Strategic Planning and Operational Readiness

Over the course of 20 months, Amanda Dunn played a key role in preparing the Ocean Pavilion for its grand opening on August 24, 2024. Starting in December 2022, the project transitioned from architectural plans to a fully realized guest experience. This required intensive coordination between construction, facilities, life sciences, and guest services teams.

Minimal Operational Threshold (MOT)

One of the most impactful planning tools was the creation of the Minimal Operational Threshold (MOT). This matrix defined the absolute minimum conditions required to open safely and successfully, including animal populations, safety protocols, staff training, and AV readiness. It enabled informed decisions—such as opening with partial animal populations to maintain schedule and revenue goals.

Training and Staffing Strategy

With limited access to the space before occupancy permits, all front-of-house training was conducted off-site using conference rooms and temporary environments. Amanda Dunn Consulting led the development of staffing plans and schedules to ensure every department—from dive teams to ticketing—was fully prepared for opening day operations.

Soft Opening and Event Coordination

A phased soft opening strategy was executed in July and August 2024. Events included Donor and Member Days, Volunteer Family Day, and a Contractor Thank You Day. Each event served as a live test of ticketing systems, capacity flow, and guest services readiness.

Opening Day Success

The Ocean Pavilion opened to 3,000 guests on August 24, 2024, having met all MOT conditions. While some habitats were still evolving, the facility was fully staffed, fully operational, and fully engaging—offering a successful start to its public journey.

Suggested Images

• Photo of the Ocean Pavilion exterior during construction and after completion

• Images of teams training in off-site conference rooms

• Screenshots or mockups of the MOT matrix (blurred or stylized)

• Photo of pre-opening events or donor night

• Infographic showing the timeline from planning to opening

Sample Work Product Suggestions

• PDF of the MOT with Level of Confidence (with sensitive data redacted)

• Excerpt from the staff training schedule or staffing overview chart

• Screenshot of the event calendar leading up to August 2024

• Document showing the operational readiness tracker