Themed Entertainment Association to Launch 20th Anniversary Celebration at IAAPA Attractions Expo, Orlando

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) International Board president Rick Rothschild announces that the association's year-long 20th anniversary celebration will formally commence November 15 at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, with a special presentation during the IAAPA Kickoff Event. "TEA and IAAPA have had a close and mutually beneficial working relationship for two decades and our industry is stronger for it," says Rothschild. "With so many members of both organizations attending the show opening, it is a great opportunity for us to say thank you to IAAPA, as we look forward to continued cooperation and support."

The TEA has evolved from beginnings in 1991 with several dozen members that primarily provided service to theme parks, to an international association with three divisions and nearly 700 member companies serving the global visitor attractions industry.

Led by a committee of the TEA's past presidents, an overall plan has been developed to mark the association's 20-year milestone. From IAAPA in November 2011 to the 18th annual Thea Awards in March 2012 and beyond, activities will include the entire TEA international membership. "Together, we will honor our past, and celebrate the future of our industry," said TEA past president Roberta Perry, VP marketing at Edwards Technologies.

"The TEA 20th Anniversary provides a unique opportunity for the Association to energize its brand, engage its members and affirm its ongoing and valuable role in an evolving industry for the next 20 years," said TEA founder Monty Lunde, president of Technifex.

"A key part of this mission is to identify, support and encourage the next generation of industry leaders through an ongoing and multifaceted mentoring initiative," added George Wiktor, TEA past president and principal of the GW Group.

"Our 20th anniversary panel discussion, 'TEA Presents Future Legends: The Next 20 Years,' will take place at IAAPA November 17th at 9am," said Wiktor. "This not-to-be-missed presentation features five of the brightest young thinkers and designers in the next wave of entertainment design." Wiktor added, "In the coming months we'll create occasions to bring together up-and-coming professionals with industry veterans through a series of small roundtables, lunches and behind-the-scenes tours, to share their experiences in design, production and business."

"Many of the anniversary programs for members are made possible through the generous support of Diamond Sponsors, including; Walt Disney Imagineering, Edwards Technologies, Garner Holt Productions, Jack Rouse Associates, Nassal, Technifex, PGAV Destinations, Thinkwell Group, and Utopia Entertainment," said Lunde. "We also have over 20 Sapphire Sponsors and more are signing on every day."

"The recently formed TEA Foundation will receive 10% of all funds raised," said Steve Thorburn, a past president and principal of Thorburn Associates. "The money will go to support industry education and outreach programs. A check will be presented to the Foundation at TEA's 2012 Thea Awards Gala in March."