2026 INSPIRE Day 1 Recap
The 2026 Leadership Forum and Spotlight Stories events kicked off TEA INSPIRE week yesterday. The simultaneous programs provided insight and perspective across all areas of themed entertainment and operations. Along with thoughtful presentations and panel discussions, the 2026 Thea Recognition of Merit Recipients lead case studies about their unique projects.
Leaning into cruise and water-themed language, the team from Virgin Voyages shared the journey they have gone through and the crests and troughs of the waves of growth. “We say it’s important to sail into something spectacular,” shared Pepper Lohr. “As you experience the journey, remember that while you can do anything, you should do it your own way. We create, invent and reinvent all the time but we are still Virgin.”
During the Leadership Forum Phil Royle, CEO of PLAY Playground, shared a similar sentiment with attendees, applying to both his personal career arc and the growing PLAY brand. “As we move in our careers, making the jump from small (company) to big or big to small is quite scary, but it also energizing and offers opportunities for growth and experience you’d never expect.” During his session, Phil shared how PLAY Playground has been growing its business while streamlining internal procedures and creating their own brand of best practices.
The case study session from Recognition of Merit Award recipient PAC-MAN Live Experience demonstrated how a beloved retro video game and has launched for a new generation. The storyline and characters have burst from the digital screen to the real world. Matt Stubbs and Neil Dolan shared how they applied innovative thinking and technology to create an interactive and shared physical experience that remains loyal to its origins and legacy.
After launching an ice breaker inviting everyone to introduce themselves as an ice cream flavor, CEO and Co-founder of the Museum of Ice Cream, Manish Vora, focused on the connective power of creative spaces and themed entertainment. “Human connection and in real world experiences are better than social media,” he shared. “The bounce back we had after COVID showed us that experiences, that creating spaces for human connection, will never slow down. We must always evolve, but technology, AI – none of that will remove our need to connect in person with others and create memories together.”
TEA INSPIRE officially begins today and attendees will take part in transparent, open sessions delivered by the teams behind this year’s Thea Award recipients. Stay inspired; follow on our social channels.