SATE Kansas City Program (2023)

KANSAS CITY, MO | 11 - 14 OCTOBER

A vibrant conference in a vibrant city M elissa O viedo , TEA I nternational B oard P resident elcome to TEA SATE North America 2023, and welcome to Kansas City! Known for its W rich history, cultural diversity, and innovative spirit, KC serves as the perfect backdrop for SATE, and Union Station Kansas City is the perfect venue – special thanks to our Union Station hosts!

I hope you are as excited as I am about the next few days. SATE (Storytelling + Architecture + Technology = Experience) is foundational to TEA’s mission and the community we serve.

With every SATE conference, TEA brings to you a unique, exceptional program – opportunities for education, professional development and the meaningful exchange of ideas and information, balanced with valuable time for networking. The SATE Co-Chairs have curated a lineup of renowned experts and thought leaders who will share insights, experiences, and innovative ideas. Your SATE takeaways are invaluable knowledge, inspiration and the benefits of connecting with new and old friends and colleagues.

Beyond the conference sessions per se, we encourage you to take advantage of the numerous attractions and cultural experiences that Kansas City has to offer during your stay. From its world-famous barbecue and jazz music scene to its vibrant arts district and iconic landmarks, to sports, as well as our Friday night celebration at Worlds of Fun, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A huge shout-out goes to our dedicated organizing committee with special mention of the Co-Chairs: Shannon Martin, Greg Senner, and Garrick Hansen. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude as well to our generous conference sponsors for their support. Kudos to TEA staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this conference. Thanks also to the dedicated volunteers who give so much to our organization, and to all SATE participants. Your unwavering commitment and passion have been instrumental in bringing this event to fruition.

You enrich our industry.

Once again, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to join us for SATE North America, and for your continued support of the TEA. My hope is that this conference will be a catalyst for new ideas, collaborations, and friendships where together as an industry to learn, share, and inspire one another. Have fun!

M essage from TEA E xecutive D irector L indsey N elson would like to thank the SATE North America Event Chairs - Garrick Hansen, Shannon TAsEAMartin and Greg Senner - for their dedication and countless hours spent curating this event. you will see from the agenda, a great deal of thought and care has gone into ensuring each day is packed with enriching education, elevated networking opportunities, and many moments of fun. So it is with sincere gratitude that we thank these fantastic volunteers for their vision, tenacity, and hard work curating this wonderful event for all of us this week.

Museum of Image and Sound of Ceará, Brazil Partners: Seal Telecom, ALCom Engenharia

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES. AND THE SMART TECH BEHIND THEM. Complete range of projectors Projection software tools Image processing Content management Extended warranties and support Global partner network Explore our solutions:

CD3843-Complete-Projection-Campaign-TEA-SATE-Print-Ad-Sep-23-EN.indd 1

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Welcome to TEA SATE North America Hosted at Union Station Kansas City O ctober 11-14, 2023

e’re very pleased to bring together our Themed Entertainment Association community in W the US Midwest for TEA SATE, the definitive conference on Experience Design. Together, the city and host venue offer an ideal setting for dialogue inspired by this year’s conference theme: “Origins and Influencers: The People, Places and Ideas That Shape Our Industry.”

While SATE is largely future-focused, it is also essential to learn from the past. We review what the past has taught us, engage in the lessons of those that influence us, take a risk on future innovations, and create the next generation of experiences – “shaping our industry” as the theme denotes.

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As storytellers, we enjoy a good origin story. It was in Kansas City in the early 1920s that a young Walt Disney found himself an innovator in animation and storytelling, while struggling to find his footing as a businessman.

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Recognized as a development leader in the first half of the 1900s, Kansas City’s focus on city planning, public works projects, and support for the arts found the city largely unaffected by the Great Depression. Kansas City is the birthplace of swing jazz (jazz was born in New Orleans but it grew up in KC), multiplex movie theaters and even the famous M&M’s candycoating process.

Kansas City is rooted in entertainment and the arts. “SATE delegates are in for a treat,” says conference co-chair Greg Senner, a KC native whose local knowledge helped with coordination and planning to get the utmost out of the location. “We have an unmatched slate of content and activities that will have this event setting the SATE bar for years to come.”

“Kansas City is an undervalued gem, a location often overlooked by our community despite its foundation in establishing the industry we enjoy today,” says SATE co-chair Garrick Hansen.

As is customary, the new slate of TEA Masters will be introduced and awarded at SATE. Every year, TEA selects several individuals to be honored as “masters of their craft,” shedding light on the many, many disciplines that come together to realize projects within the industry.

TEA SATE always includes a substantial NextGen component, realized this year with the Saturday programming that includes speed networking and in-depth sessions with TEA Masters.

Co-Chair Hansen led the effort to develop the Saturday student agenda.

SATE Co-Chair Shannon Martin reminds attendees to be pro-active and prepared to network.

“One of the great things about SATE is you can learn what’s of interest to those you do business with. You can gain insight on major industry topics. This is your chance. Don’t forget those business cards, and plan to follow up with people you have met after SATE.”

Advertiser Index Alcorn McBride 20 Animal Repair Shop 35 Birket Engineering 21 BRC Imagination Arts 33 Christie 4 Creature Technology 28 DE-ZYN studios back cover Entertainment + Culture Advisors 21 Eos Lightmedia 6 FAR OUT! Creative Direction 25 Float4 9 Lightswitch 36 Mad Systems 19 Universal Creative 41

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We are now in Orlando !

Specialty lighting, audiovisual, and control system solutions for themed attractions If you can dream it, we can build it.

Vancouver | Orlando eoslightmedia.com

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TEA SAT E - C o - C h a i r s GARRICK HANSEN Principal at EXP

Garrick Hansen is an architectural engineer with over 20 years of experience in themed entertainment, hospitality, and gaming industry design and engineering.

Working with some of themed entertainment’s most recognizable clients, Garrick has contributed innovative, distinctive, and reliable solutions to hundreds of projects across the globe. Garrick has also been actively involved with the TEA for over a decade having served two consecutive terms on the TEA Eastern North America Board of Directors, co-chairing the events committee, and is currently serving on the TEA International Board of Directors.

SHANNON MARTIN Director of Development, Color Reflections Las Vegas

Shannon Martin is the Director of Development at Color Reflections Las Vegas. She has spent over 27 years in the graphics, manufacturing, fabrication and production industry. Shannon prides herself on her attentiveness to the needs, trends, and emerging technologies of the industry. She was recently recognized as one of the top women in wide format printing. She is also a passionate advocate for domestic violence victims and previously served as President on the Executive Board of Directors at Safe Nest. Shannon has been involved with the TEA for over 12 years serving as President of the Western North American Division Board as well as Co-Chairing SATE (in North America) since 2019. Shannon is currently serving as Vice President of the TEA International Board and is very passionate about the association.

GREG SENNER Director of Project Development, Scenario

Greg is a hands-on executive creative solutions strategist with a background in television, film and themed attractions development. With a career spanning almost 30 years, he has developed a strong understanding of translating design to build packages and their completion. Greg has an unparalleled ability to identify and engage collaborators for each project. His detail-oriented technique for leading teams in project execution with close attention to maximizing profits and meeting (when not beating) the schedule make Greg an asset to every project. Greg is President of the TEA Eastern North America Board of Directors. This is his second time as SATE CoChair.

Acknowledgments

Publication Team 2023 TEA SATE North America – official program Publisher: Themed Entertainment Association Editor: Judith Rubin, InPark Magazine Layout and Production: Martin Palicki, InPark Magazine Advertising Liaison: Martin Palicki, InPark Magazine Copyright 2023, Themed Entertainment Association

Foyer Graphics Art Supervision: Allison Winter, TEA Foyer Graphics Production Supervision: Shannon Martin and Durant Ashley, Color Reflections Las Vegas TEA Sponsor Reel Production: Dave Martin, Demodave Production and Voiceover Event Photography: Martin Palicki, InPark Magazine SATE North America Producers: Lindsey Nelson, Laura Singler, Morgan Lucchese TEA Event Registration and Hospitality: Terry Lacson

TEA Headquarters Staff Lindsey Nelson: Executive Director Laura Singler: Director of Operations Johnny Fields: Controller Terry Lacson: Administrator Juliette Grace: Executive Assistant Jamillah Duckett: Events Manager Becky Nadora: Membership Manager Allison Winter: Marketing Manager Clara Allen: Operations Manager

TEA Volunteers Matthew Waller, Mackenzie Goldman, Benjamin Donan Union Station Team Technical Director: Sergei Shapoval, Event Oval Union Station Meetings and Events: Lisa Tuso and Karla Mullin Union Station: Jerry Baber, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

TEA Production Team Show Producer: Brian Rangell

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TEA L e a d e r s h i p MELISSA OVIEDO VP, Marketing & Global Development, Nassal;

International Board President, TEA Melissa Oviedo is Vice President of Marketing and Global Development for Nassal and currently President of the International Board of Directors for the TEA. In her role with Nassal, Melissa supports and develops global growth, cultivating relationships with existing partners and the development of emerging markets to Nassal’s portfolio, while maintaining a company reputation of excellence, quality, and expertise. In addition, Melissa educates, trains and leads employees to provide excellent service and help sustain the firm’s reputation and development. Since joining Nassal in 2012, Melissa has played a key role in project pursuits and awards to ensure a steady flow of work for the company while also developing and implementing clear marketing and branding strategies. In 2023, Nassal was acquired by PCL Construction to meet the evolving needs of clients in the entertainment, cultural, hospitality and gaming market sectors.

LINDSEY K. NELSON, CAE Executive Director, TEA

Lindsey joined TEA in the position of Executive Director in June 2021. She brings to the organization a depth of knowledge and nearly two decades of experience in association management, along with demonstrated results of transforming organizations and growing revenues. During her tenure with TEA, Lindsey has led the association through several challenging years rebuilding the staff team, implementing the multi-year strategic plan, and laying the foundation for a sustainable future. Lindsey serves the TEA virtually from her home office where she lives with her husband and three beautiful children.

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Become a member of the only worldwide network of professionals working in the themed entertainment industry.

Join a community of 900+ member companies and 500+ students and educators in 35+ countries with expertise in storytelling, design, economics, logistics, architecture, construction, and manufacturing.

SATE North America, SATE Europe, INSPIRE week, and the Thea Awards Gala all afford opportunities to network and benefit from peer-to-peer learning and discussion.

Promote your organization to professionals around the world while supporting TEA through the TEA Sponsorship and Global Partnership opportunities.

Shape the future of the themed entertainment industry and the association by serving our global community through TEA Boards and Committees.

Join a professional organization that has, in the course of 25+ years, earned global recognition and attention in the industry and the international mainstream press.

Develop new professional contacts and connect with global resources to make your upcoming projects successful.

Scan the QR code to learn more. Become a member today!

In association with the Smithsonian Institution

Welcome to Kansas City and our historic Union Station, We are pleased and proud to welcome you from across North America and from around the world to the heart of our United States and the heartbeat of our community. Union Station is Where Kansas City CelebratesTM and is now where our Themed Entertainment Association celebrates the best, the brightest, and the future of our industry. Indeed, these are exciting times!

As Union Station and our several award-winning attractions look around the corner, we’re delighted about the possibilities. We’re building on a strong foundation and closing out another record-setting year of growth and guest satisfaction. And we do so with a profound sense of humility, purpose and ever-present reality that it takes ongoing attention to technology, trends and compelling storytelling to thrive in the known and unknown future.

And, as it goes, planning for the future is often informed by inspiration from the past.

In our case, we look to people like Walt Disney himself.

Spending much of his early childhood only a few hours from here, in Marceline, MO, the young Walt would travel by train to our Union Station periodically with his family, and eventually move to Kansas City at the age of nine. Years later, after serving in the Red Cross during WWI, Disney returned to Kansas City – via Union Station – to start his career and in 1922, incorporate Laugh-O-Gram Studios, the birthplace of Mickey Mouse.

Disney spent many hours at our Station – located only a few blocks from his studios – and is now part of our rich history.

So, as we gather in these historic halls to rekindle friendships, meet new industry leaders, and shape our collective future in the themed entertainment and attraction world, I invite you to tap into the youthful enthusiasm and lifelong legacy of the most prolific “imagineer”, Walt Disney. I can’t think of a better model and mentor, especially with his enduring tie to our Union Station.

Thank you for spending a few days immersing yourself in our historic halls as you explore and experience the brilliance of your Themed Entertainment Association. You are now part of our storytelling for many years to come.

Warm Regards,

George M. Guastello

U n i on S t a t i on K a n s a s c i t y, I n c .

30 W. Pershing Rd, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64108 | p: 816.460.2020 | f: 816.460.2260 | UnionStation.org

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GLOBAL PARTNERS

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D AY 1 S C HE D U L E T H U R S D AY, OC T OBE R 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 K A N S A S C IT Y U N IO N STATIO N 7:45am Registration Opens (breakfast served at 8:00) 9:00 Keynote Conversation: Leslie Iwerks, CEO & Creative Director, Iwerks & Co. With Jason Surrell, Executive Creative Director, Universal Creative

9:50 How Live Entertainment Can Beat the Metaverse Val Syganevich, President, Co-Founder, Freckled Sky

10:10 Designing For the Future… Today: How Performance Architecture Has Evolved to Future Proof the Creative Expressions of Tomorrow Gary Wright, Director, Charcoalblue Experience

10:40 Break 11:10 Mentor Story - The Origins of Inspiration Dave Cooperstein, Senior Creative Designer, PGAV Destinations

11:20 Creating the Illusion of Reality: How Disney Animation Influenced the Design of Theme Parks Dennis Tanida, Principal, Stantec

11:40 The Roots & Fruits of the Dreaming Tree: Uncovering Missouri’s Fertile Soil and its Influence on Themed Entertainment Panel led by Freddy Martin, MSML, Collective Director, Storyland Studios

12:40pm Lunch 1:35 Mentor Story - The Origins of Inspiration Erica McCay, Creative Director, Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio

1:40 Artificial Intelligence and Experience Creation Phil Hettema, Chief Executive Officer, THG and Michael Libby, Founder & CEO, Worldbuildr

2:00 Animatronics Unleashed: Journeying Through the Past and Pondering the Future of Theme Park Magic!

Panel Led by Jay Rottinghaus, Executive Vice President, Strategy at LF Studios

2:50 Break 3:20 TEA Masters Induction Master of Ceremonies: Lanny Smoot, Disney Research Fellow, Walt Disney Imagineering

4:00 Computationality of Experience: Designing at the Intersection of Systems and Humans Across Our Layers of Reality Rachel Joy Victor, Strategist, Designer, Worldbuilder

4:20 Are you AUTHENTIC? The What and Why of Cultural Authenticity!

Molly Piveral, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Fivestone Studios

6:00 Optional Add-on Experience: A Beautiful Disruption: Experiencing the Bloch Galleries, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Advance sign-up required) 7:15 Optional Add-on Event: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos NFL Game (Advance purchase required)

all times are listed in CDT and subject to change

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KEYNOTE CONVERSATION: LESLIE IWERKS, INTERVIEWED BY JASON SURRELL

Leslie Iwerks, Director/Producer; CEO/Founder, Iwerks & Co. Leslie Iwerks is an award-winning filmmaker known for directing, producing, and editing critically lauded documentary features and shorts such as the Academy Award ®-nominated short documentary film Recycled Life, the Primetime Emmy ®-nominated film The Pixar Story, and the Primetime Emmy ®-nominated six-part docuseries The Imagineering Story. She is also the CEO and Founder of Iwerks & Co., the 20-year-old Los Angeles and New Orleans based, award winning multimedia production company that serves as home to a diverse body of creatives known for bringing complex stories to life onscreen with exceptional storytelling skill.

Leslie’s documentaries focused on creative titans in entertainment also include Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the Impossible, The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story and League of Legends Origins, among others. Her balanced onscreen portraits are widely considered the definitive record of these legends, praised by fans and critics alike.

Leslie’s desire to innovate and push boundaries with her filmmaking was cultivated and inspired by her family upbringing. Her grandfather, Ub Iwerks, was the original designer and co-creator of Mickey Mouse and an Oscar-winning visual effects pioneer. Her father, Don Iwerks, is also an Academy Award winner for Technical Lifetime Achievement, a Disney Legend, a Thea Award lifetime achievement honoree, and the founder of the large format film company, Iwerks Entertainment.

Leslie’s latest project is the three-part original Max documentary series Superpowered: The DC Story, which debuted this summer. Narrated by Rosario Dawson, it looks at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, the iconic comic book company’s origins, its evolution and its nearly nine-decade cultural impact across every artistic medium.

At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival this past spring, Leslie’s 100 Years of Warner Bros. made its world premiere.

Narrated by Morgan Freeman, these four original documentary specials unveil the unprecedented legacy of the fabled entertainment studio on its 100th anniversary with clips from its iconic films and hit TV series, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the indelible stories that have spoken to audiences around the world for generations.

Leslie is also known for her critically acclaimed environmental, political, and human rights short documentaries.

She was recognized with an Oscar® nomination for Recycled Life (2006), and her films Downstream (2009) and Pipe Dreams (2011) earned places on the Oscar shortlist.

An active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) Documentary Branch, the Producers Guild of America (PGA), the Television Academy, and the International Documentary Association (IDA), Leslie currently serves on the board of the AMPAS Scientific and Technology Council as well as the USC School of Cinema Television Alumni Council. A California native, Leslie and her family are based in Los Angeles.

Jason Surrell, Executive Creative Director, Universal Creative Jason Surrell is an author, screenwriter and Executive Creative Director at Universal Creative.

His 30 years’ experience include 15 years as a Senior Show Writer, Show Producer and Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering. Jason’s theme park credits include Universal’s Epic Universe, Universal Studios Beijing, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Raiders of the Lost Jedi Temple of Doom, Symphony in the Stars: A Star Wars Fireworks Spectacular, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Magic of Disney Animation and enhancements to Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

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HOW LIVE ENTERTAINMENT CAN BEAT THE METAVERSE Gen Z and other future generations grew up in a digital world where virtual reality feels for them more real than the real reality. Those audiences expect more immersive and gamified live experiences that seamlessly blend digital and physical realms. We aim to showcase innovative techniques that integrate mixed-reality elements without disrupting the suspension of disbelief.

Val Syganevich, President, Co-Founder at Freckled Sky Val Syganevich is an entrepreneur and producer. His path in entertainment began in the late ‘90s in Ukraine, where he had the pleasure of sharing the stage with brilliant Volodymyr Zelensky. Later Val co-founded an award-winning creative agency, honing skills in creating mixed-reality shows. In 2013, he moved to the US and co-established Freckled Sky, an artistic live mixed-reality entertainment company. They were launched by producing a groundbreaking mixed-reality water show on AGT, introducing a new art genre. Today, he leads the team that revolutionizes the entertainment industry by bringing digital content to life in physical spaces, fusing art and cutting-edge technology.

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DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE… TODAY: HOW PERFORMANCE ARCHITECTURE HAS EVOLVED TO FUTURE PROOF THE CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS OF TOMORROW We will look back at our history and delve into the future of experiences for Generation Alpha, a generation we have yet to fully comprehend. As leaders in our field, we must adapt to how future generations engage with public spaces. We will explore the design of performance spaces, arts centers, and other experience-driven venues, taking into account universal access, creative expressions, and mixed media technologies that support artistic output. Our focus is on understanding how these venues interact with future communities and how communities respond to them, and the trends that shape decision-making processes.

Gar y P. Wright , Director, Charcoalblue Experience Gary is a founding Director and the driving force behind Charcoalblue Experience, an innovative business division within Charcoalblue. Gary spearheads the strategic direction and leads business development initiatives for the company. Alongside his pivotal role at Charcoalblue Experience, Gary is an exceptional project leader, a visionary designer, and a technical expert in crafting spaces and places that transcend the ordinary. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Gary continually pushes the status quo, guiding clients and project teams to deliver the art of the impossible to create spaces and places that make an impact for teams, visitors, audiences and guests alike.

MENTOR STORIES - THE ORIGINS OF INSPIRATION Our mentors show us the ropes. Often unknowingly, they help us build a foundation for our own success using their years of experience, vast arrays of knowledge, and personal connections to help us learn and grow. Through personal stories and anecdotes about working side-by-side with both titans of the industry and lesser-known insiders, a diverse group of mid-career industry vets will reveal the personalities, insights, and lessons learned from their own mentors...and how their collective legacies are shaping the next generation of Themed Entertainment talent. Mentor Stories take place throughout the two-day SATE program.

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Dave Cooperstein, Senior Creative Designer, PGAV Destinations Dave Cooperstein combines his background as an architect and creative designer with life-long love of the performing arts. He brings his passion for storytelling, sense of humor, and dramatic flair to all his projects. In 25 years at PGAV Destinations, he has had the joy of master planning, designing, writing and art directing for museum exhibits, animal habits, aquatic biomes, immersive media, and theme parks around the world. Having evolved from using pen and paper, today Dave pushes the boundaries of 3D modeling and visualization.

When not at the office, he can be found performing as a professional actor, juggling, escaping from rooms, or heading the trivia team.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS VS. DENVER BRONCOS NFL GAME (SOLD OUT) Watch the 2023 Super Bowl champs take on the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. If you purchased a ticket for this exclusive add-on event, your game tickets were emailed directly to you. Transportation is not provided for this event, ride sharing is encouraged!

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CREATING THE ILLUSION OF REALITY: HOW DISNEY ANIMATION INFLUENCED THE DESIGN OF THEME PARKS Walt Disney created Disneyland as an immersive three-dimensional storytelling experience. Discover how Disney animation influenced the design theory that is still emulated today in the creation of theme parks and immersive experiences.

Dennis Tanida, Principal, Stantec Known for his ability to turn the ordinary into memorable experiences, Dennis is a Design Principal at Stantec focused on culture and entertainment projects. He believes places can tell stories and is passionate about creating designs that inspire guests.

Having worked in the design industry for more than 40 years, Dennis’ knowledge of the attractions business is extensive. He has met and worked alongside many creative giants of the industry and has designed themed entertainment and hospitality projects around the world for such clients as Walt Disney, Universal Studios, and LEGO. Through team collaboration, Dennis’ work creates genuine memorable experiences.

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THE ROOTS & FRUITS OF THE DREAMING TREE: UNCOVERING MISSOURI’S FERTILE SOIL AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Discover how the creativity-enriched Missouri soil has had a unique influence in shaping the best of the themed entertainment industry. This session will follow the train whistle from the spark of Kansas City’s Electric Park to Disneyland and parks beyond, uncover the genesis of themed RD&E developments from Country Club Plaza to Universal CityWalk, and explore innovative museums and sports complexes that have influenced many of the world’s most magnetic experiences.

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Panel led by Freddy Martin, MSML, Collective Director, Storyland Studios Freddy Martin is a gifted communicator, brand strategist and leader with decades of experience leading teams in Experience Design, Marketing, and Fundraising Development.

He’s a Producer at Storyland Studios, overseeing projects from concept to ribbon-cutting. As Director of the Storyland Collective, Freddy builds relationships with industry experts to cast projects with the most talented people in the world. At Children’s Hunger Fund, he led the development of the award-winning “Poverty Encounter” attraction. He co-hosts the Themed Attraction podcast, an industry go-to resource. Freddy’s career began as a Skipper aboard Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise, shaping his love for storytelling in physical space.

Cynthia Brown, Principal, Museum EXP Since receiving an encyclopedia set at the age of five, Cynthia Brown has considered herself a lifelong learner. She began her museum career working with fine art collections, researching and curating for various art and natural history museums. Working with collections taught her the power of a compelling storyline and how to activate an artifact through personal narratives. She became adept at creating a concise storyline using all facets of a resonating experience - media, interactives, objects, scenic elements, programming, and the curiosity of the visitor. She loves to develop experiences that are authentic and inquiry-based that foster an ah-ha moment rooted in history and science.

Mel McGowan, AICP, DBIA, LEED AP Chief Creative Officer, Storyland Studios Mel McGowan is a Founder & CCO of Storyland Studios, an international destination design firm with offices throughout the US and UK. Mel combined a unique background in film and a decade-long stint with the Walt Disney Company prior to founding Storyland Studios in 2001 as a “three-dimensional” storytelling firm focused on Strategic Storytelling, Digital Storytelling and Spatial Storytelling. Whether master planning a 1,000-acre destination or scripting the guest experience of a 1,000-seat, multimedia experience, Mel approaches each endeavor with a passion for creativity, excellence, and innovation. He currently serves on the TEA Board and teaches at the CBU College of Architecture and Visual Design.

Jason Surrell, Executive Creative Director, Universal Creative Please see bio and photo on page 16

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MENTOR STORY - THE ORIGINS OF INSPIRATION

Erica McCay, Creative Director, Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio Erica (she/they) is a creative director, writer, and designer of stories that connect people and place. She has worked in the fields of interactive theme parks, theatre, and playbased education since 2005. Over the last 10 years between Universal Creative and Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio, Erica has designed multiple large-scale interactive experiences, including Wizarding World wand magic and the land-wide game for Universal’s Thea Award-honored Super Nintendo World. Erica has an MFA in Creative Writing and is an inventor on several patents including “Interactive gaming system.” Outside of work, Erica enjoys playing with her daily inspirations: her spouse, two kids, and two cats.

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE CREATION This discussion will examine the possibilities and challenges brought about by the recent advances of Artificial Intelligence and the implications of this technology for the themed entertainment industry. Is A.I. an exciting new tool for designers and creators of experiential worlds? Or is it simply a way to shortcut creativity? And how will it all impact the actual guest experience? What are the implications looking forward, and how can we protect (and encourage) original ideas? We’ll present examples of use cases for A.I., sort through all of the hype, and imagine what our industry might look like in the not-too-distant future.

Phil Hettema, Chief Executive Officer, THG Phil Hettema is CEO of THG. With a distinguished legacy of over 40 years in themed entertainment, Phil leads a world class team of experience designers, architects, and media producers known for creating uniquely compelling guest experiences with great emotional resonance. Notable projects include One World Observatory at One World Trade Center, the High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ in Las Vegas, and Beyond All Boundaries at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. In 2017, Phil was honored to receive the Buzz Price Thea Award for Lifetime Achievement from the TEA. Michael Libby, Founder & CEO, Worldbuildr Please see bio and photo on page 20

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ANIMATRONICS UNLEASHED: JOURNEYING THROUGH THE PAST AND PONDERING THE FUTURE OF THEME PARK MAGIC! Join our panel of inspirational leaders, with over 140 years of combined experience, in the animatronics and AI industries as we explore our “Origin Stories,” reflecting on our past, on our inspiration, on our mentors and how our history has paved the way for our future. We will discuss early, current, and future innovation and the opportunities to impact the future of themed entertainment.

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Panel led by Jay Rottinghaus, Executive Vice President, Strategy at LF Studios For over 25 years Jay’s career has been focused on bringing client stories to life from traditional marketing to environmental design to animatronic design and development.

Throughout his career he has focused on developing company strategy and driving toward a shared vision through a passion for building culture, creating strong, trusting relationships, and working across internal and external teams. He believes success starts and ends with people. Both internally and externally to your organization, how you build teams around you and, more importantly, how you lead them will ultimately determine the outcome.

Rodney Heiligmann, Ph.D. President, LF Studios As majority owner and President of LF Studios for 20+ years, Dr. Heiligmann has successfully grown the company to global industry prominence, with awards including 19 projects honored with Theas, three IAAPA awards and Disney Supplier of the Year. At Bowling Green State University, he earned his Ph.D. in Visual Communication, and served as Director of the Entrepreneurship Leadership Center. He has also served as a TEA and IAAPA board member. With his combined achievements in business and academia, Rodney has set his sights on blending digital and dimensional elements with cutting edge technology to entertain and educate audiences around the world.

Michael Libby, Founder & CEO, Worldbuildr Michael Libby is a creative technologist and CEO of Worldbuildr, a cutting-edge technology consultancy based in Los Angeles. With 15+ years’ experience in the immersive industry, Michael leads in the field of creative technology for location-based entertainment. He combines expertise in technology and interactive design with passion for creative problemsolving to deliver solutions both innovative and practical. He has a deep understanding of the latest trends and developments in the tech industry, from AI and machine learning to virtual and augmented reality. Michael advises clients around the world looking to harness the power of technology to drive growth and transformation in the location-based entertainment industry.

Sonny Tilders, Founder, CEO and Design Director, Creature Technology Company Sonny Tilders founded and leads Creature Technology Co., which has been on the creative team of multiple Thea Award-honored projects. His 35-year career began designing and making animatronic creatures and special effects for the film and television industry. In 2006 he led the team behind the ground-breaking Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular. The show’s international success led to the foundation of his company, based in Melbourne, Australia. Bringing the subtlety and sophistication of film animatronics to live audiences, at scales never attempted before, Creature Technology Co’s creations have since populated theme parks, theatres and arenas all around the globe.

John Wood, Chairman and President, Sally Dark Rides John Wood is one of the original founders of Sally Dark Rides and for 45+ years has led the way for Sally to design, manage and create memorable experiences for theme parks, museums and attractions worldwide. Sally is largely credited with the birth of the interactive dark ride, and with recent, celebrated attractions such as Justice League: Battle for Metropolis and Sesame Street: Street Mission, has moved into the world of mixed media attractions. With IAAPA, he has served as a director, receiving awards for Meritorious Service (1994), Lifetime Service (2016) and Hall of Fame honors (2013). He has served on the TEA International Board and is a longstanding governor of the Liseberg Applause Award.

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STRATEGIC ADVISORY FOR ENTERTAINMENT DEVELOPMENT Focused on strategy and market feasibility for entertainment projects, ECA provides in-depth, global expertise for the industry’s leading investors, institutions, developers, designers, licensors, and operators.

ECA PROJECTS RECENTLY OPENED • LEGOLAND Theme Park New York (2021) • Universal Studios Beijing Resort (2021) • The Chuan Whisky Distillery/Brand Home (Pernod Ricard), Mt. Emeishan, China (2021) • LEGOLAND Korea (2022) • Kiewit Luminarium (2023) • Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo, Japan (2023)

ECA PROJECTS UPCOMING • 11 SKIES (SkyCity) with Flagship KidZania (2023/24) • SAGA Shanghai Indoor Immersive Experience (Puy du Fou) (2024) • EDEN Project Qingdao, China (2024) • LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort (2024)

www.entertainmentandculture.com hello@entertainmentandculture.com

Ride & Show Control Hazard Analysis

Embedded Design

LOS ANGELES · HONGKONG KONG LOS ANGELES · HONG

Entertainment Automation Hardware & Software Specialty Lighting

System Integrators for Themed Entertainment since 1984

ORLANDO | SHANGHAI | HONG KONG

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2023 Inductees (please see bios starting on opposite page): Chris Conte, Robin Hall, Björn Heerwagen, Jodi McLaughlin, Karen Trott

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TEA MASTERS INDUCTION The TEA Masters of Their Craft program recognizes the achievements of individuals - artists, writers, producers, engineers and craftspeople with distinguished careers who have made significant and enduring contributions to the industry through their expertise, innovation, leadership, and mentorship. The program recognizes a small number of individuals each year whose skills epitomize the highest standards within their disciplines. All of the Masters remain passionate about sharing their well-honed skills and career lessons with those interested in entering the industry or wanting to learn more about its various aspects. Since the inception of the program in 2018, the TEA Masters have been formally inducted and celebrated at TEA SATE. SATE Kansas City will include educational sessions with TEA Masters as part of the Saturday NextGen program.

Master of Ceremonies: Lanny Smoot, Disney Research Fellow, Walt Disney Imagineering; TEA Master From Madame Leota’s levitating crystal ball… to Kym Possible’s scene-transforming spy phone… to Kylo Ren’s appearing lightsaber… Lanny Smoot has created some of Disney Parks and Resorts’ most magical special effects and technical achievements. Lanny brings fourplus decades’ experience as a theatrical technology creator, inventor, electrical engineer, scientist, and researcher; including more than two decades as a leader at the Walt Disney Company. His early work earned him the Most Promising Black Engineer award from the USBE magazine in 1987. His knowledge on early VR technology led him to a position with Disney Research in East Hampton and then to Walt Disney Imagineering R&D and Disney Research.

COMPUTATIONALITY OF EXPERIENCE: DESIGNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF SYSTEMS AND HUMANS ACROSS OUR LAYERS OF REALITY At the intersection of storytelling, architecture, and technology, the possibilities for interaction design increase. It becomes more important than ever to ensure continuity and persistence of experience between humans and systems, across virtual and physical mediums. This requires building a data-informed responsiveness based on a deep qualitative and quantitative understanding of the user. In a computational reality, everything is data, and we need to design for the emergent experience that arises out of a broader range of individual choices. This talk offers a toolkit of principles that support the design of human-centric experience, spaces, and communities in our new computational reality.

Rachel Joy Victor, Strategist, Designer, Worldbuilder Rachel Joy Victor is an independent working with emergent technologies and mediums (XR/ AI/web3) to create cohesive narrative, brand, and product experiences at the intersection of systems and humans. She is also co-founder of FBRC.AI, an initiative that connects studios and AI startups to spur innovation in content production workflows. Rachel designs for a range of applications: from multiplatform narratives and immersive experiences, to tools and platforms, to spaces and cities. Her education in computational neuroscience and spatial economics facilitates creating emergent experience where world simulation and cognitive architectures intersect. Rachel’s clients include Disney, HBO, Technicolor, Vans, Ford, Nike, Havas, Meow Wolf, Niantic, among others.

ARE YOU AUTHENTIC? THE WHAT AND WHY OF CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY! Cultural Authenticity is the fiber that holds us together. It speaks to our trustworthiness, it builds intelligence, it shapes and builds us. Join Molly on a journey through story to build a stronger network of relationships, with employees, partners and clients.

Molly has an extremely diverse professional background which gives her a unique perspec�ve in all that she does. Molly has spent close to 3 decades in the entertainment industry that began at Walt Disney in 1981. This founda�on formed her into the woman she is today. Molly has worked in the educa�on field, transforming students’ lives using edutainment before it was popular. She worked in the hospital sector, again using her entertainment background to transform environments in pediatric hospitals across North America. Today, Molly loves projects that leave us with an emo�onal imprint that changes us forever,

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Molly Piveral, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Fivestone Studios Molly has an extremely diverse professional background which gives her a unique perspective in all that she does. Molly’s nearly three decades in the entertainment industry began at Walt Disney in 1981. This foundation formed her into the professional she is today. She has worked in the education field, transforming students’ lives using edutainment - before edutainment was a buzzword. She worked in the hospital sector, again using her entertainment background to transform environments in pediatric hospitals across North America. Today, Molly loves projects that leave us with an emotional imprint that changes us forever.

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2 0 2 3 TEA M a s t e r s I n d u c t e e s CHRIS CONTE DISCIPLINE: AUDIOVISUAL TECHNOLOGY DESIGN AND INTEGRATION COMPANY: ELECTROSONIC Celebrating 23 years with Electrosonic, Chris has been an integral part of the company’s evolution and success on some of the most prestigious projects worldwide. As part of the executive management team, Chris has helped create business strategies for Electrosonic that help grow the company in unique and creative ways. Today, Chris serves in multiple important roles including Executive Consultant and Global Ambassador.

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As Executive Consultant he works with clients in the early stages of a project to interpret the client’s vision, provide technology education to the project team, and set the unique technical direction for the client’s project. Chris also works closely with the Electrosonic Design Consulting Division and Systems Integration Engineering team throughout the duration of the project offering advice and guidance to achieve and maintain the client’s final vision. His extensive experience in technology design, production, and construction brings real value to any project team allowing him to help drive projects to success.

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Chris also serves as Global Ambassador to represent and present the company’s history, project portfolio, and unique capabilities to clients, industry partners, and audiences around the world. As one of the longest serving professionals at Electrosonic, and with his extensive background in technology and project development, Chris works closely with the New Business Development and Sales teams to not only seek and pursue new and unique opportunities that are a perfect fit for our company, but he is highly skilled at building and maintaining trusted relationships with new and existing clients alike.

Audiovisual technology design and management is Chris’s forte, and throughout his career he has worked on projects around the world in theme parks, museums, World Expos, theater, spectacles, and hospitality. His background as a Technical Director and Executive Consultant for numerous themed entertainment projects gives him great credibility with his peers and clients alike.

ROBIN HALL DISCIPLINE: THEME PARK MASTER PLANNING COMPANY: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR Robin Hall is a theme designer who has worked for 50 years in the entertainment industry. He has master planned and designed countless theme park attractions, water parks and museum exhibits around the world. He was educated at Chouinard, and California Institute of the Arts, where he received his B.F.A.

In the 1970s, Robin worked as the Art Director of Magic Mountain for six years. Subsequently, for 17 years Robin was the Vice President of Design and Architecture at Knott’s Berry Farm. He designed all their major attractions, including Knott’s Camp Snoopy, Kingdom of the Dinosaurs, Jaguar, Mystery Lodge (Thea Award recipient), Camp Snoopy at Mall of America and Ghost Rider.

Robin generated the Master Plan for Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry and he designed multiple exhibits, including the U-505 Submarine Experience (Thea Award recipient). He designed the master plan for Ocean Park Hong Kong with Vertex Productions.

Robin, as an independent consultant, has focused on planning entertainment, tourist and cultural city developments, outdoor and indoor theme parks, water parks and museums attractions around the globe. He recently has worked on master plans and attraction designs for Vidanta Parks in Mexico and consulted with Hetzel Design on master planning and attraction designs for Paramount Parks around the world.

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2 0 2 3 TEA M a s t e r s I n d u c t e e s BJÖRN HEERWAGEN DISCIPLINE: SHOW DESIGN / PRODUCTION COMPANY: WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING Since 2019, Björn has served as Director of Show Design & Production for Walt Disney Imagineering in Paris. He is currently responsible for the expansion portfolio of works at Walt Disney Studios Park.

Since beginning his Disney career in 1991 at Disneyland Paris, Björn has held a variety of roles in Maintenance, Technical Production, Special Events and Stage Entertainment across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products in Paris, London and Orlando.

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Björn played an integral role in the launch of the first two Disney Cruise Line ships, the construction of Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, and the launches of Crush’s Coaster®, Cars Quatre Roues Rallye, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Playland, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, and Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy. In 2020, Björn became a Director on the TEA Europe and Middle East Board.

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Björn began his career in London, where he worked for two years on musicals in the West End. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Technical Theatre from Mountview Theatre School and a Degree in Technical Theatre from Middlesex University (London).

JODI MCLAUGHLIN DISCIPLINE: EXECUTIVE PRODUCER COMPANY: RETIRED Jodi McLaughlin started her Walt Disney Imagineering career as a Show Set Designer for Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Paris in 1987 and then moved on to Principal Set Decorator for Disneyland Paris and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

After nearly 10 years of project work, she changed directions to Manager of Production Design and Theme Finishes and later added Show Set and Set Decorating, supporting teams on projects across the globe.

Jodi returned to project work as a Producer for Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue at Disney California Adventure followed by it’s a small world for Hong Kong Disneyland. In 2008, she advanced to Executive Producer for Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land for Hong Kong Disneyland. Concurrently, Jodi led the Imagineering producer’s studio. In 2010, she took on the Executive Producer role for Shanghai Disney Resort and in 2013 became Executive Portfolio Producer, while also assuming the role of Creative Studio Leader for the Shanghai project team. In 2018, Jodi joined the EPCOT transformation team, transitioning off of that earlier this year.

Jodi again led the Imagineering producers from late 2020 until her retirement in June 2023.

Beyond her project work, Jodi was a founding leader of Imagineering’s Women’s Inclusion Network, a Business-Employee Resource Group (BERG) that was established in 2014, and on which she continued to serve as executive sponsor until her retirement.

She was also co-chair of the Imagineering Creative Council from 2020 - mid 2022 and was involved in a number of mentorship programs within the Disney organization.

Jodi holds a degree in Art History from University of California, Santa Barbara.

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KAREN TROTT DISCIPLINE: SCENIC ARTIST COMPANY: INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT Melbourne-born Karen Trott studied Fine Art at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology from 1969-1972. She then worked with the Melbourne Theatre Company for five years before freelancing with the Victoria State Opera and with Scenic Studios. Since that time, she has worked with most major ballet and opera companies and with leading Australian theatre designers including John Truscott (The Pearl Fishers), Henry Bandon (La Boheme), Kenneth Rowell (Don Giovanni) and John Stoddard (Faust). She was also scenic artist on the Lyric Opera of Queensland’s productions of The Student Prince.

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Her talents are wide and versatile, and she is an expert in all elements of scenic art, including murals, gilding and metal, stone and marble finishes as well as complete theater, ballet and opera, soft and build scenery. Some of her artistry has been documented in approximately six books to date. In television, she was lead scenic artist on the “Water Under the Bridge” series. She has also done special effects painting on various film and television productions. She was Head Scenic Designer for the Commonwealth Games.

In theme parks, she painted the whole of the interior of the Atlantis Nightclub in Singapore designed by Dan Flannery (1985-1986) and the Aiins World miniatures buildings in South Korea, designed by Vertex Productions (2003) and more recently she worked on a Private Palace in Ukraine (2007).

Karen is currently Head Scenic Artist at the Australian Ballet Melbourne Australia.

In addition to her craft mastery, Karen also holds a Class 2 Social Work designation and she has worked with disadvantaged persons from 15 to 25 years old. At Scenic Studios she was the designated person to shepherd many young hopefuls with some of them having gone into careers in Scenic Art.

Congratulations to our 2023 Masters!

Rick Rothschild - Chief Creative

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THANK YOU TO OUR SATE NORTH AMERICA

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D AY 2 SC H E D U L E F R ID AY, OC T OB ER 1 3 , 2 0 2 3 K A N S A S C IT Y U N ION STATIO N

7:45am Registration opens (breakfast served at 8:00) 9:00 Sustainability Toolbox: What You Need for Today, Tomorrow and Beyond Amy Pastor, Vice President, Sustainability, EXP

9:20 How to Leverage Technology to Enhance Rather than Distract Panel Led by Andrew Fastman, Director, Destination Entertainment, Cuningham

10:10 Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds Margaret Chandra Kerrison, Author/Immersive Storyteller

10:35 Break 11:05 Mentor Story - The Origins of Inspiration Rachel Joy Victor, Strategist, Designer, Worldbuilder

11:10 Popular Nostalgia: When Everything Old Becomes Cool Again David M. Edmonds Jr., Art Director, MDSX

11:35 Keynote Session - The Marceline, MO, Walt Disney Story Kaye Malins, Founder and Executive Director, Walt Disney Hometown Museum

12:20pm Lunch 1:20 Mentor Story - The Origins of Inspiration Kourtney Day, Senior Director of Business Development, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop

1:30 Let’s Meet Up! Social Capital in the Theme Parks Jovon Harkless, Freelance Art Director

1:50 The Rapid Evolution of Community Engagement and Remarkable Experiences: What Industry Trends & Progressive Behaviors are Fueling Change for the Future Panel led by Chris Moore, Executive Consultant, Electrosonic

2:40 Break 3:10 Mentor Story - The Origins of Inspiration Dave Cooperstein, Senior Creative Designer, PGAV Destinations

3:20 Ten Lessons LBE Can Learn from Tabletop and Escape Rooms Ariel Rubin & Juliana Moreno, Creators of Fun, Wild Optimists

4:00 The Changing Landscape of Entertainment Destinations and the Future of Immersive Live Experiences Brian Mirakian, Director of Digital Entertainment and Brand Activation for the Americas / Senior Principal, Populous

4:20 Discussion on Sports Entertainment and the Evolution of the Modern Stadium Mark Donovan, President, Kansas City Chiefs

6:00 Evening Event at Worlds of Fun ** Buses depart from the Westin Kansas City at 5:30 all times are listed in CDT and subject to change

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SUSTAINABILITY TOOLBOX: WHAT YOU NEED FOR TODAY, TOMORROW AND BEYOND The definition of sustainability is changing daily. As all industries are looking towards a carbon neutral future, do you feel equipped with the tools to combat climate change in your projects and in your life? This presentation will give insight into regulations, innovations, and technologies that will drive you to meet your future goals.

Amy Pastor, Vice President, Sustainability, EXP Amy is the Vice President, Sustainability for EXP. Amy specializes in sustainable design, commissioning, energy studies, energy modeling, M&V, and project management. Amy takes a holistic approach to sustainable design, assessing a building, site and infrastructure systems for the full spectrum of capabilities to meet the environmental requirements for today and the future. Amy takes immense pride in building better, including lasting relationships with clients and quality, sustainable buildings, without surrendering the integrity of the design. She has personally worked on 210 LEED Certified projects.

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HOW TO LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE RATHER THAN DISTRACT When adding new technology to your attraction, striking the delicate balance between distraction and enhancement is critical. With guests of all technical abilities, thoughtful planning can help you extend your attraction beyond the physical realm and truly amaze guests. Our panel of themed entertainment experts will share best practices and give you examples of how you can create consistent and accessible digital experiences at your facility.

Panel led by Andrew Fastman, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C Director, Destination Entertainment, Cuningham Cuningham is a purpose-driven and industry-leading architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and planning firm. With 25-plus years’ experience in immersive themed and experiential design, Andy Fastman has affected the outcomes of large complex projects.

His knowledge of intellectual property design coupled with the practical application of operational efficiencies have added significant value to work the firm has delivered for clients such as Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and Cedar Fair. He is a Sustainability Leader and Regenerative Advocate in Cuningham’s Play Studio. On the academic side, he has taught at OTIS College of Art and Design in Los Angeles since 2016. ®

Gregg Katano, Founder, Cosmos Collab Gregg Katano is a 30+ year entertainment and media professional, international speaker, educator, and emerging media strategist and consultant for the enterprise (real estate, health care, defense) and entertainment (location-based, live production, sports) industries.

Currently, Gregg is Senior Advisor, Innovation and Partnerships, at Allureum and Medici XD; Chair of ‘Events’ for the Emerging Media Programming peer group of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (‘TV Academy’); Co-Vice Chair of the Producers Guild of America ‘New Media Council’; and Advisory Member, SXSW ‘Accelerator’ and the Cal State University Entertainment Alliance (CSUEA) Mel McGowan, AICP, DBIA, LEED AP Chief Creative Officer, Storyland Studios Please see bio and photo on page 18 Val Syganevich, President, Co-Founder, Freckled Sky Please see bio and photo on page 17 Brant Underwood, Associate Principal, Theatre Projects Brant Underwood is a flexible team leader focused on translating dynamic creative design into physical space. With a career rooted in mixed material fabrication, Brant has integrated his art and design training with extensive design engineer experience to push the boundaries of imagination. Brant has successfully led cross functional teams to implement projects ranging from immersive experience and themed entertainment to bespoke architectural features and gallery art works. Brant’s engineering, automation, and immersive design experience all flow into this dynamic role, supporting clients in the discovery and enhancement of the built environment. Brant previously held roles at Hudson Scenic Studio, UAP Company, Guild, and Lincoln Center Theater.

EVENING EVENT AT WORLDS OF FUN (transportation provided) Includes: Dinner, Zambezi Zinger, & access to Experience Haunt. At this special evening event, you’ll experience world-record attractions, world-famous food, and world-class events. Highlights include a delicious dinner, a ride on the recently updated Zambezi Zinger, and the chance to experience the Halloween Haunt. Buses depart promptly from the Westin Kansas City Crown Center at 5:30 p.m.; return transportation will depart from Worlds of Fun at 10:30 p.m.

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IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING FOR REAL AND IMAGINED WORLDS How can we design spaces that share a compelling narrative thread that ties everything together? How can we rethink and reimagine such places so that they all speak to a unified whole? A place that tells an engaging story, encourages meaningful connection, and promotes a real sense of play and community; a place that fulfills the guest promise.

Margaret Chandra Kerrison, Author/Immersive Storyteller Born in Indonesia, raised in Singapore, Margaret’s career spans 15 years creating narratives and writing for television, film, digital media, games, brand storytelling, LBE, and immersive experiences. She is an award-winning Story Lead and Writer for multiple projects around the world including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. She was a Disney Imagineer (20142021). Her first book (2022) was “Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds - A Writer’s Guide.” Margaret is 2023 Paul Helmle Fellow for the Department of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, where she currently lectures. She is working on her second book, “Reimagined Worlds: Narrative Placemaking for People, Play, and Purpose.”

MENTOR STORY - THE ORIGINS OF INSPIRATION Rachel Joy Victor, Strategist, Designer, Worldbuilder Please see bio and photo on page 22

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POPULAR NOSTALGIA: WHEN EVERYTHING OLD BECOMES COOL AGAIN Pop culture is thought of as the newest thing in mass media. But pop culture often trends backwards, where what is “cool” today is really what was just “old” yesterday.

But when does this transition happen, and how does this affect themed entertainment trends? Enter the world of Popular Nostalgia.

David M. Edmonds Jr., Art Director, MDSX Creative. Imaginative. Enthusiastic about themed entertainment. Yes, that’s me. We might have crossed paths before, but in case we have not: Hi, I’m Dave. I am a Creative Director and self-professed Nostalgist who has been fortunate enough to work on projects around the world. I’m a passionate believer in themed entertainment. Passionate for what it means, how important it is, and how we touch Guests with our projects.

KEYNOTE SESSION - THE MARCELINE, MO, WALT DISNEY STORY Let’s explore why Walt said, “More things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since or are likely to in the future.”

Kaye Malins, Founder and Executive Director, Walt Disney Hometown Museum Kaye is a true Disney historian whose connection to the Walt Disney Company can be traced directly back to its founding fathers, Walt and Roy Disney. Kaye first met Walt and Roy when they returned to Marceline in 1956 for the dedication of the Walt Disney Park and pool. On that occasion, the Disney’s were house guests of her parents, Rush and Inez Johnson. This visit sparked a family friendship that lasted a lifetime. As time passed, Kaye’s personal relationship with other members of the Disney Family continued to solidify. In fact, her current volunteer position at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum can be directly traced to her friendship with Walt’s younger sister Ruth, her son Teddy and his wife Carolyn. Ruth asked Kaye to share the story of the Disney Family in Marceline by showcasing her personal collection. With the opening of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in 2001, Kaye kept her promise to Ruth, her son and daughter-in-law.

MENTOR STORY - THE ORIGINS OF INSPIRATION Kourtney Day, Senior Director of Business Development, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop In her role at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Kourtney is responsible for cultivating new global business and creative partnerships in film, television, advertising, live entertainment, and themed entertainment. She has worked on many notable projects with the Creature Shop including the Royal Shakespeare Company’s “My Neighbour Totoro,” Princess Cruise’s “The Secret Silk,” and Blumhouse’s upcoming feature film “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Day was elected to the Themed Entertainment Association Western Division Board in 2018 and is currently Board Vice President.

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LET’S MEET UP! SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THE THEME PARKS It is quantifiably harder for you and I to form community connections than it was for our grandparents. There’s a surge of people using their love of location-based experience brands to form in-person social meetups - and they might be doing things outside of your mainstream guest profile. This presentation details some of the groups bringing new activities, lingo, and traditions to guest visits.

Jovon Harkless, Freelance Art Director Jovon has been making art (and/or accidentally growing her ‘paint clothes’ wardrobe) in one way or another since the mid-2000s. After eight years primarily spent in theatre, she shifted into themed entertainment projects. Over the past decade Jovon’s contributed to the art direction and fabrication of themed experiences all over the world. She is a strong advocate of Universal Design and certified as an ADA coordinator in 2018. Jovon enjoys using sustainable art workshops to help people of all ages discover their creativity. She lives in Winter Garden, Florida with her family and an extremely energetic dog.

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THE RAPID EVOLUTION OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND REMARKABLE EXPERIENCES: WHAT INDUSTRY TRENDS & PROGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS ARE FUELING CHANGE FOR THE FUTURE A panel of global experts comes together to examine industry trends and progressive behaviors that are fueling change for the future of experiences. We’ll take a deeper dive into the design and reimagination of public spaces, how and when to properly integrate technology and why evolving behaviors toward community engagement have accelerated the use of mixed-use spaces and cause-driven experiential marketing.

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Panel led by Chris Moore, Executive Consultant, Electrosonic With a career spanning 20+ years, Chris showcases a wealth of global expertise within the technology sector. He has contributed to some of the largest and most intricate projects worldwide. His professional journey encompasses a range of roles including Creative Designer, Engineer, and Consultant, across diverse industries - arts, entertainment, branding, retail, corporate, hospitality, healthcare, mixed-use, sports. Chris collaborates with project teams from project inception to its realization, with a fervor for technology’s narrative capabilities. He has played a pivotal role in shaping adaptable, immersive, streamlined, and pioneering environments that not only facilitate discourse but also nurture shared moments and kindle human connections.

James T. Anderson, Senior Director, FORREC Ltd. His fascination for storytelling makes James FORREC’s go-to person for creating mustsee, must-do attractions. After completing an architecture degree at University of Toronto (1993), he joined FORREC, where he has been leading the creative approach on a variety of projects for over 20 years. His thoughtful manner and creative mind have found new ways to engage people for successful projects in North America, Asia and Europe. Many international clients, including LEGO, Nickelodeon and Universal, have trusted James to translate their iconic brands into successful projects. At FORREC, James leads the multidisciplinary design team in the development of attractions telling original and engaging stories.

Spencer Farley, Practice Director/Entertainment, Dimensional Innovations As the Practice Director of Entertainment at Dimensional Innovations, Spencer leads all projects, client development, and partnerships for the organization. Passionate for building and cultivating relationships, Spencer has the luxury of working with clients that have partnered with DI for over three decades, as well as developing connections with new and exciting partners. Spencer’s strength lies in his ability to connect with clients worldwide and executing their vision, helping blend digital and physical environments to create truly remarkable experiences. His creative, collaborative approach outlines those projects through innovation, research, and execution strategy.

Amahl Hazelton, Strategy and Development, Moment Factory Amahl Hazelton heads Strategy and Development for Moment Factory’s ‘Cultural & Educational’ division. His experience in Augmented Experiential Learning & Entertainment environments ranges from immersive, interactive installations for Science, Technology, History and Art Museums, to Zoos & Aquariums, to urban, natural & heritage Parks and Historic Sites. A graduate of McGill University with a Master’s in Place Branding & Competitive Identity, Amahl has led the development of groundbreaking media installations that drive increased visitorship and engagement levels and routinely top their regions’ TripAdvisor rankings, all while celebrating local, regional and national stories of identity and innovation.

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Dave Cooperstein, Senior Creative Designer, PGAV Destinations Please see bio and photo on page 17

Juliana Moreno and Ariel Rubin, Creators of Fun, Wild Optimists Wild Optimists is an award-winning interactive entertainment company designing new ways to play. They create experiences for LBE, tabletop games, escape rooms, walking tours, and marketing activations. WO began when Juliana Moreno and Ariel Rubin combined their writing backgrounds with their love of gaming to create the first tabletop escape room, a Kickstarter sensation that was licensed by Mattel and turned into an ongoing series. WO has collaborated with many clients including interactive design for Universal Orlando, Hasbro and Mall of America, Film/TV marketing campaigns, immersive experiences for music festivals and Santa Monica Pier; and eight mass market tabletop games.

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TEN LESSONS LBE CAN LEARN FROM TABLETOP AND ESCAPE ROOMS Designers in the Tabletop Game and Escape Room industries have always worked using the medium of agency, shaping how players make choices and take actions that impact their experience. This is exactly what today’s guests are looking for in their experiential spending. Increased interactivity in Location Based Entertainment (LBE) spaces is the future, and it has its origins in Tabletop Games and Escape Rooms.

There is so much to be learned from studying how design works in those spaces and how those lessons can be translated off-the-board and out of the room into the wider world of LBE.

OF TRANSFORMATIVE HUMAN EXPERIENCES

‘Legend of Luna’ at Great Wolf Resort Perryville | Perryville, MD

BRC Imagination Arts is a full-service, strategy, design and production company that translates brand and cultural stories into transformative, human experiences. For 40 years, we’ve stood on the front lines, helping our clients build more meaningful, enduring relationships with audiences around the globe. www.brcweb.com

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THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATIONS AND THE FUTURE OF IMMERSIVE LIVE EXPERIENCES With a depth of knowledge in behavioral psychology and the human journey, Populous continuously responds to evolving market conditions and consumers’ demands. We are relentlessly fueled by a passion to create places and experiences that every generation can share and enjoy. As entertainment experiences continue to diversify and challenge the expectations of venues, amenities and products, visitors are finding new ways - both physical and digital - to connect with one another and the content they align with. We’ll offer a view into today’s ever-diversifying landscape and an outlook toward the future of live experiences and immersive entertainment destinations.

Brian Mirakian, Director of Digital Entertainment and Brand Activation for the Americas / Senior Principal, Populous Brian is Director of Digital Entertainment and Brand Activation for the Americas / Senior Principal at Populous. Through a focus on future-forward innovation, next-gen consumerism, and connective strategy in the esports and gaming, entertainment, and hospitality industries, Brian creates opportunities for clients by elevating their brands and businesses and amplifies engagement by linking people to immersive user experiences. His award-winning work has garnered international coverage in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Fast Company, and has been featured on Cheddar and Discovery Channel. He has helped create transformative design solutions for clients in collaboration with professional teams, leading ad agencies, and top brands.

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DISCUSSION ON SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE MODERN STADIUM Please join us as Mark Donovan discusses Sports Entertainment, the evolution of the modern Stadium, fan trends and the importance of personalized hospitality, amenities and experiences in today’s NFL stadium and how they accompany product on the field.

Mark Donovan, President, Kansas City Chiefs Entering his 25th season in the National Football League and his 15th season in Kansas City in 2023, Mark Donovan is the fifth president in Chiefs history. As president, Donovan is responsible for all aspects of the club’s business operations and reports directly to Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt.

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N EXT G EN D AY S AT U R D AY, OC T OB E R 1 4 , 2 0 2 3 K A N S A S C IT Y A RT IN STITUTE

8:00am Breakfast & Registration 8:15 Welcome & Introductions 8:20 Rotating Discussion 1: TEA NextGen Speed Networking / Masters Panel / Design Session 9:30 Break

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9:45 Rotating Discussion 2: TEA NextGen Speed Networking / Masters Panel / Design Session

10:55 Break

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11:10 Rotating Discussion 3: TEA NextGen Speed Networking / Masters Panel / Design Session

12:20pm Lunch

The catered lunch will offer continued and deeper networking opportunities with the TEA Masters, Saturday speakers, and the participating member companies.

2:00 Kids and Cats: Inspiring Interactive Play Jenny Lim, Interactive Designer, Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio; Erica McCay, Creative Director, Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio

2:45 Attractions Technology Lab Walkthrough Loren Barrows, Chief Operating Officer, Alcorn McBride; Scott Harkless, Chief Innovation Officer, Alcorn McBride; Larry Howard, Vice President of Business Development, Quince Imaging

3:30 Redos, Pivots, and Repairs: Transform Your Networking Story Lisa Lowe, Associate Business Development, Scenario; Erica McCay, Creative Director, Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio

4:15 Behind the Evil: Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast at Universal Studios Florida Carson Luter, Associate Project Manager, Universal Creative; Tony Mecca, Animation Director and Creative Producer, Universal Creative

This year the SATE Saturday program offers not only the usual NextGen and student focused content, but also professional sessions and case studies normally reserved for the general membership. This combination of offerings has been specially developed to deliver the greatest value to our Saturday participants. all times are listed in CDT and subject to change

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Saturday morning will consist of three rotating sessions to ensure that each participant can engage with the TEA Masters and participating member companies at a personal level.

TEA MASTERS PANEL Participate in a roundtable discussion with the participating TEA Masters. Origin stories, industry insights, and advice on navigating the world of themed entertainment will expand on the content delivered in the Masters Induction Ceremony from earlier in the conference.

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TEA NEXTGEN SPEED NETWORKING Each participant will rotate through three-minute interviews with participating TEA member companies.

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DESIGN WORKSHOP This design workshop with industry professionals will give participants a behind the scenes look at the creative process, and the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with industry leaders to develop a real-world project pitch.

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KIDS AND CATS: INSPIRING INTERACTIVE PLAY Who shapes the people who shape our industry? Our families (human and animal) influence us through the joy of play. Explore the wisdom of our younger and/or furrier muses, and what we can learn from their pure appreciation of fun.

Jenny Lim, Interactive Designer, Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio Jenny (she/they) is a game and interactive designer with over six years of professional experience designing play for theme parks, retail environments, museums and schools.

Jenny’s portfolio ranges widely, including board games for ages 3+, quests and branching narratives for major theme parks, and role-plays about U.S. history, which received the 2022 Best Civics Game Award from Games for Change. Jenny is passionate about teaching and public speaking, and taught game design and multimedia storytelling for four years at New York University.

Erica McCay, Creative Director, Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio Please see bio and photo on page 19

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ATTRACTIONS TECHNOLOGY LAB WALKTHROUGH The Attractions Technology Lab (ATL) is an interactive ride technology demo and training event organized by the Attractions Technology Collaborative (ATC), a group of companies working in partnership to offer the latest technologies in attraction experiences. ATL events have been held in Orlando since 2021. This presentation will share the vision of ATL, focusing on three key elements: Production, Integration, and Experience.

Loren Barrows, Chief Operating Officer, Alcorn McBride Loren Barrows, the Chief Operating Officer at Alcorn McBride, brings her passion for work and life into every aspect of her career. She’s dedicated to creating enjoyable and productive work environments. Loren focuses on guiding teams to hit their goals while promoting a culture of growth and teamwork. What really fires Loren up is supporting and nurturing people to help them excel in their jobs and lead happier lives. She firmly believes that everyone has their own unique talents, and when you mix those talents together, the result is an unstoppable team.

Scott Harkless, Chief Innovation Officer, Alcorn McBride Scott Harkless has been highly involved in the themed entertainment industry for 20+ years.

With talents in electronic design and creative problem solving, he has played a key role in creating products powering many of the world’s most popular attractions. His diverse skillset makes him an asset in the field and the conference room alike. At Alcorn McBride, Scott works closely with clients to determine their biggest areas of need and leads a talented team to create solutions. His experience in product development, system commissioning, client training, marketing, and sales ensures that Alcorn McBride products exceed expectations and enrich the entire industry.

Larr y Howard, Vice President of Business Development, Quince Imaging Larry Howard is an esteemed industry innovator ingrained in the world of entertainment.

With 30 years of experience, Larry has become a go-to expert in audio, video, and show systems. Larry started his career as Show Systems Manager at Universal Orlando and has since held executive positions at Panasonic, Clair Global, Alcorn McBride, Christie Digital and Quince Imaging. What sets Larry apart and contributes to his success is his ability to cultivate relationships. Larry’s contributions have been instrumental in pioneering groundbreaking methods to drive business growth and boost sales. He excels in discovering untapped markets and forging favorable partnerships.

REDOS, PIVOTS, AND REPAIRS: TRANSFORM YOUR NETWORKING STORY Our industry is about storytelling, and one of the most well-known forms of story is the Hero’s Journey. What if that applies to more than what we create, but our own career journeys? Become the hero of your networking adventure as we act out redos, pivots, and repairs to transform awkward moments into masterful connections.

Lisa Lowe, Associate Business Development, Scenario Lisa balances business practices with fostering understanding and creativity. With over 20 years of nonprofit executive leadership, costume design, and team, production, and project management in the live entertainment industry, Lisa now develops business opportunities within themed entertainment. Creating fun and memorable experiences, as well as gathering amazing people to connect and share ideas, are the foundational threads of Lisa’s personal fabric. In addition to volunteering on the Events Committee and leading Education Committee initiatives for the TEA Eastern North America Division, Lisa is the incoming Co-Chair for the Orlando Chapter of SEGD. Erica McCay, Creative Director, Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio Please see bio and photo on page 19

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Carson Luter, Associate Project Manager, Universal Creative In his project management role with Universal Creative, Carson most recently finished work on Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast at Universal Studios Florida. Carson is also chair of the Themed Entertainment Association NextGen program, which assists students and new industry entrants beginning to establish their careers. He also serves as a committee member of the Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Society, an organization with a goal to establish and expand an academic community for themed entertainment and design. Carson is a two-time graduate from the University of Central Florida, holding undergraduate and graduate degrees in themed entertainment management and design.

Tony Mecca, Animation Director and Creative Producer, Universal Creative Tony Mecca has been a professional animator and creative leader for almost 2 decades.

His career has spanned across AAA video games, major VFX and animated Hollywood blockbusters, mixed reality technology development and theme park ride and show development. Tony is currently the studio Animation director and Creative producer at Universal Creative where he leads the Universal Innovation Studio and works with many different teams delivering mind blowing attractions and lands for Universal’s parks around the world.

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BEHIND THE EVIL: ILLUMINATION’S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA Join Universal Creative project team members for a look at the dastardly development process of Universal Orlando’s newest attraction: Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.

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Forget fairytales and make believe, Universal Orlando Resort is as real as it gets. We are proud to support the SATE North America conference and the Themed Entertainment Association.

Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

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IMMERSIVE INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT

DE-ZYN studios

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