News

TEA was featured in the April edition of Amusement Today in the Business and Newsmakers section with an article titled TEA Celebrates the Industry at 31st Annual Thea Awards Gala. The event brought together over 700 professionals from the themed entertainment industry to honor excellence in experience design and innovation.

TEA is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all its members, fostering collaboration and respect at every event. This blog highlights the importance of adhering to the organization's Code of Conduct, ensuring that every participant feels valued and respected. Read on to learn more about how TEA maintains a positive and supportive community.

TEA INSPIRE 2025's Day 2 celebrated creativity, innovation, and inclusivity within the themed entertainment industry. Highlights included presentations from Thea Award winners like Disney Research’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge BDX Droids, the immersive Sphere experience, and sustainable outdoor play at Windsor Great Park. Attendees also engaged in insightful discussions with visionaries like Dayton Schroeter, culminating in an exclusive night at Universal Studios Hollywood, where the future of themed attractions was unveiled.

TEA INSPIRE 2025 Day 1 featured an engaging Leadership Forum with interactive discussions and a keynote by Robert Zackery III. Spotlight Sessions showcased innovative projects like "Treasure Hunt: The Ride" and "The DigiWave Experience," with panelists sharing valuable insights. The event emphasized education, creativity, and networking, inspiring attendees to apply new ideas to their work. The day concluded with a preview of Universal Horror Unleashed.

Starting 1 April 2025, TEA will implement a slight increase in membership dues for organizations with six or more employees to support enhanced benefits. Renewals made before this date will still benefit from the current rates.

Global Leaders from the Themed Entertainment Industry Will Share Current Trends and Insight During One-of-a-Kind Thought Leadership Event at the 2025 INSPIRE Week conference.

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.