A Message from our CEO: Key Initiatives for the Remainder of 2024
Dear TEA Members,
As I step into the role of CEO, I am thrilled to lead the Themed Entertainment Association through an exciting and pivotal time. After serving in a volunteer capacity as the International Board President, I have a deep understanding of our association’s values and the immense potential we hold as a global community.
As we approach the end of 2024, I want to outline several key initiatives that will be my focus as we work together to elevate the TEA. These initiatives are centered on four core priorities:
1. Listening to Our Members, Global Partners, and Sponsors
One of my top priorities is hearing directly from you—our members, partners, and sponsors. Your insights are invaluable to shaping TEA’s future, and I want to ensure that our association remains a dynamic, responsive, and supportive resource for all. To start those discussions, a member survey will be distributed prior to IAAPA. Your feedback will help us understand what you want from TEA and how we can better meet your needs moving forward.
2. Improving Communication and Member Engagement
We are also taking a close look at how we communicate with and engage our members. This includes evaluating our current membership management system to replace it with a more robust solution, as well as enhancing our web presence. Our goal is to streamline how we keep you informed about the benefits, programs, and services offered by TEA, ensuring you have easy access to the tools and information you need to thrive within the industry.
3. Budget Management Through Year-End and 2025 Planning
Ensuring the financial health of the TEA is a crucial responsibility, and I will be dedicating significant time to reviewing our budget through the end of the year. Additionally, I’ll be working closely with our financial team to plan and forecast for 2025, ensuring we allocate resources effectively to support our ongoing programs, events, and member services.
4. Maintaining and Offering Stability to Our Staff
Behind the scenes, TEA’s dedicated staff plays a vital role in ensuring our association runs smoothly. To strengthen our organizational structure and provide the stability our team needs, we are in the process of onboarding a Professional Employee Organization (PEO). This will streamline how we manage staff operations, enhance benefits, and support our employees, enabling them to focus on delivering exceptional service to you, our members.
These priorities represent the first steps toward a more agile, responsive, and member-focused TEA. As I continue to settle into this new role, I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming events and listening to your thoughts on how we can make our association stronger and more impactful.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Themed Entertainment Association. Together, we will build on the foundation we’ve created and continue to elevate this incredible global community.
It’s never been a better time to be a part of the TEA!
Melissa Oviedo
CEO, Themed Entertainment Association