David Bishop Email & Phone Number

Destination Entertainment Consultancy

• Integrated two predecessor organizations to create a new powerhouse brand: VENU+, the preeminent global provider of guest mobility, storage, and entertainment solutions across high-traffic destinations!
• VENU+ is a leading outsourced provider of entertainment and need-based guest and tourist solutions across high-traffic destinations throughout the US and around the world.
• VENU+’s brands collectively work with many of the world’s leading names in theme parks, amusement parks, zoos and museums as customers while also having footprints across mall, hotel resort and cruise customers as well.

Salem, NH, US

• CTM Group is the global leader supplying and managing family entertainment equipment, sites & turn-key solutions across thousands of attractions, leisure venues, tourist destinations, and high-traffic retail properties.
• Successfully navigated company through pandemic hospitality shutdown of 2020/2021.
• Completed 3 separate acquisitions to expand business and leverage opportunities.

Salem, NH, US

• Recruited by Private Equity owners to consolidate operating divisions and prepare organization for future growth.

Jacksonville, FL, US

• Established in 1977, Sally Corporation (“The Dark Ride Specialists”) is the world’s premier dark ride company and globally known for delivering award-winning theme park attractions, animatronic characters and shows.
• Sally crafts memorable & immersive experiences, taking the traditional dark ride art form to new heights through fully developed storylines, imaginative interactive elements, 3D video imaging and cutting edge special.
• Recruited to establish best practices to prepare Sally for sustainable growth and new opportunities, as well to formulate and implement the requirements of the organization for the “next 40 years.”
• Member, Board of Directors and Corporate Secretary from February 2019.

Wood Dale, IL, US

• Developed new entertainment prototype for international flagship location; crafted strategic objectives and managed R&D teams with multi-year investments approaching $10M to initiate operations.
• Launched full restaurant concept with chef driven scratch kitchen, opening new demographic to broaden strategic reach; increased corporate sales by 15%.
• Led initiatives conceiving and creating new payment transaction technology for cruise ships and chain locations resulting in filing of 3 new patents by company.
• Increased market awareness through introduction of marketing and promotional programs to leverage intellectual properties including PAC-MAN; served as corporate spokesman at industry, trade and consumer events.
• Travelled to Asia to research and identify commercialization opportunities for virtual reality attractions.
• Also served as Chief Information Security Officer responsible for NAMCO USA Technology Group, as well as member of Board of Directors.

Wood Dale, IL, US

• Initiated development of core strategic project for the future including Level 257 entertainment restaurant.
• Drove business development into new strategic markets including cruise ships and military bases; enabled signing of new global contract to provide entertainment to 80 military bases as well as exclusive agreement with.
• Laid foundation to automate proprietary payment system on cruise ships integrating NAMCO equipment with shipboard management system.

Wood Dale, IL, US

• Instrumental in leading effort to acquire competitor with strong presence in world's largest retailer; negotiated master contract to provide in-store entertainment and established Wal-Mart as #1 account representing.
• Guided expansion into new innovative businesses to increase reach of company.

Wood Dale, IL, US

• Managed largest chain of family entertainment facilities in Americas with over $130M in revenue, 1.2K locations, 2K employees and 25K games, rides, and attractions.
• Transformed company into profitable organization after multiple years of losses.
• Reduced overhead and implemented new sales and marketing program to accelerate growth.
• Expanded Business Development Department to address decline in leased location business.

Wood Dale, IL, US

• Oversaw asset inventory and annual capital expenditure budget exceeding $20M.
• Saved up to $300K in annual capex through design and production of proprietary automated change handling equipment.
• Reduced costs by identifying opportunities to design replacement parts and initiate contract manufacturing.

Wood Dale, IL, US

• Served on Executive Team acquiring multiple competitors to create largest chain of entertainment centers in the Americas with 500 sites; actively participated in due diligence process and guided liquidation of acquired.
• Led organization through Chapter 11 filing in under 1 year to renegotiate distressed lease obligations; added millions to bottom line through closure of unprofitable locations.
• Established 3rd party marketing agreement, generating up to $250K annually.
• Fueled expansion and diversification of business into new vertical with creation of first partnership sites and consulting services.

Wood Dale, IL, US

New York, US

Ba, Technology Management

Undergraduate Studies, Electrical Engineering