International Theme Park Services, Inc. (ITPS)
- Founded
- 1983-01-01 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Headquarters
- Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Phone
- (513) 381-6131
International Theme Park Services, Inc. (ITPS) is a global leader in independent, full‑service consulting for the leisure and attractions industry. Founded in 1983 by industry pioneer Dennis Speigel and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the firm has played a key role in over 500 projects spanning 55 countries. ITPS offers comprehensive services including feasibility analysis, design and master planning, operations planning, ride procurement, and ongoing management for theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, family entertainment centers (FECs), location‑based entertainment (LBE) centers, resorts, and other leisure facilities. The company also provides transaction advisory services, having facilitated over $700 million in theme‑park mergers, acquisitions, and valuations. Known for its tagline “Where Fun Is a Serious Business,” ITPS leverages decades of hands‑on industry experience to assist both new developments and existing attractions seeking revitalization. In addition to its consulting work, ITPS operates ITPS Leisure News, a daily curated news service that has been a go‑to source for industry intelligence for over 28 years, reaching decision‑makers at Disney, Universal, Six Flags, Chimelong, Merlin Entertainment, and other major operators. Celebrating 42 years of innovation and excellence in 2025, ITPS continues to be the go‑to source for creating world‑class amusement and leisure experiences.
Detailed Review
Founding and History
ITPS was born from founder Dennis Speigel’s vision after he observed the imminent boom in international theme‑park development following Tokyo Disneyland’s 1983 opening. Having served as Vice President of International Development at Taft Broadcasting (overseeing Kings Island, Kings Dominion, and Canada’s Wonderland), Speigel left Taft to establish ITPS, with a British project in Milton Keynes as its first client. The company quickly distinguished itself by offering a comprehensive range of services—pre‑opening operations, on‑site management, feasibility analysis, and design review—and counts industry leaders such as Intamin, Togo Japan, Time Warner, Six Flags, Paramount, Lotte, and Beijing Amusement Park among its early clients. A landmark project was Lotte World in Seoul, a $1.3 billion indoor/outdoor complex for which ITPS provided extensive consulting. ITPS was also one of the first U.S. consulting firms to enter China, helping establish programs to enhance China’s fledgling amusement industry. Over its history, ITPS has developed projects totalling over $5 billion USD in value and has overseen due diligence for Time Warner, Lotte World, Universal Studios, Six Flags, and Parques Reunidos.
Business Model and Services
The company’s core services remain Feasibility Analysis, Design/Masterplan, Operations Planning, and Management, with additional capabilities in retail/IT consulting, business valuations, and staff training. ITPS provides transaction advisory services, having facilitated over $700 million in theme‑park mergers, acquisitions, and valuations. Its lean team of senior professionals—each with decades of industry experience—allows it to provide highly personalized, expert guidance. The firm’s tagline “Where Fun Is a Serious Business” reflects its pragmatic approach to the leisure industry.
Industry Presence
In addition to its consulting work, ITPS operates ITPS Leisure News, a daily curated news service that has been a go‑to source for industry intelligence for over 28 years, reaching decision‑makers at Disney, Universal, Six Flags, Chimelong, Merlin Entertainment, and other major operators. The newsletter aggregates global news from thousands of sources, cementing ITPS’s role as a central information hub for the attractions sector.
Leadership and Reputation
The firm’s reputation is further cemented by Speigel’s role as a past president of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and his induction into the IAAPA Hall of Fame in 2022. President and COO Pamela Westerman, along with Vice President Shawn Haas, lead the firm’s day‑to‑day operations and strategic direction. Celebrating 42 years of innovation and excellence in 2025, ITPS continues to be a go‑to source for creating world‑class amusement and leisure experiences.
Key Products
Feasibility Analysis & Master Planning
Market studies, financial projections, site layout, and conceptual design for new or expanded leisure facilities.
Operations Planning & Management
Pre‑opening planning, development of employee manuals, day‑to‑day management, cost reduction, and revenue optimisation for existing attractions.
ITPS Leisure News
A daily curated newsletter covering global news and trends in theme parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, FECs, and LBEs. Read by senior managers at Disney, Universal, Six Flags, Chimelong, and others.
Transaction Advisory
M&A support, business valuations, due diligence, and capital procurement for leisure investments; has facilitated over $700 million in transactions.
Retail & IT Consulting
Merchandise planning, retail operations, and information technology strategy led by Vice President Shawn Haas.
Key Persons
- Dennis L. Speigel
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
- Pamela Westerman
President and Chief Operating Officer