Kids Industries (KI), a consultancy specializing in insight and strategy for experiences targeting family audiences, unveiled KIx, a new specialist team dedicated to redefining brand experiences for families. In response to a surge in demand for location-based experiences (LBE) in the licensing world, the launch took place at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, a global event for the attractions industry.
KIx combines 25 years of world-class expertise in creating family experiences with KI’s methodologies, including the Fandom Model and Experience Engineering Model, to provide clients with insight, strategy, and creative solutions.
“Our work with LEGOLAND, Netflix, Royal Caribbean, TUI, and others has allowed us to refine a unique approach to developing family experiences,” said Gary Pope, CEO and Co-Founder of Kids Industries. “KIx consolidates this expertise into cutting-edge services that reduce investment risk, enhance effectiveness, nurture return visitation and increase secondary spend, transforming how brands and IPs connect with families in today’s booming experience economy.
“With the continual rise of LBE as a critical licensing category that consumers have come to expect, our offering provides brand owners and licensees with the insight needed to make the most of themed entertainment opportunities.”
Meeting the demands of the booming experience economy
The global market for amusement and theme parks was estimated at $67 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $98.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030. The growth in the amusement and theme park market is driven by several factors, including technological innovation, rising disposable incomes, and the increasing demand for unique and immersive experiences.
KIx bridges this gap by offering expertise in three core areas:
- Insight: Deep consumer understanding to uncover what families truly need and want—and how brands can deliver it.
- Strategy: Development of products, services, and experiences designed specifically for families, balancing their unique needs with commercial objectives.
- Creative: Generationally aligned branding, content, social media, and communications, leveraging experience with global brands like Universal, Warner Brothers Discovery, and Pokémon.
Driving innovation with Purdue partnership
KIx is also proud to announce a collaboration with Purdue University, partnering with Dr. Christian Rogers, PhD, Director, Themed Entertainment Design and the Experience Design Lab and Professor Rich Dionne of the Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering. Together, they are developing an AI-driven experience evaluation tool designed to measure emotional engagement and brand affinity. Currently in beta, this tool blends advanced quantitative and qualitative methods to help brands design, evaluate, and optimise guest experiences. The tool is scheduled for formal launch in Q1 2025.
Leadership built on experience
KIx is led by Gary Pope in London and Pam Kunick-Cohen, an ex-Disney, 20th Century Fox, HIT, and Technicolor executive, based in Los Angeles. Together, they lead KI’s expertise, delivering tangible benefits to clients in the themed entertainment and tourism industries.
