News

Strategic agreements and global participation continue to define Saudi Arabia's role in the entertainment economy.

As the days get longer and summer approaches, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is implementing a seasonal shift to our operating hours that reflects our commitment to employee well-being and work/life balance.

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the association for the global community of creators, innovators, and fabricators of themed experiences, and Licensing International (LI), the leading trade organization of the global brand licensing industry, today announced a new partnership that will facilitate networking and information sharing for members while fostering the growth, expansion and reach of the global themed entertainment industry.

SEA Expo returns for its 7th edition from May 20-22 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, bringing together the world’s top entertainment and amusement brands.

In this reflective message, TEA International Board President, Matt Barton, shares his thoughts on the global economic and social challenges currently impacting the themed entertainment industry. Acknowledging the uncertainty and strain these times bring, he reaffirms TEA’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and community. The blog will explore the importance of unity, mutual respect, and collective resilience within the TEA membership, while encouraging open dialogue, support, and creative collaboration as the association continues to navigate turbulent times.

Because of the partnerships from this year’s TEA INSPIRE Sponsors, our Global Partners, In-Kind Support, and the 31st Annual Thea Awards Gala Presenting Sponsor, Chimelong Group, the event was one of the most memorable ever!

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.