Your Guests Love Water Rides

Internationally recognized as a leader and expert in the amusement industry with 50+ years of experience, Dennis Speigel founded International Theme Park Services, Inc. (ITPS) in 1983. Dennis began his career in the amusement industry as a ticket taker at age 13, and this passion has blossomed into a lifelong calling. His experience in analyzing, developing, planning, designing, opening, and managing theme parks and attractions has made Dennis a sought-after speaker, consultant, teacher, mentor, and

advisor. He is past Chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), has served on its Board of Directors, and currently serves on its Advisory Board. For his illustrious service to the industry, Dennis has been awarded IAAPA’s Meritorious Service Award and

its Lifetime Achievement Award and is a member of its prestigious Hall of Fame. Dennis has led the ITPS team in working on over 500 projects in 55 countries and prides himself on providing professional services that bring smiles to people’s faces.

Jonathan provides oversight and direction throughout all phases of selection, design development, engineering procurement, installation, commissioning and on-going operation of amusement rides and devices for the 12 SeaWorld Parks. His most recent projects include Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, Catapult Falls at SeaWorld San Antonio, Arctic Rescue at SeaWorld San Diego, and DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, all debuting in 2023. Notable recent projects include Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa and Infinity Falls at SeaWorld Orlando.

Jonathan started his career with SeaWorld Parks in 2012 as a project manager in the design and engineering department at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country, USA, where he played key roles working on projects and attractions such as Tempesto and InvadR.

Jonathan is a registered Professional Engineer and LEED Accredited Professional and holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University.

Currently Director of Technical & Safety for all six properties for VinWonders in Vietnam, Gerard has been working in the attractions and hospitality industries for 23 years. His career in theme parks began as part of the opening team for Disney’s California Adventure Park. He is a well-versed themed entertainment and hospitality professional specializing in technical services, facilities, and operations. Gerard has extensive experience in Southeast Asia and in the U.S., ranging from ground-up development projects to operations, with world-class brands and venues such as Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, VinWonders Vietnam, Pursuit’s Flyover attractions, Wynn Palace Macau, and Hyatt Hotels. He serves on the subcommittee for ASTM F24 harmonization and is actively involved in the implementation of three international safety standards in Indonesia through the partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and BSN.

Currently overseeing WhiteWater’s innovation and development of water rides as the division’s general manager, Kelly has played a key role in the success of iconic attractions all over the world.

A passionate theme park nerd, Kelly began his career at WhiteWater in 2014 in water slide development, bringing with him expertise from the marine industry. He transitioned to Water Rides in 2018 and has since expanded the company’s offerings for the amusements industry. In recent years, he has worked with brands such as Village Roadshow Theme Parks, VinPearl, and Wanda. Eager to be part of charting the future for themed entertainment, Kelly has been serving on TEA’s Western Board as the Pacific Northwest Hub’s co-chair since 2020.

Kelly is a registered Professional Engineer and has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia. He is currently pursuing an MBA from Simon Fraser University.