Moments That Matter
Hearts on the Road: Listening, Learning, and Leading Together
What happens when executives trade the office for roller coasters, wave pools, and the chance to sit shoulder to shoulder with hosts? Pure magic. Since announcing the addition of our new Palace properties, members of Herschend’s leadership team have been hitting the road to connect with teams across the country.
These visits are more than introductions—they’re about engagement. Leaders are spending time with frontline hosts and local managers to learn what makes each property tick, listen to stories and ideas, and share more about Herschend’s values and culture. Every stop has brought fresh insight and a meaningful connection, affirming just how much heart already lives within these properties.
As we move through this critical summer season, operations remain business as usual at each location. Our message is clear: we’re here to support our new hosts as they do what they do best—creating joy, delivering excellence, and helping families make memories worth repeating.
From Branson to Bloomberg: Telling Our Story on a National Stage
We recently had the opportunity to introduce Herschend’s story to a national audience—and we did it the Herschend way: with authenticity, heart, and a little bit of fun.
On June 20, our CEO, Andrew Wexler, appeared on Wall Street Week with Scarlet Fu, one of Bloomberg TV’s flagship business programs. The interview, filmed at Silver Dollar City, was part of a segment exploring the role of intellectual property in themed entertainment.
Andrew and Scarlet toured Marvel Cave, rode Fire in the Hole, and sat down for what turned into an hour-long conversation. The crew also spoke with a longtime host and a devoted season passholder family who brought their own heartfelt perspectives to what makes Herschend so special.
Hello World: Herschend Hits the Road at IPW Chicago
In June, Herschend made its debut at the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW Trade Show in Chicago—one of the largest and most influential travel conferences in the world. With over 5,000 attendees, the event brought together journalists, tour operators, and travel buyers from across the United States and around the world. And for the first time, we were there to share more about our purpose-driven brands anchored by family fun, timeless experiences, and a unique culture of Heartspitality.
This year’s IPW presented a powerful opportunity to build awareness with U.S.-based travel media, group travel planners, and domestic tour operators who help families choose their next destination. And while most visitors are still planning road trips closer to home, we also expect to welcome international travelers from around the world, many of whom were introduced to Herschend for the very first time at this show.
With families seeking meaningful, values-driven destinations now more than ever, our message resonated. Whether it’s a local getaway or a cross-country journey, Herschend offers memories worth repeating. And now, more people know our name and our promise.
Properties In The News
- Dollywood Theme Park & Splash Country – Named America’s Favorite Theme Park for the third year in a row by National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA)
- Silver Dollar City & White Water – Voted USA Today’s “Best Theme Park” for the third consecutive year.
- Kentucky Kingdom – Opened Discovery Meadow, a new $11M family land featuring rides, themed dining, and live-character experiences
- Wild Adventures – Debuted Water’s Edge, a three-acre lakeside zone with animal zones, family rides, and a Quiet Room
- Newport Aquarium – Step Aside Shark Week, It's Shark Summer in Newport
- Adventure Aquarium – Kaleidoscope Cove Opens with a Splash at Adventure Aquarium exhibit.
- Vancouver Aquarium – Captured hearts with the rescue of premature harbor seal “Zeus”
- Callaway Resort & Gardens –"Good Day Atlanta" showcases summer adventures—boating, butterflies, and the all-new Luau Dinner
- Harlem Globetrotters – Globetrotters to Face off Against The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Season 11 of Celebrity Family Feud
- Pink Adventure Tours – Groups Today 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards Finalists for Adventure Attractions
Putting In The HEART Work
Growing With Love Together
Ready to start a new career chapter at Herschend? We have several open positions across the company that could be the right fit for you. If you’re looking to grow your skills, don’t forget about our free tuition program, GROW U.! Click the links below to learn more about all the opportunities available.
Tips for Loving In All We Do Every Day
Whether you’re guiding a tour through red rock canyons, greeting families at a front gate, prepping for a show, or answering questions in a garden path or aquarium gallery, summer can test even the most passionate among us. The pace picks up. The days get long. And in the middle of the heat, it’s easy to lose sight of the heart behind what we do.
That’s why it helps to carry a “why” with you. Maybe it’s the smile of a child seeing their favorite animal in real life for the first time. Maybe it’s a family that tells you this is their one big trip of the year. Maybe it’s the teammate who always makes you laugh when you need it most. That quiet reminder of purpose can give your next moment a little more meaning—and make even the hardest day a little lighter.
Across all our brands and properties, we’re in the business of creating memories worth repeating®. And when we remember why we show up each day, it shows the way we lead and serve. You don’t have to be perfect. Just be present, thoughtful, and willing to put love in all you do every day. That’s Heartspitality in action.
Bonus Cool-Down Tips for Hot Days:
- Share a quick word of encouragement—it’s good for the soul.
- Laugh a little—even when you least feel like it.
- Pause before responding—it creates space for clarity.