33rd Annual Thea Awards Judging Cycle
Thea Catalyst Award Nominations Open Soon
Honoring those who spark meaningful change in themed entertainment.
The Thea Catalyst Award recognizes an individual, group, or organization that has led a specific, beneficial change in the industry, creating a lasting, positive impact.
What Does a Catalyst Do?
Recipients of this award are recognized for making a difference that benefits the themed entertainment community and helps move the industry forward.
Benefits & Uplifts
Creates positive impact for the entire themed entertainment community.
Brings Fresh Perspective
Introduces new ways of seeing, thinking, working, or creating.
Expands Collective Thinking
Challenges the industry to imagine broader possibilities.
Raises the Vision
Helps define who we are as an industry and who we can become.
This award is about impact, not tenure. It is open to individuals and organizations of any career stage who have made a real difference in how we think, work, and create.
What the Catalyst Award Is
- Recognition for a specific achievement or contribution that uplifts and leads the industry forward.
- Awarded to work that widens our lens and brings forward fresh, often overlooked perspectives.
- Celebrates positive, measurable impact in the creation of compelling places and experiences.
- Inspires best practices for a globally evolving, diverse audience.
What the Catalyst Award Is Not
- Not a lifetime achievement award.
- Not a “Masters of Their Craft” honor.
- Not a young professionals or “future potential” award.
- Not a technology, owners, or operators award.
- Not an award for service to TEA.
- Not recognition for a single project, which may be eligible for an Award for Outstanding Achievement.
How to Submit a Nomination
When nominating a candidate for the Catalyst Award, your submission should clearly explain the change they helped create and why it matters.
Describe the Change
Explain the change the nominee has led or inspired.
Explain Their Leadership
Clarify the nominee’s role in achieving or advancing that change.
Highlight Results
Include tangible results that are observed, measured, or otherwise demonstrable.
Clarify the Call-to-Action
Show what their work represents for the future of the industry.
Selection Process
Committee Review
Nominations are reviewed by the Thea Awards Committee and a dedicated Catalyst Subcommittee.
Recommendation
The Subcommittee presents recommendations to the full Awards Committee for approval.
Representation
The committee actively works to reflect diverse representation in membership and selections.
Recent & Previous Recipients
2026 Recipient
Dr. Frederic Bertley, President & CEO, Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
This section highlights the most recent Thea Catalyst Award recipient and honors previous recipients whose work has helped move the industry forward.
Naoki Tanaka Creative Director, Dentsu Lab Tokyo
Susana Tubert
Carmen Smith