TEA and Licensing International Announce Strategic Partnership That Celebrates Collaboration, Idea-sharing and Excellence in the Themed Entertainment Industry
TEA and Licensing International Announce Strategic Partnership That Celebrates Collaboration, Idea-sharing and Excellence in the Themed Entertainment Industry
Burbank, Calif (6 May 2025) – 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.
As the leading association for the themed entertainment industry, TEA supports the creators and makers of experiences worldwide and provides tools, education, community, and connection to support the growth of their businesses. Licensing International serves over 1200 corporate members, including licensors, agents, manufacturers, consultants, retailers and service providers in 40 countries in industries including entertainment, corporate brands, fashion, sports and esports, collegiate and more.
“We are energized and excited for this new partnership with Licensing International,” shared Melissa Oviedo, CEO of Themed Entertainment Association. “Through our discussions with Licensing International, we understand licensors turn to TEA members to help them bring licensed location-based experiences – and more – to life. This collaborative partnership will further facilitate new connections while opening doors to new business opportunities.”
“Bringing TEA closer to Licensing International’s members makes sense,” said Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. “This shared relationship between our two associations will connect with Licensing International’s brand licensor members with TEA’s talented members so that together they can develop quality experiences that will delight fans and guests around the world.”
“Connection and relationships are at the heart of the themed entertainment industry,” Oviedo added, “This collaborative partnership will also provide Licensing International’s and TEA’s members new benefits including access to research, educational content, exclusive events, networking opportunities and more.”
Key benefits of the partnership include:
- TEA members will receive the LI’s member rate to attend and exhibit the annual Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing Expo China events
- Provide reciprocal sharing and access for members to exclusive research, reports and data created and published by both organizations
- Cross promotion of TEA’s and LI’s events, educational programs and member programs
- Increased visibility for both organizations and their members through cross-promotion marketing and communication
- Create and facilitate networking events and opportunities to help facilitate connections between TEA and LI members.
This strategic partnership furthers TEA’s and LI’s commitment to providing value for members while supporting the dynamic themed entertainment industry and the creation of innovative new projects and experiences through licensing.
TEA and Licensing International are also thrilled to announce their upcoming joint event during the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, NV, USA, later this month. Stay tuned for registration information and Save the Date for an evening at the JOHN WICK EXPERIENCE located at AREA15 on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
To learn more about TEA and LI, please contact: Chloe Hausfeld, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships, Chloe@TEAConnect.org or Maria Ungaro, SVP, Member & Partner Relations, mungaro@licensing.org.
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About TEA
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) brings together the creators and makers of experiences worldwide – from the creative storytellers to the technical builders, from operators to investors, from idea to operation - and provides them with tools, education, advocacy, community, and connection to help grow their businesses and careers.
The international non-profit association’s members focus on creating for and serving the leisure and travel sectors. Their work can be seen in entertaining and educational projects found in 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 dynamic community of more than 1,600 member companies in over 40 countries. TEAConnect.org
About Licensing International
Licensing International (formerly LIMA) has been at the center of the multi-billion-dollar worldwide licensing industry for 35 years, helping companies profitably grow their businesses through an unparalleled network of information and membership.
Licensing International works to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large.
Currently, Licensing International’s more than 1,200 member companies hail from 40+ countries around the globe, with that number increasing every year including executives from all sides of the business: agents, brand owners, manufacturers, consultants, publications, lawyers, accountants, retailers and more. Licensinginternational.org
Media Contact:
Susan L. Storey, APR, ICAE