Merac, an integrated ticketing, retail and fundraising platform in the Crowd Convert group, has announced a special series of the Skip the Queue podcast to mark 90 years of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers & Attractions (BALPPA).
Produced by Merac and co-hosted by Andy Povey and Laura Baxter, the BALPPA 90 series focuses on the people, stories and ideas that have shaped, and continue to shape, the UK attractions industry.
Insights from leading attractions
The first episode of the 10-part series features Paul Kelly, chief executive officer of BALPPA, who speaks about the organisation's 90-year history, the evolving attractions landscape, and the opportunities and challenges ahead.
"We wanted to mark BALPPA’s 90th anniversary by doing something that really celebrates our members and the people behind our industry," says Kelly.
"Attractions are built around experiences, but behind every great attraction are the people who make it happen.
“Working with Skip the Queue has given us the opportunity to sit down with some of those people, hear their stories and talk openly about the opportunities and challenges facing our sector.
"We hope the series gives listeners a real insight into the people behind the attractions, how our industry has evolved and where we might be heading next.”
The line-up also includes long-standing BALPPA members and leaders from renowned parks and attractions, including Marc Miller of Stockvale Group and Adventure Island, Gary Smart of Harbour Park, Julie Dalton of Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts, Eddie Kemsley of Dreamland Margate, and Anna Warnecke of Kynren.
Their discussions offer an insight into the people and thinking that drive their destinations, spanning leadership, operations, guest experience, innovation, technology, heritage and the future of attractions.
"It has been a real pleasure working with BALPPA on this special series and getting thechance to sit down with the people behind some of the UK’s best-known attractions," says Baxter.
"What’s been particularly fascinating is hearing the stories behind the attractions, the challenges, the decisions, the passion and the people that keep everything moving.
"We’re delighted with the line-up and excited to share these conversations with the wider industry. There are some brilliant stories in this series, and we hope people enjoy listening to them as much as we enjoyed making them."
Episode one is available now on skipthequeue.fm, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. New episodes will be released over the coming weeks.
Earlier this year, Merac released an episode of Skip The Queue with Duncan Phillips, founder and managing director of the strategic leisure consultancy DP Associates, and its operating company, DP Leisure.
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
