TEA INSPIRE 2024 Program

Welcome to TEA ® INSPIRE Week

TEA® INSPIRE WEEK celebrates excellence in themed entertainment across the globe, offering attendees a fully immersive networking and educational experience, and lasting inspiration.

TEA INSPIRE week includes five separate, ticketed events –the TEA INSPIRE Leadership Forum, the Pop-Up Production Sessions, INSPIRE the Night Event, and TEA INSPIRE (ThursdayFriday), followed by the elegant Thea Awards Gala the next evening (Saturday). These signature events bring together themed entertainment professionals from around the world, at all levels and disciplines, to learn, network, and celebrate.

These annual programs revolve around the current slate of TEA Thea Awards recipients and reflect the changing face of our industry. They feature the best of the best in the global themed entertainment business – industry superstars, creative and tech pioneers, and top projects – all leading the way for tourism, real estate development, and great guest experiences.

TEA INSPIRE week is part of how TEA serves its membership and the industry. Since the Thea Awards were founded 30 years ago, they have helped TEA succeed in bringing international attention to the unique business of themed entertainment and establish a forum for meaningful dialogue. Thank you for your participation!

INSPIRE Leadership Forum

This half-day program (with a reception and fireside chat the evening prior) for owners, executives, and business leaders elevates conversation to the C-suite, with peer-to-peer driven thought leadership and knowledge exchange on the key issues and trends that business leaders face daily.

This year’s leadership forum will dive into opportunities, stories of resiliency, available resources, and various perspectives of

About TEA®

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is the international nonprofit association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences. Our members bring specific expertise in a variety of disciplines to a field that is constantly evolving: the creation of successful, highly engaging, out-of-home visitor attractions and experiences in the leisure and travel sector. These entertaining and educational projects include theme parks, water parks, museums, zoos, corporate visitor centers, casinos, restaurants, branded experiences, multimedia spectaculars, retail spaces, resorts and hospitality, destination attractions and more.

Our Vision

To be a catalyst for enhancing lives through the creation of tomorrow’s compelling places and experiences.

leaders in the experience business all across the globe. Expect to hear about resources available to both US and non-US businesses as they explore international work, about moments where leaders had their fortitude tested, strategies to minimize risk, and methods of international engagement to help support you and the growth of your business. The presentations will be followed by small group roundtables interwoven with intimate, “real talk” stories of successes, failures, and everything in between.

Attendance at this event has been limited to an exclusive audience of 100 top leaders of companies within the industry to ensure the highest level of conversation, connection, and networking between participants.

Our Mission

TEA brings together the creators of immersive destinations and experiences to share knowledge, collaborate, spark new ideas, celebrate innovation, and cultivate a diverse global membership.

Our Core Values

Connection – Creativity – Inclusivity – Thought Leadership –Celebrating Excellence – Innovation

About the TEA Thea Awards®

The Thea Awards were created by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) to help realize a key mission of the association: bringing recognition to achievement, talent and excellence within the themed entertainment industry. From a modest beginning in 1994, the Thea Awards have become internationally recognized as a symbol of excellence. The 30th Annual Thea Awards Gala will be held 16 March, 2024 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, Hollywood, CA.

NEW THIS YEAR!

INSPIRE Pop-Up Production Sessions

This brand new program addresses the unique needs of mid-career professionals and practitioners working in the trenches, who desire to take their INSPIRE case study learnings to the next level. In this half-day program, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from participants on Thea Award-honored projects and industry experts about a specific aspect of their project that seemed like an insurmountable challenge, and how they overcame it. It’s the perfect session for anyone looking to kick off their INSPIRE week learnings with real-life stories of winning, failure, iteration, and coming out the other end wiser. You’ll engage in collaborative sessions, uncover new possibilities, and drive conversation into new territories by engaging in multiple opportunities for shared learning.

TEA® INSPIRE

The prestigious Thea Award is considered one of the attractions industry’s greatest honors, and with the Thea Awards Case Studies, TEA INSPIRE pulls back the curtain to help everyone appreciate, understand, and celebrate the success of the current slate of Thea Award recipients. You will take home new insights and new connections that help everyone build a better industry.

TEA INSPIRE lets you hear directly from the people whose accomplishments are being recognized with Thea Awards this year. Presentations are made by individual award recipients (the Thea lifetime achievement honoree and the Catalyst Award recipient), and also by project owners and their creative partners (the Thea Classic Award and the Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement).

Case Study presentations include question-and-answer sessions. The presenters are, as a rule, open and generous in sharing details of their projects, goals and accomplishments with their

TEA® Staff

Lindsey Nelson, Executive Director

Karin Best, Director of Business Operations & Programs

Laura Singler, Director of Operations

Chloe Hausfeld, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships

Terry Lacson, Administrator

Shana English, Executive Office Assistant

Ben Donan, Programs & Digital Content Coordinator

Allison Winter, Marketing Manager

Becky Nadora, Membership Manager

Clara Allen, Operations Manager

INSPIRE Production Team

Technical Direction and Video Post Production: 88Twenty Group

Producer: RWS Global

TEA Volunteers & NextGen Crew: Emmanuel Bradshaw, Emily Buecheler, Anahita Dalmia, Hannah Sandeen, Fabio Silva, Xochitl Solorzano, Mike Sturman, Danny Taylor

industry community – in keeping with the spirit of TEA and the Thea Awards. INSPIRE welcomes a broad industry audience, including TEA student and academic members, and the press.

NEW THIS YEAR! INSPIRE the Night

An evening of thrills, fun and surprises at Universal Studios Hollywood! Take advantage of TEA’s exclusive access to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lower Lot – the home of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. Your ticket entitles you to a three-hour in-park experience, including hosted food and soft drinks from Universal’s themed restaurants and venues, cash bars with two (2) hosted drink tickets per person, dessert and coffee stations, plus exclusive access to included rides and attractions. This event will feature a 45-minute panel discussion with the lead creatives, vendors and suppliers involved in the creation of Universal Studios Hollywood’s most popular attractions.

TEA® INSPIRE Print Program

Executive Director: Lindsey Nelson

Editor: Judith Rubin, InPark Magazine

Production: Martin Palicki, InPark Magazine

Editorial Assistance: Tammie Richards

Printing: Royal Printing

Published by: Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 303 N Glenoaks Blvd Suite 200, Burbank, CA 91502, USA

Phone: +1 818 843-8497 • www.teaconnect.org

© 2024, Themed Entertainment Association, all rights reserved.

On the Cover: Liseberg’s main entrance in 1971

INSPIRE Organizers & TEA ® Leadership

JON BINKOWSKI

Renaissance Entertainment, LLC

Well known for his energetic, creative style... he is also a perfectionist, building high-quality, award-winning productions. A recognized leader in the attractions and entertainment industry, Jon has produced and/or directed over 200 live, multimedia and film and television projects. Projects include: 2020 Co-Writer/Creative Director of the multimillion-dollar The Bourne Stuntacular, Universal Florida’s highest-rated live show of all time and winner of the prestigious Visual Effects Society (VES) award for outstanding visual effects - special venue project; 2016 Co-Writer/ Creative Director of the multimillion-dollar Eye of The Storm - Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular at Shanghai Disneyland.

STEVE BIRKET

Birket Engineering, Inc.

TEA Past President

Steve Birket is an Orlando native, growing up in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom as a parade performer and entertainment lead during high school and college. A past President of the TEA International Board and TEA Eastern North America Division, Steve holds an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from UCF and an MBA from Rollins College. He is licensed in Florida as a professional engineer and electrical specialty contractor and worked as a project manager for both Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative. Birket Engineering equipment may be found in every Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios Park in the world, plus many others.

MATTHEW CROSS OE Experiences

President, TEA Eastern North America Division

Matthew Cross is CEO of OE Experiences. Cross has a proven executive track record working with major corporations nationwide. As CEO of OE Experiences, he has successfully operated at the intersection of Finance, Themed Entertainment, Hospitality, Food and Beverage, and Retail in the experience economy. Cross’s participation in each sector through projects, trade associations, and partnerships has supported OE Experiences becoming the definitive Experiential Development Company. Since its inception in 2020, OE Experiences has supported $875 million of development across the United States and overseas, and Cross has been recognized as a Top 50 Global Theme Park Influencer by Blooloop.

ERIK ESSIG

B Morrow Productions

Erik Essig is the Vice President of Development for B Morrow Productions (BMP). Prior to joining BMP in 2019, Erik spent time at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, ITEC, and as a consultant for clients such as Herschend Family Entertainment. The Ohio native began his journey in themed entertainment when he joined the Disney College Program as a Character Performer. While completing his degree in Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, Erik founded one of the first TEA @ University clubs. He spends his free time visiting theme parks, taking cruises, and taking care of his golden retriever, Huckleberry.

MK HALEY

University of Texas at Austin

TEA International Board

Mk Haley is currently teaching Themed Entertainment Design in the Arts & Entertainment Technologies Program at UT Austin, after more than 25 years with Walt Disney Imagineering supporting efforts in Themed Entertainment Design, Production, and R&D. Mk has also taught Computer Animation, Building Virtual Worlds, and Themed Entertainment Design at Carnegie Mellon University, Florida State University and at UCLA. With over 30 years of service to industry associations, Mk is a long-time supporter of the ACM SIGGRAPH Conference planning process, as well as the Themed Entertainment Association Conferences, and The Themed Experience & Attractions Academic Society.

WENDY HEIMANN-NUNES

Nolan Heimann LLP

TEA International Board

Wendy is co-founder and managing partner of Nolan Heimann and the force behind its reputation as the premier law practice serving location-based and immersive entertainment entities worldwide. She provides forward looking strategic counsel to clients by identifying and structuring monetization opportunities for intellectual properties, creative content, brands, and technologies. Her in-depth, front-line, location-based and immersive industry knowledge and her wide reach of industry relationships enable her to provide informed, experienced counsel. As an attorney, entrepreneur, and former executive, Wendy’s counsel is always rooted in business reality. Wendy was honored as the TEA Peter Chernack Distinguished Service Award recipient in 2020.

SHANNON MARTIN

Color Reflections Las Vegas

Vice President, TEA International Board

Shannon Martin has dedicated 27+ years to graphics fabrication, manufacturing and production. A recognized top female executive in wide format printing, she is proudly attentive to needs, trends, and emerging technologies of the museum, event and themed entertainment industries. Shannon advocates for domestic violence victims as a past Executive Board President of Safe Nest. Having served TEA’s membership for over a decade, Shannon currently sits as Vice President of the TEA International Board, and led for years prior as President, TEA Western North America Division. Shannon was Co-Chair for TEA Summit 2022 & INSPIRE 2023 and is Co-Chair of TEA SATE Conferences 2019-present.

LUC MAYRAND

Walt Disney Imagineering

TEA International Board

As Senior Creative Executive, Luc leads from the earliest stages of Disney experiences, selling and developing projects through rapid iteration, wide reaching partnerships, and by successfully fostering deep collaboration with diverse teams. Recent projects include the multiyear expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland, with many years of creative leadership in attractions, shows, resorts, and new business development. Prior to Disney Luc worked on films, television, and experiences in domestic locations and abroad. Luc is motivated by a lifelong passion for the future, stories, culture, science and design. A Montréal native, Luc and his family live in Pasadena, California.

INSPIRE Leadership Forum Schedule

Wednesday 13 March 2024 • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

All information subject to change

5:00 pm Registration & Cocktail Hour

Location: Teddy’s Lounge

6:00 pm Fireside Chat

Luis Ramallo & Martin Ramallo

Location: Blossom Ballroom

This intimate and informal gathering will feature the compelling story of father-andson business team Luis Ramallo and Martin Ramallo on their journey to create and build a themed roadside attraction and business, Alien Fresh Jerky. Learn about their fascinating story, the challenges they overcame, and the entrepreneurial spirit that compelled them forward to success — and what they have in store next!

Thursday 14 March 2024 • 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM PT

Blossom Ballroom, The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

All information subject to change

Co-hosts: Matthew Cross, OE Experiences & Jon Binkowski, Renaissance Entertainment, LLC

7:15 am Registration

7:30 am Networking Breakfast

8:15 am Program Kick-Off

8:30 am Resiliency Story: Moving Money Internationally

Steve Birket, Birket Engineering, Inc.

8:35 am Session 1: International Business Resources

Jasmine Braswell, US Department of Commerce

8:55 am Roundtable Discussions

9:25 am Resiliency Story & Session 2: Conducting International BusinessIt’s Not About the Contract Kile Ozier, Ozier Creative LLC & Wendy Heimann-Nunes, Nolan Heimann LLP

9:55 am Roundtable Discussions

10:25 am Break

10:35 am Session 3: Hasbro’s Box of Toys - Different Business Models, Different Countries Matt Proulx, Hasbro, Inc.

10:55 am Roundtable Discussions

11:20 am Wrap-up & Closing

11:30 am Leadership Lunch

Location: Shirley’s Brasserie

Safety note: The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a short, six-minute walk from the Loews, through the heart of Hollywood. Though this tourist-dense area typically bustles with foot traffic at all hours, we recommend being mindful of your surroundings at all times and walking with a friend in the evening.

INSPIRE Pop-Up Production Sessions Schedule

Thursday 14 March 2024 • 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM PT

The Canyon Rooms (Doheny-Laurel), Loews Hollywood Hotel

All information subject to change

Co-hosts: Mk Haley, The University of Texas at Austin & Erik Essig, B Morrow Productions

Networking Breakfast

Opening and Welcome

Session 1: Signature Events: Crafting Impactful Temporary Experiences

Session 2: Connecting the Dots: Technical Integration in Themed Entertainment

Session 3: When Things Go Wrong: A Candid Conversation

Break

Session 4: Creating for Cruises: How the Themed Entertainment Industry is Making Waves

Session 5: Fireside Chat with Kirin Sinha, Illumix

Wrap-up and Closing

Lunch

INSPIRE Schedule

Thursday 14 March 2024 • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM PT

Hollywood Ballroom, Loews Hollywood Hotel

Co-hosts: Brian Morrow, B Morrow Productions & Denise Hatcher, AOA

12:15 pm Registration

12:30 pm

1:00 pm

Doors open for guest seating

Welcome and Introductions

1:10 pm Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Presenters: Wyatt Winter & Alex Wright, Walt Disney Imagineering

Moderator: Jenefer Brown, LIONSGATE

1:35 pm

Disney Encanto x CAMP

Presenters: Arik Lubkin & Kirk Larsen, CAMP

Moderator: Ting-Ting Wei, Netflix

2:00 pm

2:25 pm

Q&A sessions for Disney Encanto x CAMP and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Location: 3rd Level Meeting Rooms

SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Presenter: Mitchell Magill, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Moderator: Nathan Jones, MV Rides

3:00 pm Networking Break Activity led by Brett Jackson, Live Action Attractions

A series of interactive games to get you out of your seat and meeting new people in a fun, relaxed way.

3:25 pm

3:50 pm

4:15 pm

4:40 pm

AURA: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky (Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex)

Presenters: Richard Taylor, Andrew Thomas & Rik Athorne, Wētā Workshop

Moderator: Evi Sari, WildBrain CPLG

Bermuda Storm

Presenters: Koko Ma, Chimelong Group & Rick Rothschild, FAR Out! Creative

Moderator: Shelby Honea, Universal Creative

Q&A sessions for AURA: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky, Bermuda Storm and SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Location: 3rd Level Meeting Rooms

Catalyst Interview with Paul C. Hutton, Cuningham

Interviewer: Emily Dow, DPEP / Walt Disney Imagineering / Design & Delivery Studio

INSPIRE The Night

Thursday 14 March 2024 • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM PT

Universal Studios Hollywood™️ Lower Lot

**Separately ticketed event; Pre-Registration Required**

For attendees who purchased the add-on bus ticket, buses will depart from the Loews Hollywood Hotel at 6:45 pm. Buses will depart from Universal Studios Hollywood at 10:15 pm for the Loews Hollywood Hotel.

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THIS YEAR’S THEA AWARD RECIPIENTS!

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INSPIRE Schedule

Friday 15 March

2024

• 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM PT

Hollywood Ballroom, Loews Hollywood Hotel

7:00 am Registration Open

7:15 am Breakfast

7:30 am Doors open for guest seating

8:00 am Welcome and Introductions

8:10 am Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award Conversation with Su Zhigang (Mr. Su), Chimelong Group

9:00 am

Colored (Noire)

Presenters: Pierre-Alain Giraud, Tania De Montaigne & Stéphane Foenkinos, Novaya

Moderator: Lacy Campbell, The Thinkwell Group (a TAIT company)

9:20 am Break

9:30 am Le Mime et L’Étoile

Presenter: Nicolas de Villiers, Puy du Fou

Moderator: Fri Forjindam, Mycotoo, Inc.

9:55 am Peaky Blinders: The Rise

Presenters: Brian Hook & Louis Hartshorn, The Everywhere Group

Moderator: Dustin Schofield, Walt Disney Imagineering

10:20 am Q&A sessions for Colored (Noire), Le Mime et L’Étoile, and Peaky Blinders: The Rise

Location: 3rd Level Meeting Rooms

10:45 am

Networking Break Activity led by Juliana Moreno & Ariel Rubin, Wild Optimists

A series of interactive games to get you out of your seat and meeting new people in a fun, relaxed way.

11:10 am Deutschlandmuseum

Presenters: Robert Rueckel, Deutschlandmuseum & Chris Lange, Creative Studio Berlin

Moderator: Luc Mayrand, Walt Disney Imagineering

11:35 am Eatrenalin

Presenters: Oliver Altherr & Thomas Mack, Eatrenalin Rust/Germany GmbH & Co KG

Moderator: Marc Zachary, Experiential Advisors

12:00 pm Lunch

1:00 pm

State of the Industry Roundtable

Panelists: Andreas Andersen, Liseberg Group; Yoshi Maruyama, TOCA; Molly Murphy, Universal Creative; Inessah Selditz, Superfly; Kirin Sinha, Illumix; Bruce Vaughn, Walt Disney Imagineering

Moderator: Al Cross, PGAV Destinations

2:00 pm Geneva Journey

Presenters: Christophe Berthonneau & Nicolas Chavance, Groupe F

Moderator: Cynthia Vergon, Infact Global

2:25 pm

Q&A sessions for Deutschlandmuseum, Eatrenalin, and Geneva Journey

Location: 3rd Level Meeting Rooms

2:50 pm Networking Break Activity led by Juliana Moreno & Ariel Rubin, Wild Optimists & Brett Jackson, Live Action Attractions

Another series of interactive games to get you out of your seat and meeting new people in a fun, relaxed way.

3:15 pm

Musikkfabrikken Hunderfossen

Presenters: Hogne Høstmælingen, Hunderfossen Familiepark; Sigurd Slåttebrekk, Animando; Fredrik Fottland, Expanse

Moderator: Christian Lachel, BRC Imagination Arts

3:40 pm

4:05 pm

4:35 pm

5:00 pm

Titanic Belfast

Presenter: Judith Owens, TBL International

Moderator: Jeanette Brown, Stantec Architecture Inc.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Presenters: Robert Maxwell, Diageo & Christian Lachel, BRC Imagination Arts

Moderator: Katy Harris, Princess Cruises/Carnival Corporation

Q&A sessions for Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Musikkfabrikken Hunderfossen, and Titanic Belfast

Location: 3rd Level Meeting Rooms

Liseberg

Presenter: Andreas Andersen, Liseberg Group

Moderator: Chris Lange, Creative Studio Berlin

5:20 pm Closing

Max-Matching Entertainments Co., Ltd. is a leading developer, investor, and operator of location-based entertainment industry in China and Asia. We provide integrated solutions across all IP-themed LBE projects, specializing in two primary categories: theme parks and FEC clusters.

Max-Matching Entertainments Co., Ltd. has successfully invested LBE licenced from strong IP owners, including Hasbro, Mattel, Crayola, WildBrain, Aardman, etc. Our projects include the Bayfront FEC cluster in Guangdong, “Top Park”-Asia’s largest IP FEC cluster in Beijing, and the world’s largest PEPPA PIG outdoor theme park in Shanghai. In coming years, we will launch more LBE projects in Chengdu, Hainan, Xi’an, Chongqing, and many other top-tier cities across China. Contact us: info@max-matching.com

Segment Hosts + Speakers

INSPIRE WEEK

OLIVER ALTHERR

Eatrenalin Rust/Germany GmbH & Co KG

Responsible for more than 160 restaurants in Europe and Asia, catering expert Oliver Altherr has been CEO of Marché International over 20 years. From the creation of new concepts to operational management, this trained chef exhibits catering in his blood. His brand built sustainably to success, led by the guiding principle of ‘radical freshness.’ Together, Oliver Altherr and Thomas Mack founded “restaurant of the future” Eatrenalin. Their unique, multi-sensory gastronomy concept opened its first location in Rust, Germany in November of 2022, and it has been delighting guests ever since. Ten more locations will follow over the next 10 years.

ANDREAS ANDERSEN

Liseberg Group

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, and then later as Vice President of European operations at IAAPA EMEA in Brussels, Belgium. Andreas was the 2018 Chairman of IAAPA, and currently holds board positions at Farup Sommerland and LEGO House in Denmark, Momentum Leisure in the Netherland and at Leo’s Lekland, Europe’s largest chain of FEC’s.

RIK ATHORNE

Wētā Workshop

As a key member of Wētā Workshop’s Senior Leadership Team, Rik plays a pivotal role as the Head of Creative Leadership, ensuring alignment between the company’s core creative essence, strategic objectives, commercial requirements, and creative purpose. In addition to his responsibilities within the senior leadership team, Rik also leads Wētā Workshop’s Location Based Entertainment division. He oversees the creative direction, vision development, and project design for a diverse array of creative experiences, ranging from themed attractions and immersive art installations to cultural experiences and narrative-driven destinations.

CHRISTOPHE BERTHONNEAU

Groupe F

From street theater to the world’s largest events, Christophe Berthonneau has been searching for entertaining, dazzling, and conceptual ways to build a world of lights that would captivate and move its audience. His works stand out through a perpetual technical innovation, the creation of cohesive and sensitive pieces of art from lights, the ability to create emotional landscapes using music, the ability to create unique scenography and the power of weaving meanings throughout spectacular shows. He strives to touch both the heart and intellect with his work.

JASMINE BRASWELL

U.S. Department of Commerce

Jasmine P. Braswell, Global Design and Construction Team Leader at the U.S. Department of Commerce, oversees a global team of 200 professionals who organize events, share market intelligence, and provide export counseling for U.S. design and construction exporters. With over 23 years at the Commerce Department, she’s contributed to trade facilitation in many industries while enhancing strategies and service offerings in the foreign direct investment and environmental justice fields. Mrs. Braswell received the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Silver Medal Award in 2021 for her efforts in organizational development promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

JEANETTE BROWN

Stantec Architecture, Inc.

Jeanette Brown, Principal and Leader of Stantec’s Florida Buildings Practice, is a licensed Interior Designer who has spent the last twelve years of her career focused on experiential design and creating award-winning immersive environments, as a key member of Stantec’s themed entertainment team. Jeanette and Stantec’s global multi-disciplinary team bring expertise and passion to our industry and strive to provide impactful support and meaningful partnerships while delivering their clients’ visions. Jeanette is an active member in the TEA and serves as an Advisory Council member for FSU’s Interior Architecture Department where she has been an active alumnus.

JENEFER BROWN

Lionsgate

As Executive Vice President and Head of Lionsgate Global Products & Experiences, Jenefer Brown has established Lionsgate as a major force in branded entertainment. Brown oversees several key businesses that expand the reach of Lionsgate’s top film and television properties around the world, including Location-Based Entertainment, which encompasses branded theme parks and attractions in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia, live entertainment, including Broadway and touring shows and concerts, the interactive games business and the consumer products business.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Segment Hosts + Speakers

INSPIRE WEEK

LACY K CAMPBELL

The Thinkwell Group (a TAIT company)

Lacy K Campbell is an award-winning theater artist and creative director whose work focuses on bringing people together across cultural boundaries. She holds a BFA from Emerson College, where she double majored in Acting and Comedy Writing. As an actor, she appeared in multiple network series, feature films, and has performed and directed for numerous theaters. As a creative director with TAIT/Thinkwell, she oversees the Space Center Houston portfolio along with various projects in the US and overseas. She sits on the TEA Western North America board and has spoken at IAAPA, SATE, and several universities as a guest lecturer.

NICOLAS CHAVANCE

Groupe F

After his first chapter of a 17-year career in the Theme Parks industry, between Operations, Security, Safety and Quality Management, Nicolas then joined Groupe F in 2016 as a passionate photographer and pyrotechnician. He’s today the deputy managing director of a multidisciplinary team of experts and dreamers, especially in charge of content coordination and project development. He’s deeply convinced that the secret to the alchemy of a creative adventure like Groupe F is the permanent balance challenge between creative spark and normed engineering.

AL CROSS PGAV Destinations

Al Cross has led design teams on a wide variety of projects, giving him a multifaceted background. An architect trained with an emphasis in design, Al brings his aesthetic sensibility to each endeavor in a way that optimizes placemaking and guest experience while fulfilling modern project delivery methods. Al is a skilled communicator who can lead a group to success. With over 40 years invested in architecture, design, and themed entertainment, his proudest work includes Discovery Cove, Georgia Aquarium, Chimelong’s Ocean Kingdom, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

TANIA DE MONTAIGNE

Novaya

Tania de Montaigne is a versatile writer, playwright and journalist that has earned acclaim for her novels and essays, notably Noire, la vie méconnue de Claudette Colvin, winning the Simone Veil Prize in 2015. Her essay L’Assignation, les Noirs n’existent pas received the Botul Prize and the Prix de laïcité. Debuting with Le Plus Beau Jour at the Avignon Festival in 2013, she continued her theatrical success with a second play in 2017. In 2019, her play Noire, adapted from her novel, graced the Théâtre du Rond-Point under Stéphane Foenkinos’ direction. Her new novel Sensibilités was released in October 2023.

NICOLAS DE VILLIERS Puy

du Fou

After studying law, Nicolas de Villiers graduated from Audencia Business School in Nantes, France. During his university years, he worked at Puy du Fou as an acrobat rider. Nicolas then joined the Puy du Fou teams as a show manager and then artistic director. In addition to the artistic direction, he took the presidency of Puy du Fou in 2004. He directs the staging of Puy du Fou shows with passion, while drawing up the strategy and the vision of this entrepreneurial epic.

EMILY DOW

Design & Delivery Studio, Walt Disney Imagineering

Emily Dow heads the global Design Studio for Walt Disney Imagineering, leading an interdisciplinary team for the built worlds of Disney’s Parks, Resorts, and Cruise Ships. Supporting Shanghai Disney Resort, Emily relocated to China for several years to head an international team for planning and execution of its Mickey Avenue and Gardens of Imagination themed areas. She has been a strong advocate of sustainable design throughout her 20-year career at WDI. Emily is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s School of Architecture and Interior Design and a Cincinnatus Presidential Scholarship recipient. She’s also the proud mother of two young daughters.

STÉPHANE FOENKINOS Novaya

Since 1997, Stéphane Foenkinos has thrived as a casting director in over 60 films, collaborating with such esteemed directors as Jean-Luc Godard, Terrence Malick, and Woody Allen. He then directed three feature films with his brother, writer David Foenkinos, starting with an acclaimed adaptation of his book, Delicacy (2011), starring Audrey Tautou that earned several César nominations. A fervent advocate of diversity and equality, Stéphane is committed to sharing his expertise in educational talks presented at schools, universities, and prisons. Alongside Tania de Montaigne, he extends these discussions through compelling shows, documentaries emphasizing the art of storytelling and meaningful dialogue.

DESIGN. CREATE. DELIVER.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE 30 TH ANNUAL THEA AWARD RECIPIENTS!

WE PROVIDE THE BEST IN:

THEMED ENVIRONMENTS INTERACTIVE ACTIVATIONS

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FIBERGLASS FABRICATION

Segment Hosts + Speakers

WEEK

INSPIRE

FRI FORJINDAM

Mycotoo, Inc.

Fri Forjindam is Chief Development Officer and Executive Creative Director for Mycotoo, Inc. Voted “Top Media” company by Inc. 500, Mycotoo operates in North America and Europe, with successful immersive entertainment projects produced worldwide including Netflix’s Stranger Things: The Experience Global Tour; The Mandalorian Experience; Dig It North America; Prince’s Paisley Park; studio theme parks (Motiongate and Bollywood Parks) and award-winning brand experiences (HBO’s SxWestworld Experience and Bleed for the Throne campaigns). Forjindam has been featured in Forbes, AdAge, Fast Company, Essence, KTLA, Huffington Post, FOX and was awarded Blooloop’s “Top 50 Theme Park Influencer” distinction in 2018 and 2020.

FREDRIK FOTTLAND

Expanse

Fredrik Fottland is an award-winning producer and owner of Expanse, an innovative animation and visual effects studio based in Norway. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Fredrik has been instrumental in bringing numerous animated feature films and advertising campaigns to life. The Thea award for The Music Factory highlights both Fredrik’s and Expanse’s ability to create exceptional experiences, even when budgets are limited. He holds a B.A. in multimedia design, grounding his creative endeavors in solid technical expertise. Always on the lookout for collaborations that push the boundaries of expectations, Fredrik can be reached on LinkedIn.

PIERRE-ALAIN GIRAUD

Novaya

Pierre-Alain Giraud is a French producer and director, creating immersive experiences, documentaries, short fictions and animation films, collaborating with artists such as Björk and Sigur Rós. He cocreated visuals for Björk’s world tour Cornucopia 2023 and co-directed her music video Victimhood. He is the co-founder of Novaya, a company creating immersive experiences along with the technologies supporting them. His work was selected in the Sundance Film Festival (Solastalgia, 2020), Tribeca Festival (Colored, Pompidou Center 2023), and other international film festivals (BFI London, Cannes XR, CPH:DOX, etc.). He holds master’s degrees in both engineering (ENSAM) and in filmmaking (London Film School).

DAVID GREEN

Visual Terrain, Inc.

David Green is COO and President of Visual Terrain, celebrating 29 years of lighting design for architecture, attractions, and the arts. David’s career journey started at WED Enterprises (now WDI) working on EPCOT and Disneyland. Accolades include Thea Award recognition of his scriptwriting for Walt Disney Family Museum. Co-written with Steve Alcorn, Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot was published in 2002, with the 4th edition now available. California African American Museum’s permanent archives feature Green’s award-winning photography. David lives in Santa Clarita with the love of his life, Visual Terrain CEO Lisa Passamonte Green.

LISA PASSAMONTE GREEN

Visual Terrain, Inc.

TEA Master

Lisa Passamonte Green is CEO/Principalin-Charge of Visual Terrain. Recognized as a leading international designer with a thousand projects across six continents, Lisa’s lighting designs have garnered dozens of awards for excellence. She has contributed to 15 projects honored with Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement. A longtime TEA member, Lisa is the current vice-chair for the TEA Masters Committee and served previously on TEA’s International Board and Thea Awards Judging Committee. She supports IAAPA, IALD, IES, and AIA. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from San Diego State University, with television/film design emphasis. LPG lives, works, and laughs in Santa Clarita, California with husband David.

KATY HARRIS

Princess Cruises/Carnival Corporation

Katy Harris is a Creative Director with a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences. She has directed projects across the Disney parks in Europe, USA and Asia including their nighttime spectaculars, events and parades - and most recently ‘Mickey and The Magician.’ Since 2017 Katy’s led creative development and direction of live experiences for Princess Cruises. She is the definitive creative force behind ‘360: An Extraordinary Experience’ and recipient of two prestigious IAAPA Brass Ring Live Awards. Harris is currently launching new entertainment experiences on Sun Princess and continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through imagination, technology, and cultural authenticity.

LOUIS HARTSHORN

The Everywhere Group

Louis is CEO of Hartshorn-Hook enterprises and executive director of the Arts Theatre in London’s West End, current home to the smash hit Choir of Man His acclaimed productions include the Olivier award-winning Rotterdam; the Grammy and Olivier award-nominated Amelie The Musical; Dolly Parton’s 9-to-5 The Musical; and The Great Gatsby: Immersive Experience in Europe, Asia, and North America. He co-founded Kingswood Arts, a not-for-profit arts centre and cultural hub designed to locally support and give voices to marginalised communities, and to those who face barriers in accessing arts and culture. Hartshorn appears in Stage 100’s Most Influential List 2021.

DENISE HATCHER

AOA

With 20+ years of experience in sales, marketing and business strategy for The Walt Disney Company, Denise continues her passion for themed entertainment, spending the past 10 years leading company culture, human relations and business administration for AOA, an experience design, technical production and project management firm based in Orlando and California. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Denise spearheads AOA’s community outreach programs and serves on several boards supporting the entertainment and education community, including the TEA Eastern North America Division, Orlando Family Stage, University of Central Florida Themed Experience Program, and as an adjunct professor for Rollins College Business School.

SHELBY HONEA

Universal Creative

Shelby Honea has helped bring more than 50 attractions, live shows, and immersive lands to life since beginning her career in themed entertainment. As Universal Creative Show Producer, she’s responsible for protecting the creative vision of the project and in representing guest experience from concept to completion. Shelby most recently helped develop and deliver Jurassic World VelociCoaster, an award-winning genre-defining attraction, and she currently leads the Creative Management group at Universal Creative. Shelby is a passionate Fan of Fandoms and when not on the construction site, she can often be found exploring offbeat attractions for creative inspiration.

BRIAN HOOK

The Everywhere Group

Brian Hook is an Olivier award-winning and Grammy-nominated producer, and the creative force behind some of the world’s best-known immersive IPs, pulling audiences into the heart of a story. Hook is known for the Immersive Great Gatsby, UK’s longest-running immersive production and is also the creative producer behind the awardwinning Peaky Blinders: The Rise; Doctor Who Time Fracture; and A Christmas Carol Dining Experience, now in its twelfth year. Brian is a regular feature on The Stage 100 list. He’s been nominated for National Humanitarian Awards for his work with the theatre sector and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Centre.

HOGNE HØSTMÆLINGEN Hunderfossen Familiepark

Born in 1970, Hogne Høstmælingen has been CEO of Hunderfossen Familiepark since 2006, a picturesque theme park with trolls and Norwegian fairy tales, in the Olympic city of Lillehammer. Hogne is responsible for development and operations, as well as project management of new attractions like: Hunderfossen Winterpark, the fabulous coaster Il Tempo Extra Gigante; Reodor Felgens Hyperakselerator (Thea Award recipient 2021); and now the spectacular and Theaawarded Music Factory! Hogne started his career as an officer in the Norwegian army, and then studied economics at Sup’de Com in France. Hogne can be reached on LinkedIn.

PAUL HUTTON

Cuningham

As Cuningham’s Director of Regenerative Design, Paul Hutton’s career legacy exemplifies dedication to integrating sustainable building strategies with creative design. Paul’s portfolio has been driven by the belief that design can regenerate eco-systems damaged by thoughtless development. Within the themed entertainment industry, Paul is most notably a key stakeholder behind the inception and continued impact of the Themed Entertainment Sustainability Summit (TESS), founded in 2008. Paul has been a change agent, a leader, a mentor, and an outspoken advocate for regenerative design, in reshaping the relevant and timely challenges faced not just by the themed entertainment industry, but our entire planet.

BRETT JACKSON

Live Action Attractions

Brett Jackson is an immersive artist and awardwinning creator of live games and experiences. He has created interactive attractions for Meow Wolf, Disney, Universal, Two Bit Circus and world’s fairs. Here in LA, Brett created a monthly creativity gameshow called Imagi-Ne’er-Do-Wells - the kooky concepts club for creators of experience. Invent a new attraction from a surprise creative prompt and laugh at other weirdos attempting to do the same. Primarily, Brett is the founder of Live Action Attractions - the creative agency for creative agency - offering strategy, design & production for immersive play.

NATHAN JONES

MV Rides

Nathan Jones serves as the President and Partner of MV Rides, with a wide-ranging career spanning more than 25 years in the themed experience industry. Nathan has distinguished himself in the industry, recognized for his leadership, executive contributions, and entrepreneurial know-how with some of the industry’s largest manufacturers and suppliers. Throughout his career, Nathan has led various companies, contributing significantly to the creation of renowned water rides, rollercoasters, and flying theatres that have become cornerstones of the industry. His extensive expertise includes being recognized as one of Blooloop’s Top 50 Influencers in 2020. Presently, Nathan leads MV Rides, driving the company towards the successful delivery of their iconic rollercoasters and thrill rides.

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CHRISTIAN LACHEL

BRC Imagination Arts

As Chief Creative Officer at BRC Imagination Arts, Christian has spent over two decades leading award-winning projects from strategy and design through production and opening day. Some of Christian’s notable projects include Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Jameson Distillery Bow Street, The Museum of Liverpool, Guinness Storehouse, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Christian attended the College of DuPage, Art Center College of Design, and Wharton Business School. He is a LEED Accredited professional with U.S. Green Building Council and is sought after for his expertise in experiential marketing, storytelling, and design.

CHRIS LANGE

CSB - Creative Studio Berlin GmbH

Vice President, TEA International Board

Chris Lange is the founder and awardwinning creative force behind Creative Studio Berlin. Leading international design and installation teams throughout his storied career, Chris is proud of his many unique visitor experiences created around the world. Chris is currently focused on creative development for various Local-Based Entertainment and Resort Development projects. A former Europa-Park Creative Executive, Chris introduced a new era of storytelling and show quality to the park, unveiling new stories, designs, and implementations for over 30 projects. Chris is a popular guest speaker for global industry events, contributing his expertise to sessions for TEA SATE and IAAPA.

KIRK LARSEN

CAMP

Kirk is CAMP’s Chief Creative Officer. He has (along with his wife) two young kids and tries to use his job to fashion a world that’s more fun and more surprising than the one he grew up in. He loves watching movies and being a goof.

ARIK LUBKIN

CAMP

Arik is CAMP’s Vice President of Experience Design. Informed by a broad background in immersive, scenic, hospitality, retail, educational, and residential design, Arik brings a holistic, sensory-based approach to architecture and design that seeks to bring people together and elevate the lived experience. Through his work at CAMP, Arik hopes to bring imagination to life and make magic real for his two daughters and families everywhere.

KOKO MA Chimelong Group

Koko has been in the theme park industry more than 14 years, and she is responsible for global sourcing, project management and contract negotiation. She developed her skills in media based integrated projects, honing her skills in budget, schedule and risk management while managing the production of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom 5D Castle Theater, honored in 2017 with a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement. She is also the attraction executive manager of Chimelong spaceship Bermuda Storm, newly receiving a Thea Award of Outstanding Achievement at this weekend’s 30th Thea Awards celebration.

THOMAS MACK

Europa-Park Resort

Thomas Mack grew up in Rust, Germany and joined the family business at a young age. He studied hotel management, interned at numerous top hotels and restaurants, and gained further international experience at leading theme parks such as Gardaland, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Warner Bros. Movie World. Since May 2016, Thomas Mack has been one of the Managing Partners of Europa-Park and is now responsible for the Hotel Resort, F&B, Operations & Services as well as the Confertainment and Entertainment departments. Together with F&B expert Oliver Altherr, Thomas Mack developed the unique gastronomy concept Eatrenalin.

MITCHELL MAGILL

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Mitchell has served as Director, Entertainment Experiences for Global Theme Park Development, from concept through the operation of SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. This role included attraction experiences, immersive media, entertainment, and design support of overall guest experience throughout the development of this first-of-its-kind SeaWorld Park. Previously, he worked with the corporate attractions group on the development of new domestic park experiences. He also served as Director of Entertainment for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and as Production Manager and Producer for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando. Before joining SeaWorld 10 years ago, Mitchell operated his own production company, Clear Concept Entertainment.

YOSHI MARUYAMA

TOCA

Yoshi Maruyama is CEO and director of TOCA, a global soccer experiences company. TOCA is the largest operator of tech-enabled soccer centers in North America and opened the world’s first soccer entertainment venue TOCA Social in London’s O2. The second venue opens in Birmingham this summer. TOCA is an official partner of MLS, its board led by Erik Anderson,

modern founder of Topgolf. Yoshi spent 30 years in themed entertainment, as Global Head of LBE at DreamWorks Animation and SVP of Business Development at Universal Theme Parks. Yoshi currently serves on the boards of SeaWorld Entertainment and Make-A-Wish Los Angeles.

ROBERT MAXWELL

Diageo

Rob Maxwell joined Diageo in January 2020 as Head of Experience for Johnnie Walker Princes Street (JWPS), which was the centerpiece in the biggest ever investment in Scotch Whisky Tourism ($235m). Rob oversaw the launch of the experience before taking on the position of Head of JWPS shortly after the opening. Before Diageo, Rob’s career has seen him work in hospitality, luxury hotels and experiential brand homes in countries such as Ireland, Switzerland, Seychelles, Sweden and Australia for globally recognized brands such as Starwood Hotels, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Absolut Vodka.

JULIANA MORENO

Wild Optimists

The Wild Optimists is an awardwinning interactive entertainment company devoted to designing new ways to play. Co-owners Juliana Moreno and Ariel Rubin are focused on making the guest experience more interactive, playful, and fun, so that everyone feels like a hero. Collaborations include design for theme parks like Universal Orlando and Mall of America, marketing campaigns for Film/TV properties for companies like Sony and Fox, and tabletop game design for Mattel, Renegade, and more. Recently, they created the highly rated Clue Walking Mystery for Hasbro and a puzzle quest that had 20,000 participants over four days at the Electric Forest.

MOLLY MURPHY

Universal Creative

Molly Murphy joined Universal Creative in August 2023, bringing decades of experience in architecture, design, innovation, strategy, and technology. She is responsible for advancing long-term vision and strategy while overseeing operations, creative development, and global project delivery. Molly previously led Gensler’s global and technical teams while delivering brand and design strategies for travel, hospitality, leisure, and cruise industry clients. As Principal and Co-Managing Director of Gensler New York, she co-founded Gensler’s Digital Experience Design practice. Molly is an Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects and holds a Master of Architecture and MBA from the University of Illinois.

JUDITH OWENS

TBL International

Judith Owens is Chief Executive at TBL International Ltd. (TBL), the parent company to the award-winning Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic and the TEC. With experience spanning nearly three decades, unrivalled knowledge of the tourism and events industry and an exceptional track record, she is one of the UK’s most experienced and established management professionals. Judith is currently serving on the board of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA), Visit Belfast, is Chair of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance (NITA) and a member of the Institute of Directors.

KILE OZIER

Ozier Creative LLC

World-class talent in original content development and production, and a master of creative processes and production team building, of fruitful collaboration for compelling storytelling and entertainment experience; Ozier is known worldwide for his unique ability to forge profound personal, emotional connections between vision, experience and audience; creating intimate, shared experience and moments of community at any level. With the ability to create powerful connections, his goal is to sow and nurture a sense of community, embraced worldwide, to subtly grow a sense of responsibility in all of us for each other and for the quality of life on this planet.

MATT PROULX

Hasbro, Inc.

Matt has been with Hasbro since 2007, after completing his MBA from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Matt has held various positions during 17+ years with Hasbro, including managing the Transformers brand, overseeing marketing and business development for Hasbro Studios, and leading a multi-business global division (LBE, Promotions and Music) within Hasbro Inc.’s Entertainment and Licensing segment. Matt’s LBE remit is enhancing the company’s global presence across all LBE verticals, including the development of long-term partnerships with Universal, Kingsmen, Gamepath and innovative products such as Monopoly Lifesized, The Transformers ARK Restaurant, NAX, and Peppa Pig Play Café.

LUIS RAMALLO

Alien Fresh Jerky

Luis Ramallo, founder of Alien Fresh Jerky, stands as a stellar example of entrepreneurial spirit, having successfully navigated the universe of novelty beef jerky retail for 22 years. This business odyssey, inspired by a profound interest in extraterrestrial phenomena, has made Alien Fresh Jerky a haven for enthusiasts of the otherworldly. Currently, this intrepid entrepreneur is channeling his visionary talents into an ambitious project – completing the UFO Hotel Attraction. This endeavor promises to be an epic landmark of novelty and a true UFO experience.

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MARTIN RAMALLO

Alien Fresh Jerky

Martin Ramallo, co-founder of Alien Fresh Jerky, is a tech-savvy innovator who has been pivotal in shaping the brand’s digital footprint and marketing strategies. With a solid background in digital marketing, he masterfully integrates technology with creative sales approaches. His role in steering the company’s sales and marketing efforts has been crucial in propelling the brand to new heights. In his personal time, he excels in creating websites with a focus on delivering epic user experiences. His passion for creativity also manifests in his writing, exploring both fiction and non-fiction realms, crafting narratives as captivating as Alien Fresh Jerky’s offerings.

RICK ROTHSCHILD

FAR Out! Creative

TEA Past President, TEA Master

Blending a unique set of entertainment skills developed over 50 years in themed entertainment, Rick brings creative perspective together with technical knowledge to provide vision and direction to the integration of complex ideas, story, and systems. With 31 years as a WDI creative executive and 15 years through his company, FAR Out! Creative, Rick has led development and production on numerous ground-breaking attractions around the world. Rick is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Producers Guild of America, and the Visual Effects Society. TEA’s 30th awards cycle honors his tenth project receiving a Thea.

ARIEL RUBIN Wild Optimists

The Wild Optimists is an awardwinning interactive entertainment company devoted to designing new ways to play. Co-owners Juliana Moreno and Ariel Rubin are focused on making the guest experience more interactive, playful, and fun, so that everyone feels like a hero. Collaborations include design for theme parks like Universal Orlando and Mall of America, marketing campaigns for Film/TV properties for companies like Sony and Fox, and tabletop game design for Mattel, Renegade, and more. Recently, they created the highly rated Clue Walking Mystery for Hasbro and a puzzle quest that had 20,000 participants over four days at the Electric Forest.

ROBERT RUECKEL

Deutschlandmuseum

Robert Rueckel has spent 20 years establishing and operating successful private museums. Founder and director of the immersive history experience Deutschlandmuseum (opened 2023) and managing partner of the German Spy Museum (opened 2015), he started as founding director of Berlin’s DDR

Museum in 2005. All three museums have been nominated for prestigious prizes and are among the most visited museums in the German capital. Vice president of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Robert also chairs the tourism committee of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is a member of the supervisory board of DMO Visit Berlin.

EVI SARI

WildBrain CPLG

Secretary, TEA International Board

Evi Sari is VP of LBE for WildBrain CPLG, a world-leading entertainment, sport, and brand licensing agency. She was previously at Paramount Consumer Products and Experiences, overseeing franchise licensing in Asia for Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, and CBS. Evi was head of Tim Yip Studio, the creative force behind Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, managing Chinese film production design before joining the attractions industry. Raised within cultures different from her own, Evi brings cultural competency and creative understanding in business partnerships. She’s an industry speaker offering insights on Asia’s DE&I and global IP experience, fostering connections within themed entertainment and brand licensing.

DUSTIN SCHOFIELD

Walt Disney Imagineering

Dustin Schofield is a Senior Creative Director from Walt Disney Imagineering. Over his 20 years working in themed entertainment, he’s directed projects such as the fully immersive Zootopia land and attraction Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, along with the innovative Camp Discovery ropes course attraction - past recipient of a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement. Beyond Shanghai Disneyland, he’s also contributed to several projects at Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. He began his early career working for Knott’s Berry Farm, designing walk-through experiences for their annual Halloween Haunt event.

INESSAH SELDITZ Superfly

Inessah Selditz is Executive Creative Director at Superfly, the trailblazing experience company renowned for crafting iconic cultural, entertainment, and brand experiences, including Bonnaroo, The Prince Immersive Experience, and NY Times Food Festival. She’s held senior global leadership roles at leading studios across NYC including: ECD at A_DA, an innovation studio overseeing Microsoft’s experiential program, Group Experiential Director at Huge and Creative Director at the LAB at Rockwell Group. She advances large-scale, immersive experiences that blend digital and physical touchpoints, leading creative direction of high-profile projects like The Edge at Hudson Yards, the tallest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.

KIRIN SINHA

Illumix

Kirin Sinha is Founder and CEO of Illumix, a leading technology company bridging the digital and physical worlds. Listed on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2020, Illumix was honored during its Innovation by Design Awards and was spotlighted by Google as one of their limited partners for the Depth API to further enhance AR realism. Additionally, Kirin was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List in 2022. Kirin received a degree in electrical engineering, computer science and mathematics from MIT and holds advanced degrees in mathematics, statistics, and business from the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, and Stanford.

SIGURD SLÅTTEBREKK

Animando

Sigurd Slåttebrekk is a PhD and Professor of piano, and a former award-winning concert pianist. As creator and producer of children´s content in Animando over the last 10 years, he has led multiple productions of Elias, a Norwegian animated children’s classic with a wide international impact. Over the last few years, Slåttebrekk wanted to combine his two fields of competence in a project for family audiences: The Music Factory. This project seeks to engage children with entertaining and innovative music experiences in interactive formats, breaking down historical barriers around classical music, making it fun and accessible for everyone.

RICHARD TAYLOR

Wētā Workshop

Richard Taylor is co-founder and creative lead at Wētā Workshop which he runs with his wife Tania Rodger. Wētā Workshop is a multi-award-winning concept design studio and manufacturing facility, serving the world’s creative entertainment industries. This diverse and innovationdriven company also includes three tourism offerings and retail experiences, Consumer Products, an Interactive Studio, and creates public sculptures and private commissions. Richard and team focus on excellence in everything they do, and the immersive experiences they create have earned multiple Thea Awards including Gallipoli: The scale of our war, Wētā Workshop Unleashed and AURA: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky

ANDREW THOMAS

Wētā Workshop

Andrew Thomas has been designing and leading creative teams for exhibitions, new museums, theatres, film and Location-Based Experience projects for over 25 years. Andrew really enjoys the collaborative process, working closely with a wide range of artists and cultural groups in New Zealand and overseas. He is inspired by learning new ways of seeing, and enjoying the many challenges that inspire new design directions that reinterpret and shape the journey, space and experience in culturally appropriate and impactful ways.

BRUCE VAUGHN

Walt Disney Imagineering

As chief creative officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, Bruce Vaughn co-leads the global multidisciplinary team behind the creation of Disney theme parks, attractions, resorts, cruise ships and entertainment experiences. Bruce focuses on innovative ways to transform the company’s extensive collection of beloved franchises, characters, and stories, collaborating with peers from across The Walt Disney Company to create groundbreaking immersive experiences. In his role, Bruce oversees the innovation pipeline of Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, early creative “Blue Sky” explorations, and concept development – all critical elements as Imagineering embarks on an era of tremendous growth and investment across Disney parks and experiences worldwide.

CYNTHIA VERGON Infact Global

Cynthia Vergon is a creative writer, translator, voice-over artist. She has combined her FrenchAmerican heritage with her out-of-the-box thinking, writing, language and communications skills to create a niche in the themed experience industry, collaborating with top marketing and design firms. As a voice artist she has lent her voice to several of her themed experience and industrial clients. She is currently living in Rio de Janeiro, exploring new opportunities to help bridge gaps between the industry communities in Latin America and the USA and Europe.

TING-TING WEI Netflix

Ting-Ting Wei is a Producer with the Live Experiences team at Netflix, building real-life experiences that transport fans into the worlds of their favorite Netflix shows. She has opened touring attractions such as Stranger Things: The Experience, and is now producing Netflix House, Netflix’s first permanent entertainment venue. Ting-Ting’s prior experience includes Thinkwell, BRC Imagination Arts, and Walt Disney Imagineering. During her twelve years at WDI, she worked on the design and build of Shanghai Disney Resort from Blue Sky through Opening Day, and led all new expansion concepts for the park, including the recently opened Zootopia land.

WYATT WINTER

Walt Disney Imagineering

Wyatt is an Executive Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversees the early development for all Walt Disney World Resort projects. In this role, Wyatt collaborates with fellow Imagineers and partners at Walt Disney World, to bring new experiences to life. Wyatt began his career in the Disney College Program as an Attractions Cast Member and first joined Walt Disney Imagineering as a Project Management intern in 2006. He was hired full-time in 2007, and has since worked on Disney Springs, Frozen Ever After, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

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ALEX WRIGHT

Walt Disney Imagineering

Alex Wright is an Executive Creative Director for Walt Disney Imagineering. He is responsible for concept development, illustration, production design, and art direction for themed entertainment projects throughout the Walt Disney World property. He began his career with the Walt Disney Company in 1995 and has worked on Disney Springs, Pandora – The World of Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Alex graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in design theory and completed his Master of Fine Art degree in Scenic Design at the California Institute of the Arts.

MARC ZACHARY

Experiential Advisors

Marc Zachary is President of Experiential Advisors, a consultancy firm advising theme parks, IP holders, real estate owners, and other companies to maximize their LBE businesses. He is known for his broad knowledge of experiences, having visited thousands of parks, attractions, shows, and museums around the world. Marc was previously Head of LocationBased Experiences at Disney, where his team’s projects included The Simpsons lands at Universal Studios, the Avatar Experiences in Singapore and Shanghai, and National Geographic Ultimate Explorer FECs in China, the Middle East, and Mexico. Marc was named a Blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer in 2022 and 2023.

SU ZHIGANG

Chimelong Group

To serve a domestic market of 1.4 billion as well as global tourism, you really need a great deal of creativity to entertain all sorts of visitors’ needs and keep them coming back. Mr. Su Zhigang, founder of Chimelong in China, started out as a humble farmer and entered the themed entertainment business in his thirties. Since then, Chimelong has created six theme parks, eight themed hotels and three circuses. Recipient of multiple Thea Awards, Chimelong has committed to collaborating with TEA members to raise the bar. Mr. Su says today, “I still act like an out-and-out farmer: focused, diligent and cultivating new ideas daily!”