News

The TEA INSPIRE Week Conference and Thea Awards Gala provide invaluable opportunities for themed entertainment leaders to stay ahead of trends, spark innovation, and enhance guest experiences. To secure employer approval, highlight the benefits: exposure to creative ideas for branding and experiences, networking with industry leaders, exclusive insights into trends, and learning strategies to improve guest experiences. Emphasize career advancement, as attending will foster leadership growth and benefit the company’s long-term success. Stress the ROI, showcasing how the knowledge gained will help your business stay competitive and relevant. These events offer a clear path to both
personal and company growth.

Step into the world of innovation and excellence with the 2025 Thea Awards and TEA INSPIRE Conference! Since 1994, the Thea Awards have celebrated the boldest achievements in themed entertainment, recognizing the teams and
individuals who bring visionary projects to life. This year’s honorees are no exception, showcasing audacity, creativity, and timeless design. But it’s not just about the awards — the INSPIRE Conference pulls back the curtain, offering an
exclusive look at the winners’ stories and insights through engaging case studies.

Great Wolf Lodge revamped its brand mythology in 2021, partnering with BRC Imagination Arts to create a unified narrative centered on the Great Wolf Pack. This new story, *The Legend of Luna*, emphasizes themes of self-discovery and collaboration. The mythology is woven into every aspect of the resort, from immersive spaces and activities to themed merchandise, creating a cohesive, emotional experience that strengthens connections with guests and guides the brand’s future growth.

Gala Celebrates Innovation, Creativity and Audacity in the Themed Entertainment Industry. Hundreds of Designers, Creators and Experience Makers Will Come Together in Universal City, California 12-15 March 2025

Thank you to everyone who has reached out for assistance, as well as those seeking resources. We want to ensure you have access to the support and materials provided generously by our TEA community, as well as other important resources related to the California Wildfires.

Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we hope these compilation of resources helps during this difficult time.

The Themed Entertainment Association stands with our members affected by the California wildfires, offering unwavering support during this challenging time. We encourage everyone to reach out for assistance, share resources, and come together as a community to help those in need.

Björn Heerwagen, 2023 TEA Master, participated in the second edition of TEA Talks at Breda University, focusing on developing emerging talent in the industry. He hosted a panel discussion with industry experts, covering career challenges and the importance of dedication and passion for success in a tough field.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Oviedo as TEA’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2024. After an extensive recruitment process, Melissa was selected from a pool of over 30 qualified candidates.

We’re excited about our transition to the Glue Up platform, designed to provide a seamless experience for our members. Below are answers to common questions to help you navigate the change. For additional assistance, contact Member Services at memberservices@teaconnect.org.

Museum design firm Luci Creative (Luci) announces the opening of its fourth studio in the United States. Located in New York City, the new office empowers Luci to serve its expanding client roster, access the area’s rich talent pool, vendor network, and create new industry partnerships on the East Coast.

The P&P Projects team is excited to return to IAAPA Expo Europe later this month (taking place from the 24th until the 26th of September), on the company’s home front – in Amsterdam.

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.