional with over 25 years of experience specializing in theme park and water park operations. She has directly managed the safe operation of several municipal aquatic and recreation facilities, as well as several large, private sector theme park and water park properties. Additionally, she has extensive safety and compliance leadership experience as a senior member of the corporate teams for two multi-unit business operators.

MJ is currently the Executive Director for AIMS International, a non-profit 501(c)(6) association dedicated to improving amusement industry safety through leadership in education. In her most recent former role as Safety Specialist for REI (Recreation Engineering, Inc), MJ was responsible for water park and resort property safety inspections and operations audits. Additionally, in her role as VP of Operations for USTTC (US Technical Training Center), she was responsible for maintaining a website that offers continuing education opportunities for AIMS, NAARSO and California QSI certified inspectors.

MJ is active in many entertainment industry trade associations and safety forums. She is a member of NAARSO and AIMS and holds several certifications from both organizations. She is a member of IAAPA, currently serves on the Facility Operations Committee, and served for three years as a member of the Waterpark Committee. She is a former member of the WWA (World Waterpark Association) Education Committee and is a member of the ASTM F24 committee. MJ holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management and Master of Science degree in Community Health and Exercise Science, both from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of the collegiate varsity swim team.

Matthew has a proven executive track record, with experience in the hospitality, real estate development, financial services and themed entertainment industries.

Prior to starting OE Experiences, Matthew was CEO of Boyd Hollow Resorts, Inc., where he oversaw the development of a new concept in themed hospitality which culminated in its celebration as a Top 5 announcement at the 2019 IAAPA Expo by Theme Park University.

Before Boyd Hollow Resorts, Inc., Matthew was Vice President at USI Consulting Group, a Registered Investment Advisory firm with over $20 billion in assets under advisement. He was responsible for relationship management, business development, portfolio allocation strategies and production of key deliverables for clients.  He also worked at Finard Properties, a Boston, MA based real estate development company, and Caesar’s at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in the finance department.

He is recognized by his peers as a strong leader with an unyielding focus on vision and success. Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the Calloway School of Business & Accountancy at Wake Forest University.

Ken Handler, president of GMAP has been consulting for two decades. Ken is proud to be an owner of Raging Rivers and Splash City Adventures Park.  He uses the expertise from consulting on over 100 waterparks in the US and Internationally to drive millions of dollars and guests to his clients’ bottom line.  His customer service and ethics sets him apart from his competitors. Our industry loves Ken’s innovative approach and mentoring of food and beverage operations. GMAP has designed and developed restaurant concepts for Wild Rivers Waterpark, H2OBX Waterpark, OWA Tropical Falls and most recently Gulf Island Waterpark. GMAP was called upon to mentor F&B of Magic Springs Theme Park, Wahoo’s Family Entertainment Center, Ocean City Waterpark, Splash City Adventure Family entertainment, Nona Adventure Park and Wet N’ Wild Waterworld.

Ken has operated and managed many of California's finest Waterparks and theme parks for over 35 years. As a nationally recognized revenue consultant, Ken continues to guide and provide assistance to a number of well-known facilities offering memorable and safe adventures to hundreds of thousands of guests each year.    

Ken continues to be a highly sought-after professional in the waterpark industry.  He has received notable acknowledgments from the World Waterpark Association and won countless awards in the areas of marketing and programming. Ken and his team love the challenge of opening both rehabilitated and brand-new parks. He also enjoys the exciting adventure of mentoring our industry professionals throughout the country.

Throughout the years, Ken has provided enjoyable experiences for millions of guests, at many locations. Creating an enjoyable experience for guests with efficient and cost-effective operating procedures is one of his many specialties. His experience, creativity, and strong work ethic have been the foundation for providing successful consulting and management for municipalities and industry leading entertainment locations around the globe. 
 

Shaun is Founder and President of www.AttractionsAcademy.com, providing global attractions virtual and onsite training, organizational development, service excellence, leadership, performance improvement and operations consultancy for the attractions industry. Shaun is co-author of the industry leadership book ‘Reasons 2 Reward’ and author of numerous attractions industry features. Shaun is currently Chair for the IAAPA Asia Pacific Education Sub Committee and member of the IAAPA Global Education Committee. Shaun has supported the development of many world class attractions including Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, The Exploratorium, The Guggenheim, Enchanted Kingdom, Omaha Children’s Museum and The Park at OWA.

Shaun is Founder and President of Attractions Academy, supporting your attraction to deliver world class experiences through the management of your people. Attractions Academy provides global attractions virtual and onsite training, organizational development, service excellence system implementation, leadership development, performance improvement, human resource initiatives and operations consultancy for the attractions industry. Shaun is co-author of the industry leadership book ‘Reasons 2 Reward’ and author of numerous attractions industry features. Shaun is currently Chair for the IAAPA Asia Pacific Education Sub Committee and member of the IAAPA Global Education Committee. Shaun has supported the development of many world class attractions including Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, The Exploratorium, The Guggenheim, Enchanted Kingdom, Omaha Children’s Museum and The Park at OWA.
 

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