Attendance rises as TEA hosts successful Summit and Thea Awards Gala
The Themed Entertainment Association has reported increased attendance for the attractions body’s annual Summit and Thea Awards Gala.
Taking place between 11-13 April, members of the visitor attractions industry descended on the Disneyland Hotel, in Anaheim, Calfornia for the event, which saw 350 delegates attend day one of the summit, 600 for the second day and 800 for the Gala.
Day one was an opportunity for the industry to gather and talk about work through a business lens. Focusing on "the business of the business", day one summit co-chairs were TEA past president Christine Kerr of BaAM Productions and TEA Eastern North America Division Board president Melissa Ruminot of The Companies of Nassal.
On day two, the TEA presented its Thea Case Studies, with project owners and creatives related to Thea Award-winning project sharing the highlights and challenges of creating some of the most compelling and influential visitor attractions in the world.
The winners of the 25th Annual Thea Awards were recognised at the Gala following the summit, with the black-tie event honouring themed entertainment’s finest achievements and greatest contributors.
This year’s winners – announced at the IAAPA Expo in November – include the likes of Dollywood, which picked up the Thea Classic Award; as well as Bazyliszek at Poland's Park Legendia; The Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka, US; and the Lego House in Billund, Denmark.
"Congratulations to all the TEA Thea Awards recipients and the many creatives and specialists who made up the teams that produced the projects," said the TEA in a statement.
"Heartfelt thanks to the event organisers, chairs, moderators, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, participants and supporters of all kinds, TEA leadership, the TEA Thea Awards Committee and TEA staff."
Themed Entertainment Association Summit Thea Awards Gala TEA Christine Kerr Melissa Ruminot Dollywood Bazyliszek Lego HouseDollywood, Universal and Fantawild among 2018 TEA Thea Awards winners
Themed entertainment industry gathering for annual TEA Summit and Awards
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