The Big REthink

Scott Harkless, the Chief Innovation Officer for Alcorn McBride, never intended to go into the theme park business. A tinkerer with a degree in electronic engineering, he originally sought out work in museum-related technology. But now, years later, he’s an expert in his field. On this episode of The Big REthink, he joins host Susan Campbell to share some of what he loves about his work, the types of technologies that go into making fan-favorite rides, and why relationship-building is essential for innovation. Harkless also explains why show control systems are essential to every ride—and how they’re akin to conducting an orchestra.