Knutson-McHugh Consulting ("KMC") specializes
in Project Development and Administration, as well as the
Operational Planning, Implementation and Management of Themed
Entertainment Projects.
The Themed Entertainment Industry is a relatively new industry. The Walt Disney Company was one of the original, and clearly the most successful organizations to provide quality, family entertainment. By providing people the opportunity to experience such themes as Fantasy, the Wild West, Adventure, etc., Disney created a place where families and people of all ages could spend their leisure time together, and enjoy experiences that they were unlikely to encounter in their everyday life. What this showed was that given the right atmosphere, themeing, attractions and other entertainment offerings and experiences, people would stay longer (increased length of stay); spend more money (higher per capita revenue); and come back more often (repeat visitation).
With the success of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, Tokyo Disneyland, as well as Universal Studios Hollywood and Florida, many companies and investors have recognized that leisure and recreation is more than fun and entertainment. It can be big business, resulting in large, long-term returns on investment; can provide cross marketing or merchandising opportunities; and can support the overall needs of large developments by providing a component to create a destination draw or more critical mass of attraction opportunities.
It is potentially very confusing for the Owner/Developer to determine what steps must be taken, and which resources are required in order to create a successful entertainment project. There are many companies that claim to be "Turn-Key" Producers of themed entertainment projects. While there are many talented individuals and organizations available as resources, there is really no one entity that has the true in-house ability to provide professional and objective input and direction into the business, themeing, creative, engineering, construction/manufacturing/production, and operations of all projects (despite what claims many companies may claim). In organizations such as Disney and Universal, many departments are staffed to provide input and direction in these areas, however most developers could not afford to maintain such overhead.
It is KMC's approach to work closely with the client and determined the goals and needs of the project, then put together the best team of experts in the necessary project disciplines to execute its development. The KMC team approach taps the combined experience, expertise and diverse knowledge base that is most appropriate for each individual project while utilizing the best, most experienced resources for the efforts required. KMC does not claim to be a Turn-Key Contractor. Rather, we claim to be able to source, administrate and direct the correct resources, as well as provide operational input into the design to ensure a quality project as envisioned by the Owner/Developer and within the requirements of Budget, Schedule and Quality..
In addition to KMC's in-house staff, we are fortunate to have formed strategic relationships with professional individuals and organizations in specific disciplines who are highly experienced and committed to the same goals of excellence and project success. This approach allows KMC to maintain low overhead, while staffing the particular project with only experienced resources, hand-picked based on the needs of the project. Although we have many associates that support KMC, we are willing to work with (or direct) most resources that an Owner/Developer may want to use.
KMC was founded in 1984 when Kathy McHugh decided to leave Disney. She saw the opportunity and need for professional operational input and planning into the development of Themed Entertainment Projects. Kathy's 13 years of Operational Management and Project Coordination experience at Walt Disney World and Walt Disney Imagineering (formerly WED Enterprises) gave her new consulting company immediate recognition and credibility, and was appreciated by the many Owners and Developers of Themed Attractions.
KMC grew quickly into a well-respected, internationally recognized, industry resource for providing original input into the development process for such areas as operations, maintenance, guest safety and services, employee training and development, and operational management. Early clients included Universal Studios, LucasArts Attractions, and many architectural firms such as HOK Architects, the Jerde Partnership, Sigamura & Associates and many others. At the same time, KMC provided services in the development of Standard Operating Procedures; Maintenance Procedures and Checklists; Safety Procedures and Guidelines; as well as Employee Orientation, Training and Development Procedures and Documentation. For more information on Operational Planning, Documentation and Management services offered by KMC, click here.
In 1991, Joe McHugh (Kathy's Husband) joined KMC in order to expand KMC's services to offer his expertise in Business Affairs, Project Development, Administration and Management. Joe is also a Disney Alumni with 16 years of experience in such areas as In-Park Operations, Project Estimating and Finance, and Contract Administration for Disneyland and Walt Disney Imagineering. Joe's education and experience has allowed KMC to offer Owner's Representation services to counsel clients in the process of developing successful projects; the identification and sourcing of the correct resources needed to work on the project; the contracting and management of the vendors and providers of service; and overall project production, management and coordination. For more information on the Project Development and Administration Services offered by KMC, click here.
As the market for creating themed entertainment facilities developed into more than just Disney and Universal Studio's projects, there became an apparent need for an organization, experienced in operations as well as project development to act for the Owner/Developer to provide experienced, objective design input, business development direction and management of projects. This is what KMC provides. We offer as much, or as little support or services as required.