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 and uplifts the entire themed entertainment community
• Brings fresh perspective to the industry
• Expands our collective thinking
• Raises the vision of who we are – and who we can become

This award is about impact, not tenure. It’s 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:

• Recognizes a specific achievement or contribution—symbolic or literal—that uplifts and leads the industry forward
• Widens our lens, bringing forward fresh, often overlooked perspectives
• Creates 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 (served by IAAPA)
• Not an award for service to the TEA (served by the TEA Peter Chernack Distinguished Service Award)
• Not recognition for a single project (those are eligible for an Award for Outstanding Achievement)

How to Submit a Nomination

When nominating a candidate for the Catalyst Award, your submission should:

• Describe the change the nominee has led or inspired
• Explain the nominee’s leadership role in achieving that change
• Highlight tangible results — observed, measured, or otherwise demonstrable
• Clarify the Call-to-Action their work represents for the industry

Deadline for Submissions: 11 July 2025 – 5:00 PM PST

SUBMIT HERE