Issue 100 editorial by Judith Rubin, InPark Magazine Editor
Another year, another TEA Thea Awards cycle! The Theas transformed the way the world sees the attractions industry, the way operators and suppliers interact, and the way the industry sees itself. Capping a thorough selection process with a formal Gala was the crowning touch.
TEA has from the start been about fostering dialogue and appreciation. There was some pushback at first. “Sit down next to my competitors and talk openly about business?” But the founders of the organization rallied on common cause and the power of a collective voice.
The Thea Awards, founded in 1994, were built on a vision of enhanced dialogue and appreciation, and helped strengthen that collective voice. The transparency required from award recipients was something that hadn’t happened before, but it introduced and normalized the publication of official credits for themed entertainment projects. This formal acknowledgment, this handshake improves relationships between project owners and suppliers, celebrating everyone’s role while clarifying those roles and shedding light on the complex team efforts at the heart of these accomplishments.
The awe-inspiring projects spotlighted by the Thea Awards are and will always be complex, deeply creative team efforts. By necessity, the work of themed entertainment is ever-evolving. It must remain competitive with all other forms of leisure. It must be keenly responsive to audience expectations. It must retain the timelessness of great storytelling. Difficult, challenging, rewarding, unique. Take a bow, industry – and then get back to work!
