With nearly two decades of experience spanning aquatics, hospitality, and technology, Kari Manev is dedicated to creating safer, more profitable, and guest-focused waterpark experiences. She began her career lifeguarding at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and quickly advanced into leadership and corporate training roles at CoCo Key Water Resorts, overseeing grand openings and operational excellence. Certified as a Jeff Ellis & Associates Instructor-Trainer, CPO, and ServSafe and TIPS instructor, Manev has trained and empowered teams globally — including in Dubai with SST. After years on the operations side, Manev transitioned into technology sales and strategy roles to help operators improve revenue, efficiency, and guest experience at scale. Her passion for optimizing performance led to strategic roles in weather protection and dynamic pricing software, and today she supports operators at RocketRez, helping attractions modernize and grow through flexible, guest-first technology. Manev is also the founder of Attraxion.ai, where she helps leaders leverage AI and emerging technology to drive operational strategy, executive coaching, and technology-driven change management. She serves on WWA’s Technology Committee (after contributing to the Waterpark Resort Committee since its inception) and is a board member for The Gift of Swimming in Windermere, FL.
