Nancy Patterson is a senior business leader in the commercial entertainment and attractions industry, with over 25 years of experience and more than a decade with OpenAire. Working with clients globally, she brings a unique blend of business development and design expertise to the creation of complex, experience-driven destinations.
As Director of Design & Business Development, Nancy builds client, market, and sales opportunities by aligning architects, developers, and project owners with solutions that support their project goals and market positioning. Her work spans the full project lifecycle, from early-stage visioning through execution, including programming, budgeting, partnerships, team development, planning, and creative direction across the commercial attractions space.
Known as a big-picture thinker and problem solver, Nancy helps uncover opportunities for expanded service offerings for OpenAire while guiding projects through key milestones in design and construction. This includes development and writing for multiple courses with the American Institute of Architects earning architects both continuing Education, Green Build and health, safety and wellness accreditation.
In addition to leading a diverse portfolio of projects and client relationships, Nancy drives strategic growth as an active thought leader, speaker, writer, and content contributor across a range of publications and industry organisations.
Nancy is deeply engaged in the global attractions’ community through her work with IAAPA. She was a writer for the 2021 ICAE & ICAP certification exams and served on IAAPA’s Space Allocation Committee. She has been a speaker for at IAAPA International Expo events and is in her fourth consecutive year supporting IAAPA’s mentorship program and is a member of the inaugural IAAPA North American Sustainability Committee Task Force, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the attractions industry.