NEAAPA Spring Leadership Seminar - May 22, 2018 at Six Flags New England

In the attractions industry, a thumbs-up hand gesture signals “ALL CLEAR!” to the others on their team. It means all systems are go, people are in place and ready to proceed. This session will give leaders the ALL CLEAR! so they can proceed into the 2018 season with the tools and resources to be successful.

Any leader’s journey starts with their attitude and outlook. In this session will explore the critical components of the leadership mindset and how to develop that in yourself and others. We will also examine the forces and factors that influence a leaders’ decision-making process, which will ultimately determine their success.

Leadership is also about relationships, and how you manage and grow the relationships you have with your staff, peers, and bosses. This session will outline specific strategies leaders must employ to be a respected member of the team, but also to positively influence those around them to achieve their assigned goals.

As a result of this session, participants will have a deeper understanding of the art of leadership and the specific actions they need to take in order to be successful. Each participant will also receive a copy of “ALL CLEAR! A Practical Guide for First Time Leaders and the People Who Support Them”. 

About Matt Heller
Matt Heller has spent 30 years in the amusement/theme park industry. Starting as a ride operator at Canobie Lake Park just out of high school, Matt has enjoyed a robust career around the industry with leadership positions at Canobie Lake Park, Knott’s Camp Snoopy, Valleyfair and Smiles Entertainment Center. Pulling from his previous leadership experience, in 2003 Matt joined Universal Orlando Resort as the Senior Trainer of Leadership Development where he supported and drove company-wide management and leadership development initiatives. Matt has also served on the IAAPA Education Committee, as a member and Chair of the IAAPA Human Resources Committee, and currently serves on the Facility Operations Committee. In 2011, Matt left Universal to create Performance Optimist Consulting, and now helps leaders across the hospitality industry make sure they are getting the most out of themselves and their teams. Since starting Performance Optimist Consulting, some of Matt’s clients include:

• Cedar Fair Human Resources, plus Carowinds, Kings Island, Dorney Park, Valleyfair
• Six Flags Human Resources, plus Six Flags Great Adventure, Great America, America, Fiesta Texas, Magic Mountain
• Story Land
• Ellis and Associates
• Knoebel's Amusement Resort
• St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
• Santa’s Village AZoosment Park
• Museum of Science and Industry – Chicago
• Kongeparken
• Zoo Miami
• Omaha Children’s Museum
• Wet ‘N’ Wild – Splashtown 

​As a trainer and facilitator, Matt has a developed a proven track record for being able to relate to any audience and give them solid tools they can use immediately. His engaging presentations not only captivate the learner’s attention, but also encourage them to get involved and participate. In 2013, Matt released his first book, “The Myth of Employee Burnout”. In it, he describes his quest to find out why employees start off strong but eventually lose motivation. In 2017, Matt’s second book, “ALL CLEAR! A Practical Guide for First Time Leaders and the People Who Support Them” was released and was an immediate hit.