blooloop is pleased to announce the first speakers for this year's Festival of Innovation, which is taking place from 21 to 22 January 2026.
The online event will feature speakers from Merlin Entertainments, Aquarabia, London Museum, Paultons Park, Hasbro, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and more.
Attendees will be the first to discover who has won the 2025 Innovation Awards, presented with AREA15, with the winners announced following each category discussion.
To register to attend, please click here.
Expert speakers
The Festival of Innovation will explore the key trends for 2026, with the latest projects, technology and products that will drive our industry forward.
Speakers include:
- 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 and events, Excel London and Immerse LDN
- David Sabel, executive producer, Lightroom
- Ernest Bakenie, senior director sales and 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 Creative
- Kim Scott, general manager, Universal Horror Unleashed – Las Vegas
- Lawrence Mancey, marketing and technology director, Paultons Park
- Mario Centola, executive vice president and 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 and ventures director, QSAS
- Steve Sheldon, managing partner, EPIC Entertainment Group
- Tera Greenwood, executive vice president of brand and relationships, SSA Group
- Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Tom Lionetti-Maguire, founder and CEO, Little Lion Entertainment
Register to attend, for free, here.
Each session will be available on demand for 30 days after the event.
Thanks to the sponsors of the 2025 blooloop Innovation Awards: AREA15, Blue Telescope, Christie, Forrec, Holovis, Huitt-Zollars, Lumsden, Museum Studio, SSA, and QSAS.
Rebecca Hardy
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
