Related: IAAPA Inducts Master Storyteller Bob Rogers into Hall of Fame / The world’s first 7Di attraction at IAAPA with Triotech / Dollywood wins industry’s prestigious applause award
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) presented awards for outstanding service to Dennis Speigel of International Theme Park Services; Greg Hale of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; and Boyd Jensen II of Garrett and Jensen. The awards were presented Wednesday, Nov. 17, during the GM and Owners’ Breakfast at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.
Lifetime Service Award – Dennis Speigel, International Theme Park Services
The Lifetime Service Award recognizes a member individual or organization’s continual service to the industry.
This year’s recipient was Dennis Speigel, who has worked as an attractions operator and as an important volunteer to the association. He started his career taking tickets at Coney Island Amusement Park near Cincinnati, Ohio, eventually working his way up as assistant general manager of Kings Island, also in the Cincinnati area. His work in operations, marketing, and finance led him to the position of vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion, near Richmond, Virginia, where he oversaw the park’s grand opening.
Speigel now owns and operates International Theme Park Services, a consulting company that works with attractions around the world to enhance their master planning, strategic marketing, financial management, facility operations, and safety practices and programs.
Speigel was chairman of IAAPA in 1989.
John Wood, president of Sally Corp. and chairman of the IAAPA Service Awards committee said: “When anyone has a question about trends or issues in the industry, just about anyone in the media calls Dennis because he’s knowledgeable about what’s going on and why. That means hours of service to the industry as a whole, not to mention the great job he did as chairman of the association and head of the education initiatives.
Outstanding Service Award – Greg Hale, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
The Outstanding Service Award is presented to the member individual or company that fosters the spirit of goodwill, professionalism, and high levels of performance within the industry on a local or international basis.
This award was presented to Greg Hale, who is Chief Safety Officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. On a regular basis Hale lends his expertise to the safety standards development, refinement, and education programs within the industry, including: the ASTM F-24 committee, Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International (AIMS), The National Safety Council, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He is also the chairman of the IAAPA Safety and Maintenance Committee and has led the International Standards Harmonization Committee since 2003.
“[Greg] not only represents the industry well but also the Disney organization, ” said Wood. “He’s extremely knowledge about all aspects of theme park safety and has imparted that knowledge time and time again at our various trade shows and seminar programs.”
Meritorius Service Award – Boyd F. Jensen II, Garrett and Jensen
The Meritorious Service Award goes to the member individual or organization that has gone the extra mile to promote safe operations, global development, professional growth, and the commercial success of the industry.
This award was presented to Boyd F. Jensen II, whose family has a long history in the industry, most notably with Lagoon Amusement Park in Utah. For more than 30 years, Jensen has lent the industry his legal expertise, volunteering with IAAPA, International Amusement and Leisure & Defense Association (IALDA), Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International (AIMS International), and ASTM International. He has served on the IAAPA Government Relations and Safety and Maintenance Committees for many years. He has also provided presentations, written articles, and advocated for the industry on issues related to G-forces, the biomechanical effects of rides, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Boyd grew up in the industry; his father and his family have been involved at Lagoon, one of our great family-owned parks, ” said Wood. “If you can have a knowledgeable legal adviser and counsel who’s knowledgeable about both sides of the equation (park operation and legal issues), it’s a very powerful combination.”
About IAAPA
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. IAAPA represents more than 4, 000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include amusement/theme parks, waterparks, attractions, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos. IAAPA is a nonprofit organization. Revenue generated for the association by its involvement in trade shows and other activities are returned to the association to fund services for its members and the industry. The association’s global headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. The association maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. www.IAAPA.org
