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As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and so was the case with the 2022 IAAPA Expo in Orlando, FL. As the week of meetings, parties, dinners, announcements, and networking came to an end, we at TEA were reminded of a time not so long ago when all those things were but a memory. A time when sharing space within 6ft of one another was prohibited, and friends' faces were hidden behind masks or computer screens. More than ever, we value the connections that TEA helps to facilitate. Whether it’s the simple handshake of a new acquaintance, the shared laughter among old friends, or the meeting of the minds around the conference table, we do not take for granted the interactions we share with our fellow industry professionals. For those interactions are invaluable; they allow us to grow and thrive as individuals, organizations, and associations. A Week of TEA Connections TEA BOOTH The TEA booth was one happening place! Our members took full advantage of the opportunity to network and catch up with one another. It was the perfect place to have a quick meeting or just swap stories with your friends. No matter the reason, we welcomed the interaction and loved seeing all of the new and familiar faces. 29th ANNUAL THEA AWARD PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT Congratulations to the Thea Award recipients! What an incredible turn out there was for the press announcement. Our booth was packed as family, friends and colleagues gathered around to hear who would receive the prestigious Thea Awards. If you missed the announcement, don’t worry because we have you covered. Click HERE for the full list of recipients and to read the official press release. TEA INTERNATIONAL MIXER Over 800 people joined us at Discovery Cove for the annual TEA International Mixer! The laidback island atmosphere and perfect weather made for excellent party conditions. Attendees had the opportunity to watch dolphins and talk with their trainers all while sipping cocktails with their toes in the sand. Tell me, where else can you network with industry professionals while walking on the beach? The exceptional evening was made possible thanks to our event sponsor PGAV Destinations and our supporting sponsors: Artistic Entertainment Services (AES), Bungalow Scenic Studios, Clair Global, and AV Stumpfl. 
TEA ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING TEA President, Chuck Fawcett, bid members adieu as he welcomed incoming President, Melissa Ruminot, with the official passing of the gavel. Meeting attendees heard a recap of the year from each of the division leaders, as well as the TEA Executive Director, Lindsey Nelson. Members also learned about TEA’s priorities and goals for 2023; which included community and connection, knowledge and collaboration, leadership and brand influence, and organizational excellence. The full Member Meeting video recording will be available in the coming weeks. Thank you to our meeting sponsors: Barco, Mall of America, and The Shipping Monster!
NEXTGEN ICE CREAM SOCIAL Mention free ice cream, and you know our NextGen members are there! NextGen leaders Dustin Stephan and Carson Luter welcomed a large crowd of members to the TEA booth, where the ice cream social was hosted. Members had the opportunity to get their sweet treat fix and network all at the same time, talk about being efficient. Thank you to Blue Telescope for being the event sponsor!  We hope you had as great of a time last week as we did. We hope that new connections were made, old relationships were rekindled, and you felt a genuine sense of community. When you think of TEA, it is our goal that you think of us as more than just an association; we are a community; we are a family. So to all of our TEA family, we can’t wait to see you next time!
 TEA – THEMED ENTERTAINMENT ASSOCIATION BOARD ELECTION RESULTS
International Board of Directors – Elected to 3 year terms as Board Directors:
Asia Pacific Division – Elected to 3 year terms as Board Directors:
Asia Pacific Division Individual Member Representatives – Elected to 2 year term:
Eastern North America Division - Elected to 3 year terms as Board Directors:
Europe and Middle East Division – Elected to 3 year terms as Board Directors:
Europe & Middle East Division- Individual Member Representatives – Elected to 2 year term:
Western North America Division – Elected to 3 year terms as Board Directors:
Western North America Division – Individual Member Representatives – Elected to 2 year term:
IN APPRECIATION To outgoing 2022 Board Members of the Themed Entertainment Association for their dedication and service: Outgoing International Board Members:
Outgoing Asia Pacific Division Board Members:
Outgoing Asia Pacific Division – Individual Member Representatives:
Outgoing Eastern Division – Individual Member Representatives:
Outgoing Europe & Middle East Division Board Members:
Outgoing Europe & Middle East Division – Individual Member Representatives:
Outgoing Western North America Division Board Members:
Outgoing Western North America Division – Individual Member Representatives:
Media Contact: Lauren Moore media@teaconnect.org phone # 818-843-8497 BURBANK, CA USA, Nov 15, 2022 – The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), announced its 29th annual Thea Award recipients this week in front of an international crowd at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando. The prestigious TEA Thea Award is considered one of the greatest honors in the themed experience industry. The Thea Awards honor individuals, projects, and technologies in the arena of themed attractions and experiences worldwide. This year, 20 recipients were recognized for their innovative work. “We are thrilled to announce this slate of amazing individuals, attractions, and experiences as this year’s Thea Award recipients. We look forward to celebrating them – and joining together as an international community – next April for the Annual Thea Awards Gala,” said TEA International Board President Chuck Fawcett. The Thea Awards were founded in 1994 and have since celebrated hundreds of people and companies for remarkable achievements and contributions to the themed entertainment industry. Honorees, and their teams share expertise in storytelling, design, economics, logistics, architecture, construction, manufacturing, and more. This year’s Thea Award Recipients include: Buzz Price Award (recognizing a lifetime of distinguished achievements):
Catalyst Award (recognizing individual contributions to the advancement of the industry):
Classic Award (celebrating a guest experience that has stood the test of time):
Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement: Note: A credits list for each Award for Outstanding Achievement will be published in the official Thea Awards program.
Peter Chernack Distinguished Service Award:
“Our field is constantly changing. Honoring these recipients from around the world highlights their success in bringing forth highly engaging, out of the home visitor attractions and experiences in the leisure and travel sectors. They are everything from problem solvers to specialists that create what our imaginations can only dream of and bring it all to fruition,” Fri Forjindam, Thea Committee Chair. She continued, “We invite the industry to join us for our big weekend next April at the Disneyland Resort to formally award these leaders in our field at the TEA Annual Thea Awards Gala, presented by Chimelong” TEA’s Annual Thea Awards Gala will take place April 15, 2023, at 5:00 PM at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, USA. Tickets to the Gala and the TEA Annual Summit will be available on the TEA website, TEAconnect.org in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to TEA’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtube over the next several months leading up to the Awards Gala as more is revealed about behind-the-scenes. experiences of the 2022 Thea Award honorees. Join the conversation and learn more about honorees and the upcoming Thea Awards in April 2023 by following and using the hashtag #TheaAwards. About TEA TEA is the international non-profit association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences – worldwide. Its 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. TEA encompasses a community of more than 1,700 member companies in 45 countries.
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Note: More details, headshots and photos of attractions and experiences will be available on the TEA Thea Awards website, below is a sampling of a select few of this year’s recipients. Roland Mack, Buzz Price Award Chevy Humphrey, Catalyst Award The Main Street Electrical Parade USA, Classic Award Recipient Beaudry Interactive, Award of Outstanding Achievement in Technology Absurdities Vol. 1, Andsoforth Award of Outstanding Achievement in Immersive Dining Experience Scruffy Dog Creative Group November 2022: Scruffy Dog Creative Group boosts senior management team!7/11/2022
 Images – Paul/Malik Entertainment design & realisation company Scruffy Dog Creative Group has announced the first two new senior appointments of many to come, that will strengthen its design, and creative build division. The appointments allow the group to continue its expansion on a range of major entertainment projects across the globe. Paul Williams will be joining Scruffy Dog Creative Group as Senior Creative Director at its London design studio. Williams has over 29 years’ experience creatively driving the development of successful visitor attractions and exhilarating live experiences for the World’s biggest brands such as: DreamWorks, Marvel, Disney, Merlin Entertainments, Paramount, BBC, Sony Pictures, BMW, Warner Brothers, Pepsi, ITV Studios, British Airways, 20th Century Studios and Microsoft. “I have always admired the incredible creativity and high standards of production that Scruffy Dog Creative Group consistently delivers within the global visitor attractions industry. I feel honoured to be collaborating with their brilliant team of talented artists, experienced designers, and creative producers to lead the way in creating unique, exciting, and innovative new experiences that will entertain people all over the World.” Says Williams. Malik Al Asadi joins the creative build division as senior project manager. Al Asadi an accomplished, Project Manager brings with him over 15 years of experience directing large scale Themed Environments. Al Asadi previously held employment at Universal Creative Japan, DXB Entertainments, and CSM live. “ I see this new role as a fantastic opportunity to contribute to an exciting, forward-thinking, and fast-moving company. I look forward to using my experience, identifying, designing, and deploying innovative technologies that improve systems, reduce costs, and increase productivity in the creative build division.” Al Asadi says. CEO Joe Bright Comments says “As a company we are continuing to grow, so it was key to strengthen our team throughout the group. Malik, and Paul both have an exemplary record in the themed entertainment sector, and their experience both operationally, and creatively will support the development of our forthcoming projects.” Media Contact:
Jacqui Hunter Marketing Manager jacqueline@scruffydogltf.com 07931 300504 www.scruffydogltd.com  PASSENGER 18: Former executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering and 2022 Disney Legend, Rob't Coltrin.
What do Mystic Manor, Radiator Springs Racers, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin all have in common? These beloved Disney rides were all conceived over the past 32 years by former Walt Disney Imagineering executive creative director Rob’t Coltrin. A "storyteller, writer, choreographer, artist, designer, theatrical showman, engineer, musician, architect and scientist - all wrapped up into one,” according a colleague, Rob’t will be the 18th passenger to climb aboard our time machine for an hour-long journey through his illustrious career. Don’t let the change to daylight savings time spoil your opportunity to join us for this exciting episode of The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast! Friday November 11th at 12pm PST Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/457215703477 |
