IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit 2023

Andreas Veilstrup Andersen is the CEO and President of the Liseberg Group, Sweden – operating one of Scandinavia’s most visited amusement parks. Andreas has a legal and financial background and has been working in the amusement park industry since 2000. First in several capacities at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, later as Vice President of European operations at IAAPA EMEA in Brussels, Belgium. Andreas was the 2018 Chairman of IAAPA and is the current Chair of the IAAPA Global Sustainability Committee.

Robert Arvidsson is Head of Commercial at Liseberg and member of the group management team. He joined Liseberg in 2014 and his key responsibilities includes brand strategy, marketing, PR & communication, sales & distribution, partnerships, digital transformation and business development. Prior to Liseberg, Robert held different senior brand management and e-commerce positions within retail and airline industries. He also has several years of experience working as a consultant in some of the leading brand and communication agencies in the Nordic region. Robert hold a BA in Marketing Communications and an MBA in Strategic Brand Management from the Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen (NHH).

During my 15 years at Liseberg, I have been challenged to grow existing and develop new seasons, thus enhancing the guest experience. The process includes change management, nurturing culture and working methods while guiding a strong team whom I encourage to think beyond conventional boundaries. If we understand the word “why”, we can create guest experiences and memories that last for a long long time!

Sebastian Delefors is a seasoned professional in the leisure and entertainment industry. In his recent role at Parks and Resorts, he has led successful efforts together with his colleagues to expand the reach of Gröna Lund's Tivoli and attract new audiences. Sebastian's approach is rooted in strategic insights and a passion for innovation, much like the thrill of a fairground ride. Sebastian's passion lies in the development of effective strategies that drive growth and achieve sustainable business results. 

Håkon is the owner and 4th generation of the Lund Gruppen, established in 1895, operating in Scandinavia. The company is behind brands such as Kongeparken, Skånes Djurpark, Lunds Tivoli, Landstreffet, Palmesus, Jul i Vinterland, Festdager, Elvefestival etc. The company had a total of 3.5 million guests in 2021. The common denominator for the group is that it focuses on creating unique guest experiences in its regional markets. Lund Gruppen has won THEA Award (USA) twice for "the world's best new attraction", numerous Brass Rings, and many other international, national, and regional awards. Håkon believes in value-based leadership, history-driven innovation processes, and family stewardship. He is a lawyer with an MBA.

Miikka Seppälä is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a long history of working in the recreational facilities, professional sports and services industry. Seppälä has been in charge of Särkänniemi Theme Park for 13 years, during which Särkänniemi has Introduced world’s first Angry Birds Land, Finnish Heritage Story Book Park, and has 2023 introduced a new themed children’s area Pouta Village. At the moment Särkänniemi is planning a 200M€+ expansion plan. Seppälä has been involved in politics in City, Regional as well as in EU level, with solid experience in governmental relations internationally. Seppälä’s activities in Sports include chairing sports associations in national level as well as from various international duties for UEFA etc.

Since 2008 I am a proud employee of Attractiepark Toverland. After graduating in leisure management, I held various positions within this company and progressed from a general park employee via event coordinator to my current position as entertainment manager. Since 2017, I am responsible together with my team for the operational execution of the Toverland characters, the development and implementation of the shows and the various public events in the park. In recent years, entertainment and public events have become increasingly important for Toverland, a great challenge to continue to expand and to be able to innovate our events!