They’re the quiet legends. The creators. The solvers. The mentors.
Experts in design, technology, project management, finance – dozens of individual professionals who represent the themed entertainment industry at its best.
These are the TEA Masters.
Honoring Excellence in Themed Entertainment
The TEA Masters of Their Craft program recognizes exceptional individuals—artists, writers, producers, engineers, and craftspeople—who have made a lasting impact on the themed entertainment industry. Through innovation, leadership, and expertise, these professionals have shaped the experiences that thrill, delight, and inspire guests worldwide.
A Legacy of Excellence
Each year, a select few are honored as TEA Masters. These individuals:
- Set the highest standards in their disciplines
- Advance their field through innovation and dedication
- Create unforgettable experiences in attractions, rides, events, and themed spaces
Many TEA Masters work behind the scenes, known primarily to their peers. This program shines a spotlight on their contributions, ensuring their work is recognized and celebrated.
Championing Diversity & Inclusion
TEA Masters come from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, representing an increasingly global industry. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of this program, expanding creative perspectives and making themed entertainment more accessible and resonant for all audiences.
When nominating, we encourage you to think broadly—who are the talented individuals who have been overlooked in the past? Let’s seek out those shining stars of more diverse backgrounds who might have been overlooked in the past.
Qualification Criteria
Professional Achievement
- Outstanding performance over a 20+ year career within their discipline
- Experience on the national or global stage
- Played a distinctive role on multiple major or signature projects
- Is a role model and widely respected within their discipline and the industry
- Is a mentor to those around them
Mentorship
- Enthusiastically shares professional knowledge as a mentor
- Empowers others to excel in their own skill and brings out the best in people
- Instills confidence in those around them by epitomizing the highest standards of their discipline
Industry and Subject Matter Achievement (where applicable)
- Has developed innovative ways of creating/producing evidenced by patents, inventions, etc.
- Instrumental in improving/revolutionizing industry or subject matter means and methods
- Long track record of improving the quality and efficiency of their product or service
Willing to Commit to be an Active Participant
- Will participate in the TEA Masters recognition ceremony and panel discussion
- Willing to commit to a minimum of 2 years of active involvement, which may be completed non-consecutively, based on availability.
- Willing to participate in any of the following ways:
- TEA education and/or mentoring programs
- TEA Masters standing committees
- TEA Masters webinars and events (regional and/or international)
- TEA Masters meetings
- TEA Masters outreach within and beyond the Themed Entertainment community.
Nominees may be asked to submit resumes, photos of completed projects, designs, artwork, work samples, graphics or video containing highlights of their craft to support the selection process.
Owners, operators, or managers of themed entertainment venues, except when directly involved in the creation of compelling places or experiences, Members of the current TEA International Board of Directors, Buzz Price Thea award recipients are ineligible for TEA Master consideration.
Examples of Crafts & Disciplines
(Non-exhaustive list - for reference only)
Nominations are now open. The 2026 cycle ends 16 May 2026.
Key Dates for 2026:
1 April - Nominations Open at 00:01 AM PDT
17 May (Extended from the 16 May) - Nominations Close at 23:59 PM PDT
September - 2026 TEA Masters Announced
October - 2026 SATE North America Conference