http://mgmtres.com Management Resources is a management consulting firm specializing in leisure-time attractions and events, including museums, aquariums, theme parks, destination resorts, corporate brand centers, world expositions and Olympiads. Founded in 1980, MR provides business, operational, marketing and ticket sales planning and advisory services to a diverse group of clients throughout the world. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:40:03 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://mgmtres.com/blog/2012/04/24/what-weve-been-up-to http://mgmtres.com/blog/2012/04/24/what-weve-been-up-to Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:40:03 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2012/04/24/what-weve-been-up-to
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/12/08/happy-holidays-from-mr http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/12/08/happy-holidays-from-mr Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:52:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/12/08/happy-holidays-from-mr
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/10/14/a-new-home-for-san-antonio-childrens-museum http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/10/14/a-new-home-for-san-antonio-childrens-museum Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:26:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/10/14/a-new-home-for-san-antonio-childrens-museum
Please click here to learn more about San Antonio Children’s Museum.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/06/27/monkey-king-park-beijing http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/06/27/monkey-king-park-beijing Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:56:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/06/27/monkey-king-park-beijing
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/06/21/bringing-la-countys-fire-service-and-history-to-the-people http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/06/21/bringing-la-countys-fire-service-and-history-to-the-people Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:26:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/06/21/bringing-la-countys-fire-service-and-history-to-the-people
Click here to read a recent Wall Street Journal article featuring our client.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/02/09/gong-xi-fa-cai http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/02/09/gong-xi-fa-cai Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:10:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2011/02/09/gong-xi-fa-cai
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/11/12/start-your-engines http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/11/12/start-your-engines Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:58:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/11/12/start-your-engines
To learn more about Ferrari World click here to go to ProFun Management Group’s website or click here for a recent article.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/09/23/thea-awards-fun http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/09/23/thea-awards-fun Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:22:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/09/23/thea-awards-fun
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/06/02/hall-of-fame-kicks-off http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/06/02/hall-of-fame-kicks-off Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:28:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/06/02/hall-of-fame-kicks-off
Click here to read more.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/30-years-in-the-business-of-fun http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/30-years-in-the-business-of-fun Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:20:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/30-years-in-the-business-of-fun Located in Tustin, California, Management Resources began its existence in 1980 at a time when two major players, Disney and Universal Studios, dominated the leisure industry. In fact, the company’s four original founders – David H. Schmitt, James E. Harmon, Bill Bieberbach, and Stephen J. Clark – were all seasoned veterans of the Disney organization coming from Finance, Operations, and Marketing.

“Looking back, it’s hard to imagine thirty years have passed. In one sense, it’s been a blink of an eye,” stated founder David H. Schmitt.

Over its 30-year history, an estimated 200 million guests in 36 countries have thrilled to the work of this California-based company. Their commercial client list is a virtual “Who’s Who” of entertainment companies: Disney, SeaWorld, Legoland, MGM, Radio City Music Hall, Paramount Studios, Warner Communications, and so on. Plus, a roster of world-class museums and not-for-profits – the American Museum of Natural History, The Field Museum, Newseum, Aquarium of the Pacifc -- show where Management Resources is headed.

In the eighties Management Resources was successful landing consulting contracts for several world expositions including, World’s Fairs in Knoxville (1982), New Orleans (1984), Vancouver (1986), and Brisbane (1988). Of particular note was Management Resources’ involvement with the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Those were quickly followed by projects like the 1988 Olympics in Calgary and the 1992 World Exposition in Seville, Spain.

“We’re in the fun business,” Schmitt, now Chairman, stated. “But we never forget what we do is a business. We help our clients be successful by turning innovation and imagination into solid business returns.”

That philosophy has paid off for Management Resources. They have contributed to theme parks and attractions on each and every continent of the world, except Antarctica, and they are not ruling that out either.

“We don’t look back much,” Schmitt added. “We keep our eye focused on the future. That’s what’s exciting. If we want to have another thirty years of success we need to continually add new people and support their vision. Our business opportunities change.”

Jim Higashi and Brad Merriman joined the team over fifteen years ago. A little over two years ago they were made partners in the firm. “Much of our focus now is on international on-going attractions and museums designed to welcome guests from all over the world,” Jim Higashi recently commented. “Advances in technology have opened the world as a marketplace and we are able to apply what we have pioneered virtually anywhere.”

Recent global projects include Everland Theme Park in South Korea, West Kowloon Cultural District in China, and Danfoss Universe in Denmark.

Over the first fifteen years, Management Resources diversified its client base as the leisure industry evolved. The core of their services has always been business planning plus operational, marketing, and ticket sales planning and implementation to theme parks, expositions, and major special events. Projects over the last fifteen years have added an additional focus on non-profit cultural attractions like museums, aquariums, science centers, as well as corporate brand centers.

How did the company continually reinvent itself to stay topical? Brad Merriman, explained, “The fundamentals have remained the same, whether for a theme park or a museum or a destination resort: tell a great story that will engage an audience and keep your eye on the business model.”

“The world of leisure time activities has changed unbelievably since 1980,” Dave Schmitt commented. “When we started business there were no personal computers, no cell phones, no Blackberrys, and FAX machines had only been around a couple of years.

“No one could have imagined where entertainment was headed. Today, people are bombarded with all sorts of mind-boggling choices of experiences. Our clients have to compete to get their customers’ attention. The bar keeps rising. We stay current, relevant, and on the edge with what consumers want. This continues to be our value in the marketplace – even after 30 years.”

This quest to stay ahead of the entertainment curve is reflected in the wide array of ages and backgrounds of the company’s employees and consultants. “We learn from each other and create a superior product together,” Schmitt added. “When we started our technology consisted of four guys with pens, yellow pads and a flip chart. Today we design and model with computers and other sophisticated technologies. Yet, our most valuable technology has remained the same for thirty years – the imagination of our team.

“It’s an exciting time to be in this business. I enjoy it more today than ever before. The people are what make it fantastic.”

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/transforming-the-natural-history-museum-of-los-angeles-county http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/transforming-the-natural-history-museum-of-los-angeles-county Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:33:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/transforming-the-natural-history-museum-of-los-angeles-county
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/please-touch-museum-wins-thea-award http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/please-touch-museum-wins-thea-award Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:31:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/please-touch-museum-wins-thea-award
Pictured Left to Right: Helene Bertrand, Design + Communication; Brad Merriman, Management Resources; Laura Foster, Please Touch Museum

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/wedding-bells-ring-at-mr http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/wedding-bells-ring-at-mr Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:29:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/03/24/wedding-bells-ring-at-mr
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/playful-learning-about-to-begin http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/playful-learning-about-to-begin Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:38:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/playful-learning-about-to-begin
Click here to read the article.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/mr-principal-to-join-uli-panel http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/mr-principal-to-join-uli-panel Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:37:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/mr-principal-to-join-uli-panel
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/the-field-celebrates-sues-10th http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/the-field-celebrates-sues-10th Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:36:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2010/02/04/the-field-celebrates-sues-10th
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/10/21/our-clients-are-the-coolest http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/10/21/our-clients-are-the-coolest Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:23:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/10/21/our-clients-are-the-coolest The Times agrees, featuring three of our museum clients in its list of "The World's 12 Coolest Museums." Newseum, the Kennedy Space Center, and the American Museum of Natural History, are all recognized, and we couldn't agree more. Each offers visitors a truly unique experience, one they'll likely not soon [...]]]> The Times agrees, featuring three of our museum clients in its list of "The World's 12 Coolest Museums." Newseum, the Kennedy Space Center, and the American Museum of Natural History, are all recognized, and we couldn't agree more. Each offers visitors a truly unique experience, one they'll likely not soon forget.

Click here to read the article.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/07/13/mr-in-china http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/07/13/mr-in-china Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:29:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/07/13/mr-in-china
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/03/08/newseum-wins-thea-award http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/03/08/newseum-wins-thea-award Sun, 08 Mar 2009 09:35:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/03/08/newseum-wins-thea-award


Front Row left to right: Jim Benedick, Management Resources; Jack Hurley, Newseum: Linda Simos, Management Resources; Joe Urshel, Newseum Back Row left to right: Joe Cortina and Chris Conti, Cortina Productions

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/03/04/the-mr-family-keeps-growing http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/03/04/the-mr-family-keeps-growing Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:41:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/03/04/the-mr-family-keeps-growing
Join us in sending heartfelt best wishes! [...]]]>
Join us in sending heartfelt best wishes!

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/11/congratulations-to-the-hershey-museum http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/11/congratulations-to-the-hershey-museum Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:22:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/11/congratulations-to-the-hershey-museum
Located at 111 W. Chocolate Ave., the $23.5 million museum features historic candy-making artifacts, personal items belonging to Hershey, interactive displays, films, working chocolate-making equipment, hands-on candy-making classes, taste-testing of six warm, chocolatey liquids made solely from beans and light dining at the Cafe Zooka — named for the penny-candy Zooka Sticks made by Hershey in his Lancaster plant.

"We're now in the heart of the community," Bischof said. "People can walk here." Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7.50 for children. Classes in the chocolate lab are $10 if bought separately. Admission to the museum and the lab together is $15. Children under 3 are free.

For more information please click here and be sure to visit the next time you are in Pennsylvania.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/11/the-bill-melinda-gates-foundation-and-mr http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/11/the-bill-melinda-gates-foundation-and-mr Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:35:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/11/the-bill-melinda-gates-foundation-and-mr
]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/10/mr-principal-quoted-in-the-los-angeles-times http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/10/mr-principal-quoted-in-the-los-angeles-times Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:29:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2009/01/10/mr-principal-quoted-in-the-los-angeles-times
"It's one of the largest markets in the world, if not the largest market in the world," said James H. Higashi, a principal of Management Resources in Tustin, a consultant to the theme park industry. "It's one of the prime markets in the world, with a growing middle class. It certainly is a target market."

In building the 320-acre Hong Kong Disneyland that opened in 2005, the government put up $2.9 billion for the park and related infrastructure development, while Disney invested $314 million.
For the complete LA Times Article, please click here.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/08/13/more-news-on-the-newseum http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/08/13/more-news-on-the-newseum Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:44:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/08/13/more-news-on-the-newseum
Additionally, Museum Magazine featured a twelve page cover story entitled Making [...]]]>
Additionally, Museum Magazine featured a twelve page cover story entitled Making Newseum. The Newseum, the world's most interactive museum, opened its new $450 million, seven-level museum on historic Pennsylvania Avenue in the nation's capital in April 2008. In its 14 major galleries, 15 theaters, two broadcast studios and a 4-D time-travel experience, the new Newseum blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and innovation. Management Resources has been privileged to assist the Newseum in Washington, D.C. during the more than six years of planning, design and construction.

For the complete Museum story, please click here and be sure to visit the next time you are in our nation's capital.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/06/15/aquarium-of-the-pacific-celebrates-10th-anniversary http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/06/15/aquarium-of-the-pacific-celebrates-10th-anniversary Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:45:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/06/15/aquarium-of-the-pacific-celebrates-10th-anniversary
Management Resources conducted a complete marketing and operational audit of the organization [...]]]>
Management Resources conducted a complete marketing and operational audit of the organization and provided short and long-term recommendations for improving financial performance. Subsequently, we were retained to implement our recommendations including the creation and implementation of the Behind-The-Scenes Tour and Ocean Experience. We continue our involvement with the Aquarium by providing operational and physical planning input for the proposed expansion. Most recently, we have assisted the Aquarium in the Community Campaign Strategy for its 10th Birthday Celebration.

]]> http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/04/11/the-newseum-opens http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/04/11/the-newseum-opens Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:40:00 +0000 http://mgmtres.com/blog/2008/04/11/the-newseum-opens
"The Newseum will be a must-see in D.C. from opening day on,"siad Newseum Executive Director Joe Urschel. "Visitors will be transported through time from the dawn of the age of the printed word to the cutting edge of the digital age through an unparalleled blend of artifacts, photography, exhibits, films and interactive experiences."

For more information please click here and be sure to visit the next time you are in our nation's capital.

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