I'm4Fun...with Dennis Speigel

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!