I'm4Fun...with Dennis Speigel

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  

Dennis Speigel welcomes three very important guests who will discuss industry-related marketing strategies and sales tactics that have been impacted by the events of the last 20 months. These very special guests are Sara Seay (Vice President of Administration, Sales & Marketing for Premier Rides), Chloe Hausfeld (Director of Marketing & Business Development with JRA Design group), and Katrina Verweel, Tradeshow & Events Manager for WhiteWater West. These three very talented and experienced women join Dennis for an insightful conversation about how marketing and sales efforts have changed and how such programs are impacted moving into the future, as well as how trade shows and expos have been impacted and what trends can be expected in the years to come.

Dennis Speigel welcomes Ash Smart, Chief Financial Officer at Harbour Park in the United Kingdom. Ash’s family has owned and operated the park since 1977, but the family link to the entertainment industry spans back to 1910 with a single-hand cranked roundabout. This was followed by a traveling funfair, a touring big top show, a safari park, and now Harbour Park, which is a seaside amusement park / FEC offering outdoor and indoor attractions. Ash is highly involved in IAAPA and currently serves on its board of directors. With this depth of family history and roots in the amusement industry, Ash shares his unique insights on how European family-run parks and seaside operations have adapted, and discusses the outlook for the future, not only in the UK, but in Europe.

Dennis Speigel welcomes two seasoned industry veterans who share their unique insights and experiences as globally renowned amusement operators and strategists. Chip Cleary is Senior Consultant to Europa-Park in Germany, working directly with the Mack family on a number of projects. Before joining Europa-Park, he oversaw design and renovation on projects such as Adventureland and Splish Splash in New York, and also held leadership positions with Palace Entertainment. Chip is past President & CEO of IAAPA, as well as past Chairman and a long-time member of critical strategic committees. Rob Norris is President of Seabreeze Amusement Park in New York, where he began as a teenage employee and worked his way through the ranks to President. While also serving on various IAAPA committees as well as serving as its Chairman, Rob has led the short and long term direction of Seabreeze Park for over 40 years. He is also instrumental in leading legislative change for the state of New York. Chip and Rob join Dennis to discuss key industry matters, including the state of Europe’s theme parks, the outlook for the USA small park market, strategies for our industry to overcome Covid’s impact and rebound better than before, and the status of IAAPA and industry organizations during these critical times.

Dennis Speigel leads a discussion in global trends in the waterpark sector of our industry, specifically relating to waterpark operations as part of tourist-based resorts. Joining the podcast is Chris Perry, current VP of Resort Operations at Baha Mar in the Bahamas, and a longtime industry veteran with over 20 years of international waterpark and water safety experience. Chris is a frequent speaker and panelist at industry trade shows and was the host of Travel Channel’s Epic Attractions, providing viewers with an all access, backstage pass to the best attractions in the world. The ITPS I’M4FUN podcast focuses on the experiences of waterpark operations as it relates to product diversity and quality, guest satisfaction, safety and training, and in particular, trends in resort operations with waterparks or water features. Chris provides unique insights into the current state and the future of waterpark operations.

Guest:   John Reilly - COO, Palace Entertainment  

Dennis Speigel welcomes industry veteran, John Reilly. John is Chief Operating Officer of Palace Entertainment. He has more than 30 years of experience in the amusement industry, starting with Busch Gardens in their merchandising division, and then with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment where he worked his way up to Chief Operating Officer before taking the helm at Palace Entertainment to oversee their U.S. portfolio of parks. Dennis and John have a candid conversation about what Palace Entertainment has learned over the last 18 months and how the company has re-positioned itself to operate successfully in a post-pandemic world. They discuss the industry as a whole and how we can evolve and grow in the years to come.   Join us on this exciting podcast as John Reilly shares his insights based on his longstanding operating experience in the amusement industry.

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  

Dennis Speigel welcomes three distinguished representatives from the attractions industry’s manufacturer and supplier sector to the ITPS I’M4FUN podcast. These are: Sascha Czibulka, Executive VP and Managing Director with Intamin Rides, Kelven Tan, VP of Business Development Asia with Dynamic Attractions, and Valerio Ferrari, Chief Sales Officer with Antonio Zamperla Amusement Group. These industry leaders discuss not only the overall impact that the pandemic has had on the vendor side, but also give us an important update of where the industry is heading in the near future based on their recent experience. Where are the global hot spots? What is the true importance of trade shows? Has the ordering pipeline been totally replenished? These questions, and many more, are answered during the podcast.

SHOW LESSOn Episode 20 of the ITPS I’M4FUN podcast, Dennis Speigel welcomes Jim Davis, Creator of Garfield the Cat. Garfield debuted in 1978 in 41 US newspapers. Today, Garfield is read in over 2,400 newspapers by 200 million people globally, and his television shows and movies have led to Emmy awards for Jim Davis. Guinness World Records named Garfield “the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world.” In this rare interview, Jim will be sharing unique insights about Garfield – why and how he got started drawing the strip. Also how Garfield and friends evolved, and how the Garfield IP has become an important part of America’s POP culture scene for over 43 years.

Reminisce With Dennis, Tim, and Jim as they discuss the history of the Amusement Park and Attractions Industry!  

Guests: Tim O’Brien and Jim Futrell

On Episode 19 of the ITPS I’M4FUN podcast, Dennis Speigel takes a step back in time to take a unique and insightful look into the foundations of the industry, and the important milestones that make it great. Two longtime industry veterans join Dennis for this entertaining conversation about how the industry emerged, what it has endured, and what achievements and accomplishments have given it the foundation it stands on today. Jim Futrell, historian, author, and recipient of IAAPA’s Outstanding Service Award, and Tim O’Brien, award-winning photo-journalist and the only journalist inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame, join Dennis to share their insights on the industry’s history and its bright future.

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)

Episode 17 of the ITPS I’M4FUN podcast welcomes 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). These two distinguished gentlemen join Dennis Speigel, Founder & CEO of ITPS, for an engaging discussion about the state of the industry in the Asia-Pacific region. This region is set to soon overtake North America as the largest region in the global amusement park market segment. Hear these longstanding industry veterans share their insights and outlooks on the Asia-Pacific amusement industry sector, including its potential for becoming a global powerhouse and opportunities for continued growth.

Episode 16 of the ITPS I’M4FUN with Dennis Speigel welcomes Denise Beckson, Senior Executive with the Morey Organization (Morey’s Piers). Family owned and operated since 1969, Morey’s Piers is a classic seaside amusement resort in New Jersey, offering 4 beachfront amusement piers and 2 waterpark operations. For over 20 years, Denise has worked in different capacities for Morey’s Piers, and she currently oversees all waterpark operations as well as oversees corporate human resources. She is heavily involved in the amusement industry, and sits on IAAPA’s Education, Government Relations, and North American Regional Advisory Committees. Join Dennis and Denise as they discuss new workplace practices because of Covid, human resource strategies for the amusement industry including impact from J-1 Visa programs, and government regulations that will continue to greatly impact our industry.

Andreas Andreas is the CEO and President of the Liseberg Group in Sweden, which operates one of Scandinavia’s most visited amusement parks. Andreas has a strong amusement industry background that spans over 20 years, including Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Liseberg in Sweden, VP of European Operations at IAAPA EMEA, and past Chair of IAAPA. During this I’M4FUN podcast, Dennis and Andreas discuss the current state of the amusement industry in Europe, how IAAPA and its committees are adjusting as the industry begins to transition out of Covid’s impact, and what the future holds for leisure operations from a financial perspective.

The special guest for this I'M4FUN podcast is Franceen Gonzales, Chief Experience Officer with WhiteWater West Industries. Franceen’s background in senior roles with Great Wolf Resorts and Six Flags, coupled with her 7+ years with WhiteWater, has catapulted her to be twice named to Blooloop’s Top 50 theme park influencer list. Franceen is known throughout the industry as a significant advocate of safety for the amusement industry. She was named Chairwoman of ASTM’s F-24 Committee, the first woman to hold that position. At WhiteWater, Franceen works tirelessly to oversee project development in a way that ensures the customer journey is the highest priority. Join Dennis as he and Franceen have a frank and honest discussion about not only the waterpark sector, but our industry as a whole in terms of product changes, consumer expectations, and safety.

Dennis Speigel welcomes David Rosenberg, Vice President of Guest Experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. David is responsible for the daily operations, public and fee-based programming, volunteer docent programs, interpretive training, and is chairman of the Visitor Experience Steering Committee. David brought extensive experience to the Aquarium from his years at Walt Disney World and the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. As an industry veteran, David is also past Chairman of IAAPA and recipient of its Industry Service Award. On Episode 12 of the I’M4FUN Podcast, David and Dennis discuss new and creative ways of offering a superior guest experience in the post Covid world, while also meeting the new expectations visitors have for attractions related to environmental responsibility. Hear how the animal, museum and attractions segments of our global industry have fared and changed during this global pandemic, while also learning valuable insights from a highly respected industry leader about our best strategies to ensure the industry overall is once again thriving as we move further into 2021 and beyond.

Dennis Speigel welcomes Jeroen Nijpels, Owner & Manager of JNELC. JNELC is a consultancy company specializing in supplying High-End Attractions and services from various industry suppliers such as Zierer, The Producers Group, nWave, and more. Dennis and Jeroen engage in a dynamic discussion about where the attractions industry is heading in terms of expected future trends. An active member of the industry for 25 years, Jeroen’s background and expertise, especially throughout the European, Asian, and Middle East communities, provides a unique perspective on the diversity of products offered today to theme parks and attractions. Also, hear how Jeroen has been actively promoting IAAPA through his involvement as its Chairman of the EMEA Manufacturer & Supplier Subcommittee and as the Founder of its Young Professionals Group. Join us as we engage with Jeroen on what is happening specifically in Europe and the Middle East from the supplier perspective.

The ITPS I’M4FUN podcast with Dennis Speigel is pleased to welcome Ken Whiting, President of Whiting’s Foods. This special podcast episode focuses on the foundations of successful food and beverage programs, the second highest revenue generator in the attractions industry. Ken, as incoming chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) in 2022, also shares his vision for the future in the wake of ever-changing times. Ken’s insight on Food and Beverage trends and what is being done in this sector to build revenue will be helpful to anyone in the leisure and amusement industry.

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:  Ms. Pamela Landwirth, President & CEO - Give Kids the World

Join Dennis Speigel, Founder & CEO of ITPS, for Episode 9 of the ITPS I’M4FUN Podcast.  This episode Ms. Pamela Landwirth, President & CEO of Give Kids the World Village.  Since 1992, Pamela has helped navigate this amazing organization, which operates an 89-acre whimsical, non-profit resort in Kissimmee, Florida.  Offering critically ill kids and their families week-long, cost-free wish vacations, these stays are transformative and are made possible by the support of generous donors, community partners, and volunteers.  Join Dennis and Pamela for a memorable conversation about the Give Kids the Worlds program, including its history, its short and long term goals, and its initiatives for advancements in the coming years.  Pamela also shares her insights on the amusement industry and its support of the Give Kids the World program, and discusses how the program has had to adapt in 2020 as it moves into 2021.  Don’t miss this unforgettable and heartwarming discussion.

Episode 8: 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:  Richard A. Zimmerman, President & CEO of Cedar Fair 

 The ITPS I’M4FUN Podcast welcomes Richard Zimmerman, President and CEO of the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. Richard started with Cedar Fair in 1998 and has worked his way up in the company from General Manager of Kings Dominion to Cedar Fair’s President & COO, and is now President & CEO. Richard’s passion is to ensure the Cedar Fair parks offer families an entertainment experience that is unique, engaging, and indelible. On the I’M4FUN Podcast, Richard joins Dennis in discussions centered around the current state of our industry. He shares his insights based on his longstanding experience in park operations and his role in leading a major entertainment-based corporation.

Episode 7: The Leisure and Attractions Industry in England and in Europe, a short and long term outlook on the road to recovery  

Guest:  Amanda Thompson OBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach  

Amanda Thompson OBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the UK and current Chairman of IAAPA, joins Dennis Speigel to discuss the status of the leisure and attractions industry in the midst of a global pandemic. As the first European woman to hold the position of Chairman of IAAPA, Amanda specifically discusses unique and successful practices that have been put into place at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and provides her exclusive perspective on what the road to recovery will look like moving beyond 2020. Watch this highly informative and dynamic conversation!

For Episode 6, the I’M4FUN Podcast welcomes Mr. Roland Mack, Founder of Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. Roland founded Europa-Park in 1975 with his father, and today Europa-Park is Germany’s largest amusement park, having been voted “best in the world” for the sixth year in a row by the Golden Ticket Awards. As a former Chairman of IAAPA, Roland joins Dennis live to discuss how the European leisure market is faring in 2020 and what its outlook is for the future. Not only as an operator, but also as a co-owner of Mack Rides, Roland specifically provides a unique insight as to how Covid-19 has impacted both the operator and supply sides of the industry. Don’t miss this interesting discussion!

Dennis is joined by Jane Cooper, President & COO of Herschend Family Entertainment, considered the nation’s largest family-owned themed attractions corporation. Its entertainment and hospitality properties currently span 23 locations in six states across the USA. Do the observations and experiences from COVID provide opportunities? Jane addresses the current risk to talent in our industry and provides insights as to how to build bench strength. Also:

New consumer norms as a result of the pandemic; which ones will stay with us?

How operators should be analyzing the data that impacts the business.

Level of grace given by consumers during the pandemic; how long will it last?

What avenues for revenue growth have come out of recent adjustments.

How we can creatively keep our talent engaged and committed.

Our special guest for Episode 4 of the ITPS I’m4Fun Podcast is Rene Aziz, CEO & President of Grupo Divertido in Mexico. Dennis and Rene engage in an energetic discussion about the status of the attractions industry in Mexico and Latin America. Rene shares his insights on the general state of the economy and how this will continue to impact leisure attractions. Learn about the future of Mexico in its quest to rebound its theme park and attractions market and hear what Rene, a past Chairman of IAAPA, feels it will take for our global industry to fully recover.

Dennis Speigel, Founder & CEO of ITPS and Rick Hunter, Chairman & CEO of ProSlide Technology discuss the continued growth of the waterpark industry, and the shakeouts that have resulted from Covid-19 impacts. Rick provides insights on both domestic and foreign growth trends and opines on trends and technological advances he is seeing as our industry regains its footing. Watch this dynamic and highly informative discussion.

Dennis is joined by Keith James, Owner & CEO of JRA, a world-class attraction design company that has planned, designed, and produced hundreds of experiences for international audiences. Listen to Dennis and Keith as they discuss how the design process has changed as a result of the new operating era that parks and attractions are implementing, both short and long term. Keith also talks about the process of design in a remote working environment, including both difficulties and advantages, and sheds insight on how this new process can affect and help developers.

For this inaugural ITPS podcast, Dennis is joined by Jim Seay, President & Owner of Premier Rides. Jim is a safety industry expert and a globally respected industry icon. Hear how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted manufacturers and suppliers around the world in both the short and long term. Dennis and Jim  also discuss their insights on our industry’s performance, including how vendor transactions will be carried out in the future.