The Attractions Group Podcast
Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.
Episodes
2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative years the attractions industry has seen in decades—and the news isn’t slowing down.
In Season 5, Episode 26 of the Attractions Group Podcast, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger break down the biggest theme park, amusement park, and attractions industry news heading into 2026.
🔥 In this episode, we cover:
- The most anticipated new attractions opening in 2026
- ...
After decades of shaping the global attractions industry, David Mandt (Former IAAPA Chief Governance Officer & Executive Director of the IAAPA Foundation) has officially retired—and he’s joining us for his first exclusive interview since stepping down at the end of 2025!
Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down wi...
Welcome to another exciting year for the Attractions Group Podcast!
Buckle up for an awesome ride, we're excited that you are joining us!
We break down what Christmas looks like for theme parks heading into 2025, how seasonal events are evolving, and what recent announcements mean for the future of the attractions industry. Then we zoom out to discuss why Qiddiya City matters, how Six Flags’ global expansion is changing the landsca...
🎢 Six Flags New CEO John Reilly: IAAPA Fallout & What's Next | Attractions Group Podcast
The biggest attractions business news is here! Join hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling for a deep-dive analysis into the monumental leadership shift at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Veteran operator John Reilly has been named the new President and CEO, and this episode breaks down exactly what that means for the future of Six ...
Join hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger for a deep-dive breakdown of everything that went down at IAAPA Expo 2025 — the biggest global gathering for rides, tech, attractions, and themed entertainment.
Whether you’re in operations, design, guest experience, or leadership, this episode gives you an insider-level look at the products, people, and innovations shaping the future of our industry.
- 🚀 A full reaction to Nightfli...
Join Alex & Isabelle from the Attractions Group and the Energy Efficiency Group (both based in Cincinnati!) for this "high-voltage" webinar on a critical, often overlooked, strategy for massive energy savings at theme parks, zoos, waterparks, and large attractions.
These venues are powerhouses of energy consumption, running thousands of horsepower of inductive loads, including:
-
Rides and Attractions: Motors for roller coa...
⛰️ Attractions Group Podcast: A Smoky Mountain Expedition with Dollywood President Eugene Naughton 🎢
Join hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling for a fascinating deep dive with a true industry visionary, Mr. Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company!
In this must-listen episode, we go straight to the heart of the Smoky Mountains to discuss what it truly takes to operate a world-class resort in the attraction-rich Pi...
Get ready for a deep dive into the thrilling world of coaster history! 🎢 In this episode, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with two incredible guests from the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in Texas: Kris Rowberry and Mark Rosenzweig.
Kris and Mark pull back the curtain on the massive und...
🚀 Beyond the Theme Park Gates: Interview with Former Disney Executive Djuan Rivers 🏔️
Join The Attractions Group Podcast hosts Clete Reinberger, David Detling, and America's Theme Park Technologist, Matthew Miller, for an incredible conversation with former Disney Executive and global adventurer, Djuan Rivers!
Don't miss our latest episode featuring David Rosenberg, EVP of SSA Group! David dives deep into the future of the Attractions Industry, focusing on the critical intersection of Guest Experience and Sustainability. Learn how attractions are innovating to create seamless, impactful, and environmentally conscious visits.
Plus, stick around for a high-thrill segment as your co-host, Clete, unveils his highly debated Top 10 Roller Coas...
🎙️ Calling all haunt fans and creative minds! 🎙️👻 🎃
Get ready for the thrilling conclusion of our "Behind the Scare" series on the Attractions Group Podcast! This week, host Clete Reinberger sits down with the legendary Scott Swenson of Scott Swenson Creative Development for an incredible interview you won't want to miss. Scott's insights into the world of immersive entertainment and scare design are truly unparalleled. Tune in...
Season 5, Episode 014- Matt Eckert Holiday World Park President Returns! | Attractions Group Podcast
🚀 HUGE Attractions Group Podcast Alert! 🚀
He's back! You absolutely need to tune in as hosts Clete Reinberger & David Detling sit down once again with Matt Eckert, President & CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari!
We dive into what makes Holiday World unique, how the park continues to innovate, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape the guest journey. Whether you’re an industry professional, a theme park e...
Prepare for a terrifyingly good time! 🎃
The Attractions Group Podcast Halloween Series, "Behind the Scare," is back with a new episode! Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger pull back the curtain on one of the Southwest's premier haunted events, Nightfall at Old Tucson.
We sit down with Tony Sanders to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce this massive Halloween event in a historic movie studio and western to...
Season 5, Episode 012- Matt Heller of the popular AttractionPros Podcast | Attractions Group Podcast
Join the Attractions Group Podcast hosts, Clete Reinberger and David Detling, for a fascinating conversation with industry veteran Matt Heller!
Matt is the host of the incredibly popular AttractionPros Podcast and the founder of "The Performance Optimist," a resource dedicated to helping leaders create exceptional teams and guest experiences in the attractions industry.
In this episode, Clete and David dive into Matt's background a...
Join us on a spine-chilling journey "Behind the Scare"! In this episode, the Attractions Group Podcast welcomes Brewer Lister and Chris Brown from Hersheypark for an exclusive deep dive into the creation of their hit Halloween event, Dark Nights.
Learn the secrets of bringing the scares to life at this popular haunt experience...
Step into the fog with The Attractions Group Podcast! 🎃 Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger are back with another chilling episode of "Behind the Scare," and this time, they're joined by the ultimate expert in all things theme park technology, Matt Miller (America's Theme Park Technologist).
In this spine-tingling conversation, they dive deep into the highly anticipated "Universal's Horror Unleashed" in Las Vegas. From the ...
Get ready for some pumpkin-spiced secrets! 🎃 In this episode of the "Behind the Scare" Halloween series, David Detling and Clete Reinberger dive into the world of Dollywood's stunning "Great Pumpkin Luminights."
We're excited to welcome special guest Wes Ramey from Dollywood as he takes us on a journey "gourd" behind the scenes. Discover the magic, the artistry, and the incredible effort that goes into creating this beloved fall f...
Prepare for a terrifyingly good time! The Attractions Group Podcast "Behind the Scare" series is back with a spine-chilling new episode... #5.
Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with the masters of fright and fun, Chief Creative Officer, Rich Hill and Drew Hunter from Sally Dark Rides. Get ready to go behind the scenes of some of the most iconic dark rides and animatronics in the world!
Rich and Drew pull back the cu...
Tune in to a fascinating conversation on the Attractions Group Podcast with special guest Elizabeth Ringas, President of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE)!
Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger dive deep into the world of theme parks, addressing the recent news of two historic attractions closing: the beloved Leap the Dips...
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