UBCNews - Business - GT Summit 2026: What Attraction Leaders & FEC Owners Need to Know

Episode Date: February 24, 2026

Hey there, everyone! Welcome back. Today we're talking about something really special for attraction industry leaders - the GT Summit 2026. Only 40 seats available, and from what we've been hearing, this intimate format is exactly what serious operators are looking for. So, uh, let's talk about what makes this event essential. Gatemaster Technology City: Arvada Address: 5610 Ward Road, Ste 300 Website: https://gatemaster.com/

Hey there everyone, welcome back. Today we're talking about something really special for attraction industry leaders, the GT Summit 2026. Only 40 seats available, and from what we've been hearing, this intimate format is exactly what serious operators are looking for. So, uh, let's talk about what makes this event essential. Thanks for having me. You know, I've been in this industry for years and I can tell you there's nothing quite like what the GT Summit provides. It's happening March 11th through 12th in Arvada, Colorado. And the format is really designed for focused, high-level connection. When you're in a room with just 40 other attraction professionals who share your challenges, the conversations get real, fast. Right, and that exclusivity seems intentional.

Walk us through who's actually going to be speaking at this thing. Absolutely. Ruby Newell-Legner is our keynote speaker and MC. She's the expert behind seven-star service solutions. She's worked with 69 to 5 sports, leisure, and recreation facilities worldwide, including 104 amusement parks, family entertainment centers, and 67 professional sports teams. Her clients have seen a 17% increase in customer satisfaction, 19% growth in repeat business, and 16% revenue growth in just one year. Those aren't just numbers. That's measurable transformation.

Wow, those results are impressive. And Ruby's not the only one, right? Exactly. We've also got Sandra Shannon, who's been transforming businesses since taking over as CEO in 2012. She brings this unique blend of technical expertise and visionary leadership. There's also Jake Shannon. He's recognized as the number one elite 10X business coach out of 600 for Grant Cardone, and helps high-performing entrepreneurs achieve extraordinary results. Mm-hmm. Impressive lineup.

So what are attendees actually walking away with? I mean, beyond just inspiration, what are the practical tools here? Great question. The summit addresses real challenges facing the industry right now. Geopolitical instability, supply chain fragility, the labor crisis we're all dealing with, and this case-shaped consumer base that's reshaping how we think about pricing and experience. Attendees leave with tools to streamline systems, boost revenue, and create those unforgettable guest experiences.

You're building a revenue powerhouse, not just surviving. Have you ever wondered how some attractions seem to nail operational efficiency, while others struggle with bottlenecks? That's exactly the question many operators ask themselves daily. And I think that's where technology and smart systems come into play. There's actually going to be a panel on future-proofing your business, looking at tech that grows with your facility. In 2026, we're seeing trends like AI powered experiences, immersive food and beverage offerings, and a shift toward retention over acquisition.

I see, go on. Data-led storytelling and personalized guest paths are becoming essential. I remember visiting a water park last summer where they had everything spread across three different systems. Ticketing here, food orders there, retail somewhere else. The staff was frustrated. guests were waiting too long, and revenue was leaking everywhere. That's the kind of problem we're solving now. That point about integrated systems and operational efficiency

really sets up our next piece, implementation tactics. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Running a theme park, water park, zoo, or family entertainment center means juggling ticketing, retail, food service, and party bookings all at once. Gatemaster technology provides an all-in-one point-of-sale and ticketing platform that brings everything together in a single system. Their solutions are designed to streamline operations, reduce wait times, and help venues manage admissions through concessions without switching between multiple platforms. With clients in 16 countries and over 30 years in the attractions industry, Gatemaster helps facilities improve guest experience and grow revenue.

Learn more at gatemaster.com. Picking up on those integrated systems and operational efficiency, how do you actually implement what you learn at a summit like this into day-to-day operations? That's the million-dollar question, right? Here's the thing. Implementation starts with understanding your specific operational bottlenecks. At the summit, you're going to get access to case studies. For example, there was a zoo that integrated online booking with their POS transactions,

which eliminated separate databases and drove measurement. reasonable revenue growth by improving visitor satisfaction. Concrete examples, so it's not theoretical, it's proven methods people can actually apply. Exactly. And the networking component can't be overstated. When you're connecting with peers who run similar facilities, whether that's a museum, a water park, or an FEC, you're sharing war stories, solutions, and building relationships that extend way beyond those two days. There are fun, interactive activities built in specifically to spark those connections and new ideas.

You know, it's like speed dating for attraction operators, except instead of finding romance, you're finding solutions to your labor shortage problems. Ha ha! I love that analogy. So to everyone listening who might be thinking, I can't make it to Colorado, are there options for them? Absolutely. Virtual tickets are available, so you can still access every session. and be part of the experience from anywhere. You get the same content and insights,

which means you're still investing in your professional development and expertise. The in-person experience is ideal, but we understand travel isn't always feasible. Makes sense. Now let me ask you this. What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone who attends, whether virtually or in person, to maximize their ROI? Come prepared with your top three operational challenges written down.

When you hear a speaker or meet, a peer who solve something similar, get deep into that conversation. Don't just collect business cards, collect solutions. In other words, you want to walk away with answers, not just contacts, and then within 48 hours of returning, schedule a team meeting to share your top takeaways and assign action items. Implementation dies in delay. That's solid practical advice. I love the 48-hour rule. Let me share something I heard from an operator once. They said the difference between a good conference and a great one is whether you leave with a to-do list or just a notebook full of ideas.

Sounds like GT Summit is built for the former. That's exactly it. This is the second annual summit, but it builds on a rich history, the gear-up parties that brought over 100 attendees and the acclaimed Live With Sandra series that's featured over 60 influential industry guests. This isn't a first-time experiment. it's a proven tradition of delivering value.

Right, and with the intimate setting and expert speakers, it really does sound like a focused experience. Before we wrap, what's the one thing you want listeners to remember about the GT summit? This is for serious attraction, professionals ready to elevate their operations and achieve massive growth. With only 40 in-person seats, you get focused impact, meaningful conversations, and methods you can implement immediately. Whether you're dealing with labor shortages,

guest experience challenges or revenue plateaus, this summit gives you the clarity, tactics, and community to move forward. It's where serious operators come to level up. Love it. Thanks so much for breaking all this down with us today. To everyone listening, if you're ready to turn your attraction into a revenue powerhouse, this might be the event you've been waiting for. We'll catch you next time.