Episode 25: Ash Smart talks about European family park operations

I'M4FUN with Dennis Speigel and Massimiliano “Massi” Freddi

ITPS is thrilled to bring you an exclusive episode of the ITPS I'M4FUN Podcast!Join industry icon Dennis Speigel as he dives into a fascinating conversation with Massimiliano “Massi” Freddi, the 2025 IAAPA Chairman and the CEO of Wonderwood in Italy. In this must-listen episode, Massi shares his bold vision for IAAPA in 2025, the strategies smaller parks use to compete with giants, and the biggest challenges facing global operators today. From cutting-edge attraction trends to the future of sustainability, this discussion is packed with insights. Plus, Massi offers invaluable advice for young professionals eager to make their mark in the industry. Don’t miss this candid, thought-provoking conversation—be sure to tune in now! [https://interthemepark.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b2725712bec9f0b232c7de90b&id=9b684a0c52&e=69644e8651]

Episode 26: How marketing, sales, and trade show strategies are evolving for a post-pandemic amusement industry

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.

Episode 25: Ash Smart talks about European family park operations

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.

Episode 24: Two seasoned leisure industry veterans discuss USA and global industry matters.

GUESTS: CHIP CLEARY, SENIOR CONSULTANT AT EUROPA PARK AND ROB NORRIS, PRESIDENT OF SEABREEZE AMUSEMENT PARK 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.

A leading waterpark safety and operating expert discusses current trends, global waterpark safety programs, and issues that will shape the future.

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.