Dennis L. Speigel
Founder / Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Theme Park

Dennis is an internationally recognized leader and expert in the amusement and leisure industry with over 50 years of professional experience. Dennis got his start as a 13-year-old boy taking tickets for Coney Island in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Upon graduation from Morehead State University (and now a member of its Hall of Fame), Dennis successfully transitioned into full-time work with the entertainment division of the Taft Broadcasting Company. While there, he oversaw the development and operation of Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio (where he was its youngest General Manager and now sits in the Kings Island Hall of Fame); Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia; and Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto, Canada.

In 1983, Dennis started his own company, International Theme Park Services, Inc. (ITPS). Since that time, Dennis has led his firm, ITPS, through involvement with 500+ projects in 55 countries. With 12 million air miles, Dennis has traveled the globe and has a unique perspective on cultures and customs when it comes to analyzing, planning, developing, and operating all types of amusement and leisure facilities.

With a vision by Dennis, ITPS was one of the first USA consulting firms to go to China and help establish programs needed to enhance the then-fledgling amusement industry in China and Asia. Dennis has led his team through the years in developing projects internationally that total over $5 billion USD and in overseeing mergers, acquisitions, transactions, and due diligence efforts for Time Warner, Lotte World, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Parques Reunidos, and many others.

As one of the foremost authorities on the industry on trends and forecasts, Dennis is regularly called upon by news organizations, analysts, and the investment community for his opinions and insights. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker for leisure-based events around the world. Dennis is a past Chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), remains active on its advisory board and committees, and is a proud member of its prestigious Hall of Fame.

Dennis works tirelessly to keep his finger on the pulse of the industry and continues to remain abreast of current research and trends in an industry he loves. He has spent most of his life fulfilling his passion of working in the global theme park and leisure industry and has been heralded by many as “Mr. Theme Park” because of his depth of experience and visionary prowess.