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Inside the TEA Summit + Theas
The Themed Entertainment Association’s annual two-day Summit and Thea Awards Gala recognizes leaders, ideas and projects shaping the industry. InPark Publisher Martin Palicki was on hand to take photos on behalf of TEA.
Olympic gold medalist and diving legend Greg Louganis spoke with Kile Ozier during the Summit’s popular “Elephant in the Room” session. Ozier and “Elephants” Co-Chair Steve Birket selected topics to help inform attendees on issues they might not normally consider. Louganis spoke on keeping HIV status a secret and Ozier connected that to current health related concerns for workers traveling to projects in different parts of the world.
Jeremy Railton, recipient of the Buzz Price Thea Award for a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements, highlights a key moment from his career during Day 1 of the Summit, while a version of Jeremy from his past gazes down from the presentation screen.
Former Disney Imagineer Bruce Vaughn discussed the future and potential pitfalls of Virtual Reality with Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Both speakers felt VR would have a permanent home in the themed entertainment market, in parks as well as smaller attractions.
As the Summit and Theas were held at the Disneyland Hotel, there were special opportunities to meet other crazy characters throughout the weekend. Carlos Ortega from the Museum of Latin American Art and Alana Trejo from COTU Media had a chance run in with Goofy on their way to lunch.
Denise Weston demonstrated the proper riding position while Slideboarding during the Summit. While at WhiteWater, Denise helped develop the Slideboarding concept after watching her son and his friends slap joists on a waterslide to see who had the best accuracy. Slideboarding has since been introduced on a variety of new and retrofitted slides.
“It was really important for me to not just think about the Millennial, but to not forget about Mom,” said Weston. The resulting slideboard is designed for a comfortable ride experience as well as for the gaming elements.
TEA COO Jennie Nevin and TEA International Board President David Willrich pose for their official photograph. Willrich served as Master of Ceremonies for the Thea Awards Gala. Nevin later presented a bouquet of flowers to Thea Awards Executive Producer, Phil Hettema (not pictured).
For the first time, TEA hosted an official after party for the Theas outside of the gala ballroom. A DJ ensured the dance floor was active while snacks and drinks provided sustenance for dancers and networkers alike.
The team from Puy du Fou poses in front of the Theas banner wall before receiving their Thea Award on stage, the park’s third since 2012. The park’s creator, Philippe de Villiers, is pictured in the top row, center. • • •
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