The odds are on SATE Las Vegas A conversation with SATE co-chairs Shannon Martin and Gregory Senner interviews by Judith Rubin he Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) return to in-person events in 2021-22 has included the revival of the SATE conference series on experience design. Preparations are underway now for SATE Las Vegas, October 13-15, 2022, hosted at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
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put into TEA gives you so much more back in return. We also share the desire to challenge expectations, and after the long wait, we plan on delivering to the membership the best experience ever.
The SATE acronym stands for Story + Architecture + Technology = Experience. SATE also alludes to a collaborative culture of production, in which designers, technologists, producers, developers and operators work closely together from the early stages of a project, in a team structure often more horizontal than hierarchical.
What are your priorities as you organize and plan sessions?
Registration for SATE Las Vegas is now open, and TEA welcomes inquiries about sponsorship. Visit www.teaconnect.org for details. InPark editor Judith Rubin posed some questions to the SATE co-chairs, Shannon Martin of Color Reflections Las Vegas, and Gregory Senner of Scenario. Shannon sits on the TEA International Board of Directors and previously co-chaired SATE when it met in Seattle in 2019. Greg is President of the TEA Eastern North America Division, and this is his first time as a SATE co-chair.
Shannon: Insightful, diverse topics as they relate to innovation in our industry and beyond, particularly in segments members don’t hear about every day. What can we learn and how can we collaborate with other disciplines to make our industry stronger? Our goal is to bring new, innovative experiences to consumers that they never expected.
SATE Las Vegas Cochair Shannon Martin of Color Reflections Las Vegas sits on the TEA International Board of Directors and previously co-chaired SATE when it met in Seattle in 2019.
How are you making the most of the Las Vegas setting and UNLV as host? Shannon: I am so excited to be able to host in Las Vegas! You talk about innovation, Las Vegas is the place to be. Las Vegas
Tell us about your working relationship as co-chairs of TEA SATE Las Vegas. Shannon Martin: I have had the pleasure of getting to know Greg Senner over the years through our love of the TEA. I was so excited to have him join the team this year for SATE Las Vegas. I like to think Greg and I share a love for collaboration. We work hand in hand together on every aspect of this program and we will also be engaging a small content committee with diverse voices and perspectives to see an even bigger picture as we review all the presentations submitted. Greg Senner: I have wanted to work on something with Shannon for years. She brings such a unique enthusiasm and energy to the TEA that exemplifies the idea that the energy you 48
The 2019 TEA SATE Seattle conference in full swing. Photo courtesy TEA
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