The ups and downs of the theme park and amusement industry can sometimes be hard to navigate, but the outcome is great reward, fun, and seeing smiles on people’s faces! Dennis Speigel, the Founder & CEO of International Theme Park Services (ITPS), has loved and served the amusement, theme park, and leisure industry for more than 50 years. He started as a ticket taker at age 13 and never looked back. His firm, ITPS, has been involved with over 500 projects in 50 countries. To his friends and collaborators, Dennis is often known as “Mr. Theme Park”. During each ITPS “I’M4FUN” podcast, Dennis engages with industry colleagues in a fun, entertaining, and motivating way. If you are an operator, supplier, or developer, no matter where you are in the world, you know first-hand about struggles, challenges, failures, and successes. You are not alone. Through honest, candid, and topical conversations with industry leaders and peers from around the globe, Dennis dives into behind-the-scenes stories and uncovers insights that speak to every aspect of the industry we all love. If you love the industry and all it stands for, come join Dennis in this illuminating journey.
The ITPS “I’M4FUN” ITPS podcast covers all important sectors of our industry, including theme parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, technology, leadership and management, sponsors, human resources, design, successes and failures, financial concerns, safety issues, operational aspects, manufacturing and services, and much more.
Videos available on YouTube.
Audio Podcasts available on Anchor, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Radio Public, Overcast and more.
Guests:
Sara Seay, Vice President of Administration, Sales & Marketing, Premier Rides
Chloe Hausfeld, Director of Marketing & Business Development, JRA
Katrina Verweel, Tradeshow & Events Manager, WhiteWater
How marketing, sales, and trade show strategies are evolving for a post-pandemic amusement industry
Guest: Ash Smart, Chief Financial Officer Harbour Park
Ash Smart talks about European family park operations, how they have adapted, and their bright outlook for their future
Guests: Chip Cleary - Senior Consultant to Europa-Park and Rob Norris - President of Seabreeze Amusement Park
Two seasoned leisure industry veterans discuss USA and global industry matters
Guest: Chris Perry, VP of Resort Operations - Baha Mar
A leading waterpark safety and operating expert discusses current trends, global waterpark safety programs, and issues that will shape the future.
Guest: John Reilly - COO, Palace Entertainment
What a leading operator of multiple amusement facilities has learned in the last 18 months and how to be properly positioned for future success
Guests:
Sascha Czibulka, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, INTAMIN RIDES
Kelven Tan , Vice President, Business Development Asia, DYNAMIC ATTRACTIONS
Valerio Ferrari , Chief Sales Officer, ANTONIO ZAMPERLA AMUSEMENT GROUP
Guest: Jim Davis
The legend behind the beloved Garfield the Cat cartoon character..........Jim Davis, creator, discusses the Garfield journey.
Guests: Tim O’Brien and Jim Futrell
A Trip Down “Amusement Park Memory Lane”
Reminisce With Dennis, Tim, and Jim as they discuss the history of the Amusement Park and Attractions Industry!
Guest: Jim Pattison, Jr., Ripley Entertainment (video unavailable)
Guests: Mario Mamon, Chairman and President of the Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park in Manila, Philippines, and Tan Sri Richard Koh, President of the Malaysian Association of Amusement Theme Parks & Family Attractions (MAATFA)
How the Asia-Pacific region continues to be a global amusement industry powerhouse.
Guest: Denise Beckson - Senior Executive, Morey’s Piers
Proven and creative strategies for operating a successful human resources program, including J-1 Visa discussion.
Guest: Andreas Andersen - CEO & President of Liseberg
A strategic discussion on the Global Leisure Industry......what to plan, look for, and act upon.
Guests: Marcelo Gutglas and Gerardo Arteaga Jr.
Two respected South/Latin America leaders discuss the positives and negatives of 2020’s impact on the leisure industry and share their forecast for the future.
Guest: Franceen Gonzales - Chief Experience Officer with Whitewater West Industries
A perspective on product changes, consumer expectations, and safety in the amusement and waterpark industry
Guest: David Rosenberg - Vice President of Guest Experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California
Creating a superior guest experience in any leisure venue and how the animal, museum, and attractions segments of our industry are adapting their business model to survive
Guest: Jeroen Nijpels - Owner & Managing Director of JNELC
A look into the global attractions industry in Europe and the Middle East, with unique insight from the supplier side
Guest: Ken Whiting, President of Whiting’s Foods
The foundations of successful Food and Beverage programs and what the incoming chair of IAAPA envisions for the future
Guest: Ms. Pamela Landwirth, President & CEO - Give Kids the World
How “Give Kids the World Village”, a non-profit organization, makes dreams come true with the support of generous donors, community partners, and volunteers, as well as with IAAPA support
Guest: Richard A. Zimmerman, President & CEO of Cedar Fair
How our leisure industry historically rebounds after significant setbacks; an industry leader’s look at the current status of amusement and theme park operations.
Guest: Amanda Thompson OBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The Leisure and Attractions Industry in England and in Europe, a short and long term outlook on the road to recovery
Guest: Roland Mack, Managing Director at Europa-Park
How the European Attractions Market has taken steps to address 2020 challenges and seize opportunities for the short and long term……from both an operator and manufacturer perspective.
Guest: Jane Cooper, President & Chief Operating Officer - Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE)
Covid has changed our world and created challenges for all of us. Are there opportunities within this environment? Any key learnings from our experiences?
Guest: Rene Aziz, CEO & President of Grupo Divertido
The Mexican/Latin American Attractions Industry Outlook, Current Status and Short-Long Term Forecast
Guest: Rick Hunter, Chairman and CEO, Proslide Technology, Inc.
Global Water Park Changes, Challenges, and Trends
Guest: Keith James, Owner & CEO, JRA
Attraction Design Challenges in a New Operating Era
Guest: Jim Seay, President & Owner, Premier Rides
How Covid-19 is Impacting Vendors & Suppliers
International Theme Park Services, Inc.
2195 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
United States of America
Phone: 513-381-6131
http://www.interthemepark.com
itps@interthemepark.com