Join us for the Festival of Innovation.
Celebrate the creative ideas, products, and organisations that are propelling the industry forward at this online event. With 21 sessions over 2 days, learn more about the future of accessibility, technology, storytelling, immersive experiences and more.
We will also reveal the winners of the 2025 blooloop Innovation Awards, presented with AREA15. Each category of the Awards will be revealed after its corresponding session.
All sessions will be available on demand. Register here.
Agenda
21st January 2026
9am GMT - Storytelling - Culture session, sponsored by QSAS.
10am GMT - Innovation in Creative Technology , sponsored by Holovis
11am GMT - From access to impact: innovation in exhibits, sponsored by Museum Studio
12pm GMT - Retail & Dining session, sponsored by Lumsden
1pm GMT - Creating goosebumps: innovation in immersive experiences
2pm GMT - Reimagining guest experiences through innovation, design, and storytelling, sponsored by SSA Group
3pm GMT - Bringing main character energy: innovation in storytelling, sponsored by Blue Telescope
4pm GMT - Bringing a dark ride to life: innovation in immersive attractions, sponsored by Christie
5pm GMT - Designing attractions: innovation in blue sky, sponsored by FORREC
6pm GMT - Innovation in accessibility
22nd January 2026
9am GMT - Reimagining the waterpark experience: innovation in splash
9.30am GMT - Experiential Technology session
10am GMT - The power of play: innovation in brand realisation
11am GMT - Intimacy at scale: innovation in cultural immersive experiences
12pm GMT - Innovation in family experiences, sponsored by Huitt Zollars Inc
1pm GMT - Storytelling and spectacle: innovation in spectacular
2pm GMT - Horror unleashed: innovation in thrills
3pm GMT - Nostalgia, personalisation and repeatability: innovation in game on
4pm GMT - From awareness to attendance: innovation in marketing
4.30pm GMT - Innovation in sustainability
5.00pm GMT - What's new with AREA15, plus the winners of the Best in Show and Public Choice Awards
Speakers:
- Abby Coombs, MD, Head of Creative Services, Museum Studio
- Abigail Bysshe, Chief Experience and Strategy Officer, The Franklin Institute
- Amy Naples, chief marketing officer, AREA15
- Andrew Fastman, Senior Vice President | Commercial Practice Area Leader, Huitt-Zollars
- Anna Warnecke, CEO, Kynren
- Brent Bushnell, co-founder, DreamPark
- Chris Conte, Executive Consultant, Global Ambassador, Electrosonic
- Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer, BRC
- Damian Norman, Director, Immersive Entertainment & Events , Excel London and Immerse LDN
- David Sabel, Executive Producer, Lightroom
- Ernest Bakenie, Sr. Director Sales & Business Development, Themed Entertainment, Christie
- Felix Erdmann, Managing Director, BeWunder
- Grant Reichardt, Director of Business Development , Aerial Illuminations
- Henry Kim, creative director, Forrec
- James Dwyer, principal, Lumsden
- Josh Green, Head of Design, London Museum
- Judith Zissman , Executive Creative Director, Blue Telescope
- Kate McConnell, Senior Creative Director, THG Creatives
- Kim Scott, General Manager, Universal Horror Unleashed – Las Vegas
- Lawrence Mancey, Marketing and Technology Director, Paultons Park
- Mario Centola, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of International Operations and Worldwide Franchise Development, Chuck E Cheese
- Mark Beumers, CEO, Lagotronics Projects BV
- Olivia Wyrick, Senior Director - Aquatic Operations, Aquarabia Water Theme Park
- Randi Hamilton, Chief Experience Officer, Detroit Zoo
- Renae Brown, Associate Manager, Location Based Entertainment EMEA, Hasbro
- Rick Briggs, CEO, FuzionGamz and Attractionz
- Rosie Brailsford, Creative Director, Merlin Entertainments
- Sara Bou-Holaigah, Strategy & Ventures Director, QSAS
- Steve Sheldon, Managing Partner, EPIC Entertainment Group
- Tera Greenwood, Executive Vice President of Brand & Relationships, SSA Group
- Therrin Protze, Chief Operating Officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Thomas Tzortzi, Associate Creative Director, Museum Studio
- Tom Lionetti-Maguire, Founder & CEO, Little Lion Entertainment
