The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced the formation of the China Development Council. Owen Zhao, President, Max-Matching Entertainments Co., Ltd will serve a two-year term as Chairman of the Council. Prior to this appointment, Zhao previously served two, 2-year terms as President of TEA’s Asia Pacific Division’s Board of Directors.
The China Development Council is a standalone entity endorsed by the TEA International Board of Directors to serve an advisory role to the General Manager of the WOFE in China.
The council will work to achieve many goals including to:
- Identify and cultivate member and sponsor prospects in mainland China
- Assist TEA China staff in closing membership and sponsorship relationships
- Identify new markets and strategic relationships with media, government and other institutions
- Collaborate with the TEA General Manager on the development of a growth strategy and prospecting list
- Support the TEA General Manager in the annual program and budget planning process for TEA China
- Serve as an ambassador of the TEA China and global themed entertainment industry
“I eagerly accepted this role and am looking forward to working with the TEA China staff. I think we will play an important role in cultivating membership in the organization in China,” said Zhao.
In addition to Zhao, the council will include current TEA members based in China, membership or sponsor prospects, media and/or event partners and other leaders in global themed entertainment, including:
- Fang Hong Feng, Vice President, Hai Chang Ocean Park Group
- Li Ze, General Manager, Ctrip Group
- Duan Dong Dong, President, China Cultural Tourism Group
- Peng Wang, Director, BSH Investment
- Jin Wang, Vice President-Show Lead, Project Development, Galaxy Entertainment Group
“We’re very pleased that Owen agreed to serve as Chairman of this newly-formed entity,” said Chuck Fawcett, TEA President. “His leadership will drive growth in China and help us develop mutually beneficial relationships with institutions in the region.”
As such, TEA China has already begun to grow a strong base of membership in China, starting with its first member, the Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd., the majority shareholder of Universal Beijing Resort.