Reliving 2026 INSPIRE Week
For the themed entertainment industry, “inspire” was more than a buzzword, a name, and an idea. The 2026 TEA INSPIRE conference, INSPIRE the Night event at Universal Epic Universe and the amazing 32nd Annual Thea Awards Gala embodied all the word “inspire” stands for.
The transparent and honest case study conversations during TEA INSPIRE provided incredible insight into the creation and execution of this year’s diverse and deserving recipients. Attendees had the chance to do more than pull back the curtain to see how projects developed; they learned from the creators and innovators themselves, gaining exclusive insight into how partnerships and collaboration across all areas of themed entertainment bring Thea-awarding experiences to life
The always-popular INSPIRE the Night event welcomed more than 900 attendees to Universal Epic Universe so everyone could experience the new park – recipient of four Thea Awards - while furthering connections and strengthening relationships. The incredible night, appropriately held under a nearly full moon, featured a diverse menu of food and beverage options, personal encounters with roaming character entertainment and the opportunity to be fully immersed in three of the park’s themed lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.
After TEA INSPIRE wrapped on Friday, INSPIRE attendees were invited to join the TEA Eastern North America Division at nearby Live! at the Pointe Orlando for the chance to connect with NextGen members, local Orlando-based members, and TEA Board members. The casual event was the perfect way to end the thought-provoking INSPIRE Conference.
On Saturday, 2 May, it was time to celebrate. As part of TEA’s ongoing commitment to the overall wellness of members – both mentally and physically – a casual Netwalking event around the JW Marriott’s incredible resort and the inaugural Pickleball Tournament helped get members moving – and outside!
The incredible Thea Awards Gala was the culmination of the outstanding week. Held for the first time ever in Central Florida, the Gala embraced the vibrancy and diversity of global themed entertainment. From the colorful pink carpet to the floral-adorned Thea statues to the glowing portals of light that led the way to the ballroom, the Thea Awards Gala dazzled. Throughout the night, attendees leaned in as recipients thanked their colleagues and the collaborative teams who came together for each project. The energy and emotion in the room were contagious as everyone shared in celebrating not just the recipients but overall excellence, innovation, and the bright, unchartered future of themed entertainment.
At the end of the night, TEA CEO Melissa Oviedo announced the 33rd Annual Thea Awards Gala – and 2027 TEA INSPIRE Conference – will return to Orlando next spring. Then in an exciting and surprise move, she unveiled a video where she, along with Roland Mack, announced both programs will take place at Europa-Park Resort in 2028. “We’re an international organization,” she said, “And it’s time we take the Thea Awards Gala global. We can’t wait to bring the Theas to Europe for the first time ever!”
Along with the celebration and honors, the Thea Awards Gala provided the perfect opportunity to relaunch the TEA Foundation. The nonprofit Foundation provides scholarships, curated experiences, and mentorship connections to help emerging talent access, learn and become part of the themed entertainment industry. Gala attendees were able to purchase colorful bowties from the exclusive “Beautiful Bowtie Bar” to add color to their suits while supporting the Foundation. The inaugural silent auction also featured incredible trips and unique items for attendees to bid on, and all funds raised were earmarked to further the Foundation’s efforts.
Plans are already underway for the 33rd Annual Thea Awards Gala and TEA INSPIRE. Nominations to submit a Thea Award entry are open now through 10 July 2026. To learn more, and to submit, visit TEA’s website.