9 SEPTEMBER – DAY 1

(All times are in Hong Kong Time UTC+8)
Time and sessions are subject to change at this current time, please check back frequently for the most up to date version of the agenda. For more in depth information on each scheduled day, click one of the buttons below.

Schedule overview

10 Sept - Day 2

11 Sept – day 3

8:30AM - 6:00PM | REGISTRATION/INFORMATION DESK OPENS

​8:30AM - 9:30AM | BREAKFAST

MORNING SESSIONS:

KEYNOTE – ACHIEVING DESIGN EXCELLENCE:
An exciting exploration of design excellence in theme park development as Bob Dennis (Sr. Director of Creative Studio/Placemaking | Universal Beijing Resort) dives into how to craft compelling stories, distinguishing between art and design, and creating unforgettable experiences for guests with case studies from Universal Beijing Resort and the latest research on guest engagement.

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TEA MASTER PRESENTATION:
Join Jill YaoWu (President/Chairman of the Board; TEA Master | 躍獅整合娛樂YAOX Entertainment+Design) as she delves into the art of Creative Producing. Recognized by the Themed Entertainment Association for her exceptional innovation and craftsmanship, YaoWu will share her profound insights and experiences in driving the growth and evolution of the themed entertainment industry. This session will explore the core elements of creative producing, highlighting her influential contributions and offering valuable perspectives for industry professionals aiming to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling and design.​

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HOW IS AI SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE THEMED ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?
Chris Yoshii (V.P. & Global Director of Economics | AECOM Asia Company Limited), Christina Tse (COO | Pantheon Lab Limited), and Victor Danau (Director, APAC Development & Operations| Ripley Entertainment) explore cutting-edge and upcoming AI applications, from visionary concepts to real-world operations, and share how these innovations can elevate guest experiences to new heights

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DESIGNING FOR ALL: STRATEGIES FOR CULTURALLY SENSITIVE, INCLUSIVE, & EDUCATIONAL THEMED ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES: 
In today’s ever-changing and diverse world, it is a must for the attractions, leisure, and entertainment industry to foster an inclusive community and accommodate a dynamic customer-base of different walks of life and challenges. Experiences within an attraction facility can fulfill a higher aspiration of educating guests and building cultural pride – beyond the fun and exciting services we can offer. 

Hear from Enchanted Kingdom’s Founder, President and Chairman Cesar Mario O. Mamon and COO Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon as they share about EK’s strategies in promoting and implementing initiatives centered on inclusivity, culture, and education as they manage the first and only world class theme park in the Philippines.

12:30PM - 1:45PM | LUNCH

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

ORIGIN STORIES OF STORIES – HOW WE START!
A story or experience stars somewhere but, different industries do it … differently.  
We can learn from them, to better work on ours and not shortchange our own ways, namely visual development and writing.  It’s also more fun! Luc Mayrand (Senior Creative Executive | Walt Disney Imagineering) will bring examples to illustrate the case for using enough tools to create the fundamental ideas for our experiences.​

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TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES OF OUTDOOR ARCHITAINMENT: CREATING INTIMATE CONNECTIONS ON A MONUMENTAL SCALE:​
​In this presentation, Emmanuelle Charotte (VP Business Development | ECA2 Group) we will explore the innovative strategies behind designing and producing outdoor architainment that fosters intimate connections amidst grandeur. The goal is to demonstrate how large-scale architectural projects can evoke personal and emotional engagement, enhancing visitor experiences. Delving into case studies, design principles, and technology integration that seamlessly blend monumental structures with human-scale interactions. Attendees will gain insights into creating immersive environments that not only captivate on a grand scale but also resonate deeply on an individual level, setting new standards for excellence in the industry.

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THE FUTURE IS INCLUSIVE: AN INCLUSIVE COMPANY IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THEMED ENTERTAINMENT
This panel offers a forward-looking exploration of emerging trends and opportunities in leadership. By examining both the successes and challenges faced by female leaders, the discussion aims to provide insights into the universal aspects of personal and professional growth. The session emphasizes the shared experiences of navigating leadership journeys, independent of gender, race, religion, or background.
​Moderator

• June Ko, Executive Director | Infocomm

Panelists

• Beth Chang, Executive Director | AECOM Economics
• Natalie Chan, Director, APAC , Location Based Experiences | Hasbro (APAC)
• Christina Tse, Chief Operating Officer | Pantheon Lab Limited
• Anna Mamon-Aban, Head of Business Development & Digital Transformation | Enchanted Kingdom, Inc.

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THE SECRET IS THE SOUND: HOW MUSIC BRINGS EMOTION TO LOCATION-BASED STORYTELLING:
In this lively, engaging, and thought-provoking presentation Ryan Miziker (Chief Creative Officer | Miziker Entertainment) & Stephen Thomas Cavit (Co-Founder/Chief Executive & Composer/Owner | TruSound International, LTD & Iconic 360 – Sound & Music) will take the audience behind the scenes to explore how music and sound can make all the difference in shows and attractions, using examples from well-loved theme parks and immersive experiences.  What we’ll uncover together is how the power of music is harnessed to make emotional connections, bridge cultural divides, and create memories that we all cherish our whole lives.

Spanning the globe, yet with a particular lens on Asia, and covering several decades right up to the present day, Ryan will dig deep to provide samples of how music and sound design is utilized in location-based entertainment. Artists and architects, writers and master planners, producers and even financial analysts will be offered a different, compelling perspective on attractions that is sure to be both fun and informative. Topics in this session will include the importance of original music, leveraging licensed music, classical composers and the power of the public domain. Along the way they'll dive into theme park classics, new attractions and popular music, and look back at how music works to convey emotions.
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​ ​A POSSIBILITY OF THEMED ENTERTAINMENT IN THE FUTURE – THE IMPLEMENTATION OF IP CONTENTS IN JAPAN:
In the current context, many large public parks in Japan remain underutilized and infrequently visited. While Japanese interest in themed entertainment is high, as evidenced by the popularity of Disneyland and Universal Studios, developing such large-scale attractions requires substantial capital. However, Japan boasts a wealth of original intellectual property (IP), such as anime and manga, which has garnered global popularity. Masaki Kawahara (Executive Creative Director | Nomura Co., Ltd.) will present case studies of themed entertainment projects that have successfully revitalized public spaces using IP and limited budgets in Japan. Participants will explore the potential for similar approaches in the future.