About the blooloop Innovation Awards 2024

Linda Spurdle is an expert in the cultural sector, with over 20 years of experience working as a digital leader within museums. She has worked for several large and complex, multi-site museum services, and was the head of the Digital at Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT) for the last 10 years, leading on digital strategy, digital engagement and IT. Her digital transformation work at BMT saw her lead the push towards being “digital by default”, and this included the development and use of Shopify as a single ecommerce solution, bringing together ticketing, retail and F&B sales.

Spurdle led on the open access policy at Birmingham Museums Trust, releasing out of copyright images into the public domain, and developed innovative partnership projects to enhance this work. This includes the large scale success of a partnership with Unsplash ( a million downloads of images a year) and creative projects such as working with Cold War Steve and Vivid Projects on the Cut Copy Remix project and developing a R&D project with Kultura and West Midlands artist performers to take poetry and music into the Occupy White Walls metaverse. Spurdle enjoys working with artists and supporting good storytelling, and feels privileged to have commissioned Pogus Caesar’s The Tiny Spark film in 2023, a moving and inspiring reimagining of the Handsworth Riots which included the poetry of Benjamin Zephaniah.

She is the chair of Vivid Projects, is a non-profit company based in Birmingham that supports media arts practice, encouraging innovation, risk and experimentation. She is a well-known leader in the sector often speaking at events and recognised for my experience of leading high-profile projects. She was named as one of the 2021 blooloop Top 50 Museum Influencers and regularly gives presentations at conferences and events, such as MuseumNext, American Alliance of Museums AAM2021, CultureGeek, Museum and Heritage Show and the Museums Association.

With her rare and unmatched verve, Tomoe Okiyama continuously produces innovative entertainment, such as the nation’s first large-scale immersive theater, and is the subject of attention both in and out of Japan. She studied entertainment at California State University and worked at Universal Studios Japan.

In 2017, she became aware of the potential of immersive theater before anyone else and introduced it to USJ. She worked as a producer herself, and led “Hotel Albert”, Japan’s first large-scale immersive theater, to great success. She then moved forward into the next edition of the series, “Hotel Albert II: Requiem”, as an executive producer. One of her major projects since joining Katana is “Immersive dramatic restaurant in the mystery train”, an immersive theater experience that is performed in a restaurant. This new experience has proved very popular, and is sold out each day.

In March 2024, she led the opening of the immersive theme park “Immersive Fort Tokyo” and succeeded in the world’s first challenge to create a theme park consisted only by multiple immersive theatres. In particular, the immersive theatre “Tales of Edo Oiran”, which express the traditional and bewitching world of Japan, has been fully booked since its opening, making a major contribution to the expansion and establishment of immersive experiences in Japan.

Patrick O’Mahony founded NEWSUBSTANCE in 2004 and has led the creative and wider strategic development of the studio ever since. With over twenty years’ experience realising brave and ambitious creative projects all over the world, he is always looking for new and innovative ways in which to deliver a concept. With a real interest in the use of technology, light and automation, Patrick has a drive to push the boundaries of what is possible in the live environment.

Patrick leads the NEWSUBSTANCE creative team. His work spans across a wide variety of projects, from SEE MONSTER – which transformed a decommissioned North Sea offshore platform into an immersive public art project; to Spectra – the first resident large-scale art installation at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival; and creative design and development across multiple Opening Ceremonies, including Dubai Expo 2020. Patrick is also one of the founding directors of SKYMAGIC, the world leading drone light show studio, where he oversees the wider creative development of drone shows across the world.

Over the past 20 years Patrick has developed and built NEWSUBSTANCE into a multi-award-winning creative studio from its HQ in Leeds, with recognition from Dezeen, Architizer, International Design Awards, Architect’s Newspaper and Design Week to name but a few.

Jasmin Jodry is an award-winning creative director with over 20 years of leadership experience in the US and Europe. Leads teams in crafting immersive, digital and physical experiences and brand activations, fusing together art, technology, interactivity, and content through a futuristic storytelling lens. Guides all facets of the creative process to materialize a brand’s vision from concept through strategy, design, and launch. Brings a diverse portfolio of global work in culture, luxury, technology and entertainment, marked by a passion for futuristic design and innovation.

Jasmin specialises in creating immersive experiences that inspire emotional connection and participation through art, culture and entertainment.

Xiao Bao is a Creative Producer and Director in Themed Entertainment and Narrative Placemaking, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Themed Entertainment Association Asia Pacific Division. Since graduating from Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, Xiao has led and directed the creation of theme park resorts, immersive entertainment, themed exhibitions and many types of location based projects for global destinations, with professional experiences in US, China, Japan and Singapore.

Xiao’s professional projects include: Puy du Fou SAGA City of Light (recently opened in June 2024), LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort (opening soon in 2025), Google Experience Centers in Tokyo and Los Angeles (2020 and 2019). He also supported R&D projects for Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale (2017) and the Asia tour of immersive exhibitions based on Jurassic World, Avatar and Marvel’s The Avengers (2021).

Tim Morrow is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and San Antonio College. Prior to joining San Antonio Zoo in December 2014, Morrow had a 24-year career in the theme park industry, which included the opening of several parks, including Fiesta Texas in San Antonio; Parque Plaza Sésamo in Monterrey, Mexico; Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida; and most recently, Aquatica Waterpark in San Antonio, Texas.

He currently serves as the President & CEO of San Antonio Zoological Society, which operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, Kiddie Park, and Starbucks. Morrow leads a team of ten executives who oversee over 700 employees and 400+ volunteers and care for over 800 animal species, some of which are threatened, endangered, or extinct in the wild.

Morrow’s vision to take San Antonio Zoo to new heights includes a community investment of over $115 million dollars since his arrival at the zoo. Over that time, hundreds of habitats have been improved, including several large-scale renovations. These renovations and reimaginings include a brand new entrance that reflects the sites and sounds of San Antonio, NEOTROPICA, featuring a unique cat-walk system that allows the jaguars 120% more habitat space, a new savanna for giraffes that is undergoing an additional expansion by 126%, a beautiful butterfly rainforest and many more. In January 2018, the zoo’s preschool for children, Will Smith Zoo School, opened on its new campus, becoming the largest nature-based preschool in the country and in 2019, it was awarded LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the first for a preschool in the country.

Morrow has served and continues to serve on boards for several organizations. Currently, Morrow sits on the Executive Committee and board of directors for Texas Travel Alliance. Additionally, he sits on the boards for the International Elephant Foundation, Visit San Antonio, UTSA Athletics Marketing Advisory Council, UTSA Development Council and the Urban Outreach Advisory Committee for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

While away from the “office,” Morrow cheers on the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, and UTSA. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and children.

Tim Morrow is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and San Antonio College. Prior to joining San Antonio Zoo in December 2014, Tim had a 24-year career in the theme park industry, which included the opening of several theme parks, including Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Parque Plaza Sésamo in Monterrey, Mexico, Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida and most recently Aquatica Waterpark in San Antonio, Texas.

He currently serves as the President & CEO of San Antonio Zoological Society, which operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, Kiddie Park, Edutainment, and Starbucks. Tim leads a team of ten executives who oversee more than 700 employees, 400+ volunteers, and care for hundreds of animal species, some of which are threatened, endangered, or extinct in the wild.

Tim’s vision to take San Antonio Zoo to new heights began with investing over $60 million dollars since his arrival at the zoo. Over that time, more than 150 animal habitats have been improved, including several large-scale renovations. These renovations and reimaginings include a new realm, NEOTROPICA, featuring a unique cat-walk system that allowed the jaguars 120% more habitat space, a new savanna for giraffes, expanding and improving the elephant habitat, and redesigning and expanding both the African lion and rhino habitats. In January 2018, the zoo’s preschool for children, Will Smith Zoo School, opened on its new campus, becoming the largest nature-based preschool in the country and the most significant investment in the Society’s history. In June 2019, Will Smith Zoo School was awarded LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the first for a preschool in the country. Tim has served and continues to serve on boards for several organizations. Currently, Tim sits on the Executive Board for the International Elephant Foundation as its Past President and on the board for Texas Travel Alliance as Treasurer and Officer. Additionally, he sits on the boards for Visit San Antonio, San Antonio Visitor Alliance, UTSA Alumni Association, Young Presidents Organization’s San Antonio Chapter, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Sports, International Iguana Foundation, and the Urban Outreach Advisory Committee for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

While away from the “office,” Tim cheers on the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys, and he enjoys traveling with his wife Jennifer and children.

Steven Mifsud MBE is the Founder and Director of international award-winning disability accessibility consultancy Direct Access which operates out of the UK, US and UAE. Direct Access was born out of Mifsud’s passion for inclusivity following his struggles as a deaf cochlear implant user. He was identified as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. In 2021, Mifsud was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain in recognition of his achievements which includes working towards a more inclusive world.

Mifsud was the Project Director for Universal Design at the world exposition Expo 2020 Dubai, then for the duration of the event became the Director of Accessibility. One of his many career highlights include consulting for London 2012 as part of the step free programme. Currently leads on accessibility projects in the UK, US, Saudi Arabia, France and UAE. He talks inclusion on the International Speaking circuit and is also leading on the accessibility for several theme parks being constructed in KSA.

Erica McCay is a writer and designer of stories that connect people and place. Her work has spanned the fields of interactive theme parks, theatre, and play-based education since 2005.

Erica spent seven years working as an interactive experience designer for Universal Creative, including as the lead designer for the interactive wand experience in Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood and as co-lead designer for the land-wide game in Thea award-winning Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando Resort.

Erica McCay is a writer and designer of stories that connect people and place. Her work has spanned the fields of interactive theme parks, theatre, and play-based education since 2005.

Erica spent seven years working as an interactive experience designer for Universal Creative, including as the lead designer for the interactive wand experience in Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood and as co-lead designer for the land-wide game in Thea award-winning Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando Resort.

She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Stetson University and is an inventor on multiple patents including “Interactive gaming system” and “Systems and methods for a connected augmented environment.”

As Creative Director for Valtech’s Themed Entertainment Studio, Erica continues to design interactive attractions and lands for industry leading themed entertainment clients. Her “7 Principles for Creating Immersive Worlds” can be read on Medium here: https://medium.com/@erica.mccay/7-principles-for-creating-immersive-worlds-6c2e88ab900a

Tom Lionetti-Maguire is the CEO and founder of Little Lion Entertainment, the creators of The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience and the Tomb Raider Live Experience. He is also the CEO and founder of The Ents Inc., the company behind Chaos Karts. In 2019, he was named in The Sunday Times 100 Entrepreneurs of the Year.

Little Lion Entertainment is the UK’s largest immersive theatre company, with over 250 staff and close to 1 million satisfied guests. Speaking to blooloop in 2017 about the creation of The Crystal Maze Live Experience, Little Lion’s first production, and the inspiration behind it, he said: “My background is as an actor. I trained a long time ago, did all sorts of West End jobs and other stuff, but then became aware of interactive theatre. I’m a big fan of what people like Secret Cinema and Punchdrunk do. I saw that there was this incredible appetite for live immersive experiences, where you become part of the show. That blending of the worlds of theatre and attractions was really exciting and inspired myself, Ben and Dean [Ben Hodges and Greg Fittock] to do something. So, we set up a production company, Little Lion Entertainment, and we kept coming back to this idea of a live Crystal Maze.”

Translating IP from the screen into tangible immersive experiences is one of Little Lion’s USPs, he added while speaking to blooloop about the Tomb Raider Live Experience in 2022. “Despite the promise of the metaverse, I hope, and am convinced that the real world will always be the most interesting place that we operate. Taking the world of video games, taking the world of TV and films, then installing it into the world of theatre; you’re there doing it with your friends in real-time, right in front of you. That’s super interesting for me.”

Alan Mahony has been a specialist in the design management, launching and operations of numerous world class Theme Parks & Water Parks in Australia, Asia & the Middle East since the mid 1980’s. Thanks to his unique talents, experience, hands-on approach and attention to detail, the businesses Alan has been involved with still trade profitably in today’s demanding tourism and leisure industry.

Alan has developed and operated leading projects in various roles including, Executive Director Attractions, Saudi Entertainment Ventures, Saudi Arabia; VP Marine & Waterpark Atlantas Sanya Resort, Hainan; General Consultant, Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou; GM, Beijing Watercube Waterpark, Beijing; COO, Ramayana Waterpark, Thailand; GM, Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia; Director of Operations, Warner Bros Movie World, SeaWorld & Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, Australia.

Many of Alans projects have been recognized globally winning numerous distinguished awards for excellence including 2002 Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia, FIABCI Prix d’ excellence – Category Winner – Leisure; 2007 Chimelong Waterpark, China, IAAPA Must See Waterpark; 2008 Chimelong Waterpark, China, WWA Industry Innovation Award; 2010 Beijing Watercube Waterpark, China, WWA Industry Innovation Award; 2018 Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis Resort Sanya, China, WWA Leading Edge Award.

Alan was recognized by industry leaders and selected on the blooloop Top 50 Theme Park Influencer List in 2021 & 2022 for his work in Asia & the Middle East, plus honored with other individual awards including the WWA Executive Board Award 2011 for industry excellence in waterpark development in Asia, plus the 2020 Asian Attractions Magazine, Gold Crown Award, Outstanding Leader for China Amusement & Attractions Industry.

Alan is currently with Keyestone Group as Chief Operations Officer – Entertainment.

Alan Mahony is an award winning attractions professional and a blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer.

He has been a specialist in the design, management and opening of numerous world class theme and water parks since the mid 1980’s.

Alan began his career with the Warner Village Theme Park Group in Australia where he held senior positions at Wet ‘n’ Wild Waterworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Seaworld. For 16 years he was based in Asia, where he worked on numerous successful, and award winning waterparks. Alan’s projects include Ramayana Water Park, Thailand; Beijing Watercube Waterpark, China; Chimelong Water Park, China; The Carnival, Malaysia; Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia; Blue Lagoon, Taiwan; Saigon Water Park, Vietnam and Big Hippo Water World, China.

Alan is currently in Saudi, working on the ambitious projects planned by Saudi Entertainment ventures (SEVEN), which is investing over SAR 50 billion ($13 billion) in the development of 21 entertainment destinations across 14 cities in the kingdom.

Alan Mahony has been a specialist in the design management and launching of numerous world class Theme & Water Parks since the mid 1980’s. Thanks to his unique talents, experience, hands-on approach and attention to detail, the businesses he has been involved with have won numerous awards for excellence and still trade profitably in today’s demanding tourism and leisure industry.

Alan began his career with the Warner Village Theme Park Group in Australia where he held senior positions at Wet ‘n’ Wild Waterworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Seaworld on the Gold Coast. For the last 16 years he has been based in Asia working on the feasibility studies, business plans, development, design, construction and management of numerous successful, leading and award winning waterparks. Alan’s projects include Ramayana Water Park, Thailand; Beijing Watercube Waterpark, China; Chimelong Water Park, China; The Carnival, Malaysia; Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia; Blue Lagoon, Taiwan; Saigon Water Park, Vietnam and Big Hippo Water World, China.

Alan has a strong knowledge of the cultures and markets within Asia due to his extensive experience over the past 16 years, which during this time he has completed the Insead Asian International Executive Program to enhance and improve his skill and knowledge of management in the Asian Region. This knowledge and understanding has lead Alan to be invited as a guest speaker at various Asian Themepark Expo’s & Congresses on various occasions. Alan was awarded the Executive Board Award by the World Waterpark Association for his excellence and commitment to the development and operations of waterparks in the Asian Region.

Håkon Lund has a law degree (UIO) and an MBA (NHH). In addition, he has completed various subjects within entrepreneurship and tourism development from schools such as Cornell, Harvard, LBS, and the University of Stavanger.

Håkon is the owner and 4th generation of the Lund Group, established in 1895, operating in Scandinavia. The company is behind brands such as Kongeparken, Skånes Djurpark, Lunds Tivoli, Landstreffet, Palmesus, Jul i Vinterland, Festdager, Drammen Elvefestival etc. The company had a total of 3.5 million guests in 2022.

The common denominator for the group is that it focuses on creating unique guest experiences. Lund Gruppen has won THEA Award (USA) twice for “the world’s best new attraction” and many other international, national, and regional awards. Håkon believes in value-based leadership, history-driven innovation processes, and family stewardship. Håkon has been shortlisted as EY Entrepreneur of the year and serves at different board positions.

Prior to starting Attractions.io, Mark Locker established Theme Park Nerd, a “micro-agency” that produced websites and mobile apps for the UK theme park market. Locker has always had a fascination for theme parks, and Attractions.io enables him to combine his three interests: business, technology, and the attractions sector.

Today, Mark and his team develop mobile technology that assists attractions in thrilling their visitors and increasing second-gate spend. He is passionate about imparting his vast knowledge and experience to other experts in the field and currently supports attractions like Cedar Fair, Merlin Entertainments, San Diego Zoo and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

With over 30 years of experience in leading both the development and operations of leisure and
retail attractions, Damien Latham is the Chief Attractions Officer at SEVEN Saudi Entertainment Ventures. Latham Joined SEVEN in 2019 and leads the attractions team in developing and operating more than 150 attractions across a country wide portfolio.

Previously he was CEO at Emaar Entertainment with REEL Cinemas and their attractions businesses including Dubai Opera, Kidzania and Dubai Aquarium. Prior to Emaar Latham spent 9 years with Majid Al Futtaim, he was the CEO Leisure & Entertainment, managing unique leisure attractions such as Ski Dubai, Ski Egypt and the famous Magic Planet family entertainment centres where he was responsible for the development of 32 family entertainment centres also introducing the Lego stores to the region.

In the UK, Damien worked in multiple Senior Management roles at Center Parcs for 14 years prior to the Middle East specialising in Waterpark parks, Adventure centres, luxury spas through to upscale F&B. Damien has a Diploma in Leisure Management and has served in multiple board roles.

Amanda Mayne is responsible for partnership development within the international touring exhibitions department of the British Museum, bringing the museum’s vast collection to audiences across the world.

With over 8 million objects , the museum has a wide-ranging programme of travelling exhibitions, with up to 14 openings a year. Exhibitions have included Egyptian mummies, Rome: city and empire; Italian Renaissance drawings; Ancient Greeks; an age of luxury: the Assyrians to Alexander, and Goddess, celebrating the power and diversity of the divine female in belief through the ages.

Mayne joined the British Museum in 2007 from the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. She is Co-Chair of the International Committee of Exhibition Exchange (ICEE) and has been on the committees’ board since 2016.

Amanda Mayne is responsible for partnership development within the international touring exhibitions department of the British Museum, bringing the museum’s vast collection to audiences across the world.

With over 8 million objects , the museum has a wide-ranging programme of travelling exhibitions, with up to 14 openings a year. Exhibitions have included Egyptian mummies, Rome: city and empire; Italian Renaissance drawings; Ancient Greeks; an age of luxury: the Assyrians to Alexander, and Goddess, celebrating the power and diversity of the divine female in belief through the ages.

Mayne joined the British Museum in 2007 from the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. She is Co-Chair of the International Committee of Exhibition Exchange (ICEE) and has been on the committees’ board since 2016.

Amanda Mayne is International Engagement Manager at the British Museum, in Bloomsbury, London. She is responsible for touring exhibitions , bringing the museum’s vast collection to audiences across the world.

With over 8 million objects , the museum has a wide-ranging programme of travelling exhibitions, with up to 14 openings a year. Exhibitions have included Egyptian mummies, Rome: city and empire; Italian Renaissance drawings; Ancient Greeks; an age of luxury: the Assyrians to Alexander, and Goddess, celebrating the power and diversity of the divine female in belief through the ages.

Mayne joined the British Museum in 2007 from the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. She has been an elected board member of the International Committee of Exhibition Exchange (ICEE) since 2016.

Judith Owens is Chief Executive at TBL International Ltd (TBL), the parent company to the award-winning Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic and the TEC. With experience spanning over three decades, unrivalled knowledge of the tourism and events industry and an exceptional track record, she is one of UK’s the most experienced and established management professionals.

Currently serving on the board of Visit Belfast, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) and as chair of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance (NITA), as well as being a co-founder of Hospitality and Tourism Skills (HATS), a collaborative network set up to attract and retain talent in the sector. Judith is passionate about her ambassadorial role in driving the tourism sector and its valuable contribution to the NI economy.

Judith’s leadership, commitment and expertise has seen Titanic Belfast go from strength to strength, welcoming over 7 million visitors from 145 countries, winning ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the World Travel Awards and seeing the attraction contribute £430m in additional spend back into the NI economy in its first 10 years. Having recently spearheaded an ambitious £4.7m transformation of the Titanic Experience, Judith has led the team in creating a rich and immersive visitor experience cementing Titanic Belfast’s place as a world-class, ‘must-see’ global visitor attraction for years to come.

Prior to her role as Chief Executive at TBL, Judith as Operations Director oversaw the daily operations and strategic planning for all three of TBL’s venues ensuring a consistent and seamless five-star service. Judith also managed the Waterfront & Ulster Hall for 14 years and worked in UTV, one of Northern Ireland’s largest broadcasting houses.

Christine Wacker recently joined Formula 1 as the Head of Experiences leading all location-based entertainment efforts for the brand globally. Under her direction she will accelerate the growth of F1 Arcade and F1 Drive by opening additional locations and F1 Exhibition as it travels to new territories. She is also responsible for expanding the portfolio with new experiences and attractions that reach and engage fans of the sport.

Wacker formerly held the position of Director of Business Development for Live Experiences at Netflix where she successfully leveraged some of the world’s most popular IP into out-of-home and leisure-base experiences. Under her tenure, she expanded the Netflix experiences portfolio into new markets with original concepts, including Stranger Things: The Encounter in Singapore, Money Heist (La Casa De Papel) and Squid Games Experiences in Saudi Arabia, Stranger Things immersive retail in Brazil, Bridgerton Tea in the UK, and Squid Game VR at 40 Sandbox locations worldwide.

Prior to joining Netflix, Wacker was Vice President of Location Based Experiences for Warner Bros. Discovery, where she had oversight of the direct-to-consumer and licensed businesses, including retail stores, e-commerce, consumer products, and live entertainment. In this role, Wacker spearheaded the growth of Discovery branded live entertainment and experiences into China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. She successfully launched the Cake Boss Café in New York City with Buddy Valastro, Discovery at SEA program with Princess Cruises, land-based adventure tours across 35 global locations, and the first IP based adventure park in China. In 2019, Wacker was named a blooloop Top 50 Global Influencer in recognition of her creativity, passion, and drive that helped shape and improve the themed entertainment industry.

Christine Wacker currently serves as the Director of Business Development for the Live Experiences team at Netflix, where she leads a team responsible for forging relationships with best in class partners to bring Netflix IP to life through innovative out-of-the-home experiences for members around the globe.

Under her tenure, the team has expanded into new regions with innovative experiences, such as Stranger Things: The Encounter in Singapore, La Casa De Papel in Saudi Arabia, Stranger Things Immersive Retail in Brazil, and Squid Games VR at 40 Sandbox locations worldwide.

Prior to joining Netflix, Christine was Vice President of Location Based Experiences for Discovery Inc, where she had oversight of many of Discovery’s direct-to-consumer and licensed businesses, such as retail stores, e-commerce, consumer products, and live entertainment. While there she oversaw the expansion of Discovery branded products, experiences in China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

She also successfully launched the Cake Boss Café in NYC in partnership with Buddy Valastro, a global partnership with Global Hotel Alliance for Discovery branded category of hotels, and the Discovery at SEA partnership with Princess Cruises. In 2019, Christine was named a Blooloop Top 50 Global Influencer in recognition of her creativity, passion, and drive that helped shape and improve the themed entertainment industry.

As AREA15’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Meg Parker oversees brand development and all marketing and communications strategies to establish AREA15 as a must-see destination. Together with a marketing team, Parker guides the development of creative campaigns, digital advertising, curated content programs and other marketing strategies to increase visitation and drive ticket revenue.

Since opening its doors in 2020, AREA15 has welcomed nearly 5 million visitors and hosts nearly 300 live events a year. Parker is a member of the corporate executive team and reports to AREA15’s chief executive officer Winston Fisher. As AREA15 expands across 20 acres in Las Vegas and its future locations, Parker is responsible for building the marketing and communications initiatives in other markets.

She is the driving force behind AREA15 earning multiple Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Pinnacle Awards for best-in-class PR and marketing campaigns for “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” and “LIFTOFF Bar and Ride.” Parker brings more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience working with global consumer brands such as Estée Lauder, PUMA, North Sails and Honeywell. During her tenure at PUMA, she worked on two Olympic campaigns with Usain Bolt, oversaw the communications program for two around-the-world Volvo Ocean Races and launched many celebrity-driven product campaigns. Parker received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston in political science.

Frederica Peters (née Swallow) is the Regional Lead EMEA, Location Based Entertainment for Mattel. Frederica leads a team across Theme Parks and Permanent Attractions, Live Entertainment, Hospitality, and Exhibitions. With brands, such as Barbie™, Hot Wheels™ and Thomas & Friends™, in the Mattel portfolio, Frederica is an expert at creating memorable consumer experiences which empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Frederica is a specialist in creative project management and has launched attractions such as ‘Barbie: The Exhibition’ at the Design Museum London, ‘Thomas & Percy’s Submarine Splash’ at Drayton Manor Resort, the world’s first ‘All Engines Go’ theme park ride and managed a touring attractions portfolio including Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition.

Previously Frederica managed global events and marketing for the Virgin Racing Formula-E team, before leading the Sales, Events and Groups team for Hyatt UK as Events & Groups Director. Frederica has been in the industry over ten years since her graduation from the University of Nottingham.

My name is Pauline Ravry, I’m 30 years old and I have a degree in Building, Planning and Architecture Engineering.

I’ve been working for Futuroscope for over 3 years as a Project Manager.

Our role as Project Managers is to enable the park’s development, whether in terms of attractions, hotels, catering or facilities.

As a strategist at Efteling, Kees Rijnen‘s primary focus is shaping the long-term vision and developing strategic plans in key areas such as sustainability, accessibility, diversity and inclusion. Improving and enhancing immersive experiences to ensure guests fully embrace the Efteling magic is also a key focus area.

Together with his fellow strategists, they create forward-looking visions and actionable plans that guide the future of Efteling. Their work encompasses the guest journey, technology and innovation and the creation of strategic and policy documents that support the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board.

Jim Shumway joined TAIT in 2013, serving in many roles prior to his current position as VP – Project Delivery. In this role, Shumway focuses on TAIT’s End-to-End projects, bringing together cross-functional and geographically disparate teams to leverage TAIT’s full suite of services for our clients. Focusing on unique solutions for projects of all sizes and markets, Shumway has delivered opening nights for notable clients such as Taylor Swift, Beyonce, The Metropolitan Opera, Universal Studios, and The Walt Disney Company, among many others. Shumway also serves in an Account Management role for some of TAIT’s largest and/or most cutting-edge clients, focusing on ensuring clear communication at the Executive level translates into surpassed expectations for all involved.

Shumway is the author of Automated Performer Flying: The State of the Art, published by Routledge in 2019, recognized as the leading textbook on the topic, and is an annual guest lecturer at Yale’s School of Drama.

Prior to joining TAIT, Shumway worked for organizations such as Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, constantly focusing on inventive process improvements to benefit the guest experience.

For over 30 years, Sarah Sutton has led the US museum sector in sustainability and climate action.

She is CEO of Environment and Culture Partners, a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening and broadening the environmental leadership of the cultural sector. She co-founded the company in 2021 with Stephanie Shapiro.

She is the co-author of “The Green Museum: A Primer on Environmental Practice”, published in 2008, and was also a founding board member of AAM’s Professional Network dedicated to sustainability.

Sutton was recognised with the AAM Environment and Climate Network’s first Individual Impact Award in 2019. She was the plenary speaker for the International Council of Museums and represented the US Cultural Sector’s climate work at COP25. Sutton was one of 100 global representatives invited to advise ICOMOS-IPCC-UNESCO on the role of cultural heritage in IPCC Assessments, and also represented the US cultural sector at COP26.

She was voted into the blooloop 50 Museum Influencer list for 2022 and 2023.

For over 30 years, Sarah Sutton has led the US museum sector in sustainability and climate action.

She is CEO of Environment and Culture Partners, a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening and broadening the environmental leadership of the cultural sector. She co-founded the company in 2021 with Stephanie Shapiro.

She is the co-author of “The Green Museum: A Primer on Environmental Practice”, published in 2008, and was also a founding board member of AAM’s Professional Network dedicated to sustainability.

Sutton was recognised with the AAM Environment and Climate Network’s first Individual Impact Award in 2019. She was the plenary speaker for the International Council of Museums and represented the US Cultural Sector’s climate work at COP25. Sutton was one of 100 global representatives invited to advise ICOMOS-IPCC-UNESCO on the role of cultural heritage in IPCC Assessments, and also represented the US cultural sector at COP26.

She was voted into the Blooloop 50 Museum Influencer list for 2022.

For over 30 years, Sarah Sutton has led the US museum sector in sustainability and climate action. She is CEO of Environment and Culture Partners, a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening and broadening the environmental leadership of the cultural sector. She co-founded the company in 2021 with Stephanie Shapiro.

She is the co-author of “The Green Museum: A Primer on Environmental Practice”, published in 2008, and was also a founding board member of AAM’s Professional Network dedicated to sustainability.

Sutton was recognised with the AAM Environment and Climate Network’s first Individual Impact Award in 2019. She was the plenary speaker for the International Council of Museums and represented the US Cultural Sector’s climate work at COP25. Sutton was one of 100 global representatives invited to advise ICOMOS-IPCC-UNESCO on the role of cultural heritage in IPCC Assessments, and also represented the US cultural sector at COP26.

She was voted into the Blooloop 50 Museum Influencer list for 2022.

Steve Tatham is Executive Creative Director at Universal Creative, leading the creative efforts on Epic Universe opening in 2025.

Previously, he held the position of Vice President Creative at Universal Studios Japan, and Principal Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development. He was at Disney for 28 years and has been at Universal for eight. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Graduate School of Design (AMDP, ‘23) and holds a Masters in Architecture from UCLA and a BA in set design from UC Berkeley.

Steve was selected by blooloop as one of the world’s “Top 50 Theme Park Influencers.” He has been awarded several THEA Awards for his theme park work, and his graphic novel, “Repuglicans” was selected as one of the 10 Best Graphic Novels of 2010 by the Village Voice. He was honored by the LA Weekly as one of Los Angeles’ “People of 2008” for his groundbreaking work on his daily internet comedy show, “The Ointment.” For more, visit www.stevetatham.com.

Steve Tatham is Executive Creative Director at Universal Creative, leading the creative efforts on a major new theme park slated to open in 2025.

Previously, he held the position of Vice President Creative at Universal Studios Japan, and Principal Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development. He was at Disney for 28 years and has been at Universal for eight. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Graduate School of Design (AMDP, ‘23) and holds a Masters in Architecture from UCLA and a BA in set design from UC Berkeley.

Steve was selected by Blooloop as one of the world’s “Top 50 Theme Park Influencers.” He has been awarded several THEA Awards for his theme park work, and his graphic novel, “Repuglicans” was selected as one of the 10 Best Graphic Novels of 2010 by the Village Voice. He was honored by the LA Weekly as one of Los Angeles’ “People of 2008” for his groundbreaking work on his daily internet comedy show, “The Ointment.” For more, visit www.stevetatham.com.

Steve Tatham is executive creative director for Universal Creative in Orlando.

He started his theme park career at Walt Disney Imagineering immediately after graduating with a masters of Architecture from UCLA.

He was at Disney for 28 years in the roles of show designer, show writer, copywriter, manager of advanced projects, senior manager of connected experiences, and principal at Walt Disney Imagineering R&D.

In 2014, Tatham was approached to lead a team for Universal Studios Japan. He then spent four productive years in Japan before taking up a role leading the development of new projects for Universal in Orlando.

Steve Tatham has 30-plus years of entertainment industry experience in writing, producing, directing, designing and leading creative efforts in the online, interactive and theme park realms.

He has a successful track record grounded in vision, innovative ideas, team leadership and the ability to pitch ideas that get sold, developed and built, from low-budget to multi-billion-dollar projects.

Jon Tozer is VP of Global Delivery at Holovis. Having worked in both the UK HQ and the Holovis Inc. Orlando offices, Jon has been part of the delivery team of projects for clients including Universal Destinations and Experiences, Merlin Entertainments, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, and United Parks and Resorts.

As a Chartered Engineer by trade, Jon has worked at all levels in the company starting in the Engineering Department, beginning life in Holovis as a Design Engineer over 8 years ago and eventually leading the delivery of key projects for attractions around the globe. He is now responsible for continually improving the delivery of Holovis systems and projects, not only to make sure the clients and team are always happier, but to make sure guests get the very best experience at the point where technology and story meet – he always operates on the front line of the company.

Jon is passionate about identifying and mentoring young industry talent and championing themed entertainment careers in places where aspiring people may not have thought it possible. He also passionately ensures that our industry is represented in governing bodies such as the Institute of Engineering & Technology and elsewhere in the Audio-Visual industry.

Chris Lange is the founder and creative force behind Creative Studio Berlin, a leading design and production company based in Berlin, Germany. Lange has been working in the entertainment industry for twenty-five years and is a multiple award-winning creative executive. His latest accolade came in March 2024 when he received a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for the Deutschlandsmuseum.

Lange is proud of the many unique and exciting visitor experiences he has created for audiences of all ages around the world. Lange’s strength in these projects is his creative vision, which he is able to develop for his clients and then impart to his talented design teams. And, throughout his career, Lange has led international design and installation teams worldwide. These projects have given him extensive experience in all phases of attraction and theme park development, from blue-sky concepts to opening. Lange’s skills have enabled him to work within various financial and schedule constraints while consistently opening attractions on time and on budget.

As the former Creative Executive at Europa-Park, Lange introduced a new era of storytelling and show quality to the park. Lange was responsible for all new stories, designs, and implementation of over 40 projects, including the highly themed “Rulantica” water park and “Kronasar” hotel. Before working at Europe’s second-largest resort, Lange worked internationally on projects like 20th Century Fox World Malaysia, Adlab‘s Imagicaa Mumbai, LEGOLAND California, and midway brands such as SEA-LIFE Aquariums, the Dungeons and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

In the past five years Lange established Creative Studio Berlin to a full-service design and production studio working globally on various Local Based Entertainment and Resort Development projects.

Lange is a regular guest speaker on expert panels at industry events like IAAPA Expos, TEA and SATE conference. Chris proudly serves the Themed Entertainment Association as Vice President on the Executive Committee on the International Board of Directors. Chris has been distinguished as blooloop’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencer for many years in a row.

Chris Lange is the founder and creative force behind Creative Studio Berlin. As an award-winning Creative Executive, he is part of the themed entertainment industry for twenty-plus years.

He is proud of the many unique and exciting visitor experiences he has created for audiences of all ages around the world. Throughout his career, Chris has led international design and installation teams across the globe.

As a former Creative Executive at Europa-Park, Chris introduced a new era of storytelling and show quality to the park. Chris was responsible for all new stories, designs, and implementation of over 30 projects, including the highly themed “Rulantica” water park and “Kronasar” hotel.

Before working for Europe‘s second-largest resort, Chris worked internationally on projects like 20th Century Fox World Malaysia, Adlab‘s Imagica Mumbai, LEGOLAND California, and midway brands such as SEA-LIFE aquariums, the Dungeons or LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Currently, Chris is working as Creative Executive globally on various Local Based Entertainment and Resort Development projects. Chris is also a regular guest speaker on expert panels at industry events like TEA SATE, or IAAPA. He proudly serves the Themed Entertainment Association on the International Board of Directors.

Chris Lange is the founder and creative force behind Creative Studio Berlin. As a Blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer and award-winning Creative Executive, he has over twenty years experience in the themed entertainment industry.

He is proud of the many unique and exciting visitor experiences he has created for audiences of all ages around the world.

Throughout his career, Chris has led international design and installation teams across the globe.

As a former Creative Executive at Europa-Park, Chris introduced a new era of storytelling and show quality to the park. Chris was responsible for all new stories, designs, and implementation of over 30 projects, including the highly themed “Rulantica” water park and “Kronasar” hotel. Before working for Europe‘s second-largest resort, Chris worked internationally on projects like 20th Century Fox World Malaysia, Adlab‘s Imagica Mumbai, LEGOLAND California, and midway brands such as SEA-LFE aquariums, the Dungeons or LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Currently, Chris is working as an independent Creative Executive globally on various Local Based Entertainment and Resort Development projects.
Chris is also a regular guest speaker on expert panels at industry events like TEA SATE, or IAAPA. He proudly serves the Themed Entertainment Association on the board of directors in the EME division.

Chris Lange is the founder and creative force behind Creative Studio Berlin. As an award-winning Creative Executive, he is part of the themed entertainment industry for twenty-plus years.

He is proud of the many unique and exciting visitor experiences he has created for audiences of all ages around the world.

Throughout his career, Chris has led international design and installation teams across the globe.

As a former Creative Executive at Europa-Park, Chris introduced a new era of storytelling and show quality to the park. Chris was responsible for all new stories, designs, and implementation of over 30 projects, including the highly themed “Rulantica” water park and “Kronasar” hotel. Before working for Europe‘s second-largest resort, Chris worked internationally on projects like 20th Century Fox World Malaysia, Adlab‘s Imagica Mumbai, LEGOLAND California, and midway brands such as SEA-LFE aquariums, the Dungeons or LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Currently, Chris is working as an independent Creative Executive globally on various Local Based Entertainment and Resort Development projects.
Chris is also a regular guest speaker on expert panels at industry events like TEA SATE, or IAAPA. He proudly serves the Themed Entertainment Association on the board of directors in the EME division.

Megan Wastell is Senior Vice President, Global Creative, for Merlin Entertainments, Europe’s largest and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator. There she leads the creative team who work across Merlin’s 140+ global attractions, partnering with a range of IPs including LEGO, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Magic Light Entertainment and HASBRO.

A former Sky and MTV executive, Megan joined Merlin from her previous role as Director of Products & Podcasts at London’s Global Radio, Europe’s largest commercial radio company.

She has more than 20 years of experience in the media and entertainments industry, with previous roles including Head of Creative Strategy for Sky Creative, Sky’s 300+ strong in-house creative agency, where she led the creative thinking behind channel rebrands, on-air positioning, and through-the-line creative for all Sky Channels. Prior to Sky, Megan ran the mobile division of MTV Entertainment Group in New York.

Megan Wastell is Global Creative Director for Merlin Entertainments, Europe’s largest and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator. There she leads the creative team who work across Merlin’s 140+ global attractions, partnering with a range of IPs including LEGO, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Magic Light Entertainment and HASBRO.

A former Sky and MTV executive, Megan joined Merlin from her previous role as Director of Products & Podcasts at London’s Global Radio, Europe’s largest commercial radio company.

She has more than 20 years of experience in the media and entertainments industry, with previous roles including Head of Creative Strategy for Sky Creative, Sky’s 300+ strong in-house creative agency. Prior to Sky, Megan ran the mobile division of MTV Entertainment Group in New York.

Born and raised in Yorkshire, Ben Wilson graduated with a BA Hons in Interior Design in 2009 and has been a part of the design community ever since. In 2012 he joined a well-established interior design studio specialising in Cruise Ship design, SMC Design in London. Here, he worked his way up from a Junior Designer on the award winning Viking Cruises prototype, Viking Star, to Senior Designer/Project Manager for the first newbuild of Saga Cruises, Spirit of Discovery, of which received the inaugural Seatrade ‘Marine Interior Design of the Year’ award in 2019.

Since joining the New Building department of MSC Cruises in 2021 as Head of Architecture and Concept Design, Wilson has led the successful delivery of MSC World Europa, MSC Seascape and MSC Euribia. Looking to the immediate future, his role is to design, develop and deliver innovative and exciting new cabins, suites, and public areas for MSC World America and MSC World Asia, along with spearheading the continuous evolution of the MSC Cruises contemporary brand.

Jeff Parker is a creative lead at Merlin Entertainments, working on multiple brands, a position he has held since 2014, prior to this he had a number of roles within the company, from concept artist and visualiser on the Sea Life brand, then delivering aquariums in Jesolo, Charlotte, Detroit and Orlando.

He then went on to design the first two Little Big City attractions in Berlin and Beijing.

His most recent projects have been creating new IP concepts for the Merlin brand, including the implementation of Animal Treasure Island as a Pirate based water ride into Gardaland Italy, he helped create compelling propositions for new LEGOLAND second gates, including LEGOLAND Mini-Golf which opened in 2024.

He was also instrumental in forming Merlin Ventures, a branch of the R&D department looking specifically at exciting new pop-up attractions in the world of immersive theatre, immersive dinning, competitive socialising, ‘artertainment’ and free roaming VR, aiming to partner and invest with them.

Jeff Parker is the creative lead for the R&D department at Merlin Entertainments, a position he has held since 2018, prior to this he had a number of roles within the company, from concept artist and visualiser on the Sea Life brand, then delivering aquariums in Jesolo, Charlotte, Detroit and Orlando.

He then went on to design the first two Little Big City attractions in Berlin and Beijing.

His most recent projects have been creating compelling propositions for new LEGOLAND second gates, including LEGOLAND Mini-Golf which is under construction for a 2024 opening.

He was also instrumental in forming Merlin Ventures, a new branch of the R&D department looking specifically at exciting new pop-up attractions in the world of immersive theatre, immersive dinning, competitive socialising, ‘artertainment’ and free roaming VR, aiming to partner and invest with them.

Nick Laister is the owner of Fairytale Farm in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, an award-winning farm attraction aimed at families with young children. When it opened in 2013, it was the first mainstream visitor attraction to be designed around the needs of children with disabilities.

Laister is Managing Director of Laister Planning and is the leading planning consultant in the UK providing planning advice to owners and operators of visitor attractions, holiday parks and park home developments. Laister advises a large number of UK theme parks, zoos, farm parks and heritage attractions.

Laister is also founder and former chair of the Dreamland Heritage Trust, which secured funding for the restoration and reopening of the Dreamland Amusement Park in Margate, Kent.

Nick Laister is the owner of Fairytale Farm in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, an award-winning farm attraction aimed at families with young children. When it opened in 2013, it was the first mainstream visitor attraction to be designed around the needs of children with disabilities.

Nick is Managing Director of Laister Planning and is the leading planning consultant in the UK providing planning advice to owners and operators of visitor attractions, holiday parks and park home developments. Nick advises a large number of UK theme parks, zoos, farm parks and heritage attractions.

Nick is also founder and former chair of the Dreamland Heritage Trust, which secured funding for the restoration and reopening of the Dreamland Amusement Park in Margate, Kent.

“The last 15 years have gone in an absolute flash,” says Joe Graziano, Director of Sales, EMEA, Entertainment Division. Joe started at Christie in February 2007 and has held various management roles, including UK channel sales manager, market development manager, EMEA, MicroTiles and interactivity, and regional sales manager, for Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Cyprus and Bahrain.

Over the last decade and a half, Joe has traveled to different parts of North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe to meet with partners. He appreciates the opportunity to combine his love of travel and culture with work. And it’s not just “any work” – Joe prides himself in creating and maintaining lasting partnerships based on trust, loyalty, and understanding.

When asked if he could pinpoint a career highlight, the answer was clear: being involved in the development and supply as well as visiting the Al Wasl dome at Expo2020 in Dubai. The dome was a technological marvel–a feat of architecture, engineering, and AV integrations that featured 252 Christie D4K40-RGB projectors powered by Christie Conductor. “Not only did it make me realize what a great technology company Christie is, but what amazing partners we work with every day,” says Joe.

While he’s not at work, Joe loves to spend time with his family. He’s also a very passionate football fan; Liverpool FC is his team. He often visits Liverpool with his family to catch a match, which is a trip that combines family time, travel, and football. Does it get any better than that?

Born in 1962 in Flensburg, Germany, Michael Kreft von Byern has a longstanding career in tourism, leisure, and entertainment management. After completing A-Levels in Flensburg, he served in the German Armed Forces, where he underwent military service and officer training as a signal communications officer in Munich. He later studied Tourism and Leisure Science in Fulda and Würzburg and was a Scientific Assistant at the Würzburg Institute for Tourism and Leisure Research.

Since 1988, he has held various leadership positions at Europa-Park in Rust. Starting as a Public Relations Officer, he progressed to roles including Director of Public Relations, Director of Marketing, Director of Operations, and Head of Mack Solutions and the Creative + Development Team. He currently serves as the Representative of the Board of Europa-Park.

In addition to his work at Europa-Park, Kreft von Byern has held prominent roles in industry organizations. From 2001 to 2018, he was a member and later Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the German Chamber of Commerce in Berlin. He is a member of the Supervisory Board of Black Forest Tourism and chairs the Economy Advisory Committee. Since 2010, he has been a member of the Research Advisory Committee of the German Institute for Tourism (DWIF) at the University of Munich. He served on the European Board of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) from 2010 to 2019, including as Chairman of its EMEA Government Relations Subcommittee in Brussels. In 2019, he became Vice President of the Board of the German Association of Leisure Parks (VDFU).

Since January 2019, Kreft von Byern has been the General Manager of Rulantica, Europa-Park’s water world, overseeing its development and operations.

Tom Acomb is the Chief Creative Executive and Design Principal at AOA and one of the company’s two founders. Defined by acuity and heartfelt enthusiasm, Tom oversees AOA’s creative division with an artistic eye, innovative drive, and high expectations. Always striving for close-knit team dynamics, he equally values his team’s welfare and creative skill. His ability to guide and direct designers, technicians, and artists alike is indicative of his multipronged approach to ideation and production.

Since founding AOA with his partner Mike Ostendorf, Tom has achieved an extensive portfolio of creative project work, emblematic of both technical reimagination and design excellence. In his more than thirty years of experience, Tom has worked in a variety of fields, ranging from commercial space tourism and hospitality to cruise lines and healthcare. Earlier in his career, he worked as a hands-on artist at Walt Disney World and in the art departments for feature films at Cinecittà in Italy, Ardmore Studios in Dublin, Pinewood & Shepperton studios in the United Kingdom, and Warner Brothers in Burbank, CA.

Tom was a founding board member of the Themed Environment Integration program at the University of Florida CityLab-Orlando Graduate School of Architecture. He is also an advisory board member to Dr. Bryan Mesmer’s INCLUDE program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Tom is the recipient of more than a dozen Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and has been twice recognized as a blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer.

Michael Aiello is the Senior Director of Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort. With over 28 years of experience, Michael has been a driving force within Universal’s entertainment division, championing a collaborative team approach.

Aiello has overseen creative development for all live shows and nighttime spectacles within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Collaborating with Warner Bros., he led teams in the creation of many dynamic show elements, including latest castle show, “Hogwarts Always”, an incredible new projection show that will take guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts – all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle.

Aiello has led the creative teams for several nighttime lagoon spectaculars, including the latest “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular.” This exhilarating new show celebrates the emotional power of music by leveraging the iconic scores and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present, and future attractions. The next-level lagoon show will feature fountains, incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones.

Aiello also led creative and design teams for the newest daytime offering, “Universal Mega Movie Parade”, a spectacular celebration of iconic movies E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions and Sing, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.

Since 2003, Aiello has played a significant creative role many haunted houses, scarezones, and live shows within Universal Orlando’s annual event, Halloween Horror Nights. From original characters, storylines, and content to IP-branded horror attractions, Aiello’s horror fandom has provided HHN with world-class content. Aiello has successfully partnered with New Line Cinema to co-create content based on “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Friday the 13th,” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, as well as Lionsgate to create haunted houses based on the SAW franchise. He has partnered and led creative with Warner Bros. on haunted houses based on “The Exorcist” and “Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining.” Aiello has collaborated with Netflix and creators The Duffer Brothers on haunted house adaptations of the “Stranger Things” series, with Jason Blum on several Blumhouse attractions and with Neil Druckman in adapting “The Last of Us” into a terrifying haunt experience.

Aiello contributed his expertise to Universal’s newest theme park, “Universal Epic Universe,” where he spent nearly two years developing groundbreaking entertainment concepts with Universal Creative.

Aiello has fostered a culture of creativity and collaboration throughout his tenure, working alongside and inspiring a growing team of talented individuals within the Universal Orlando Resorts Entertainment Division. His dedication to teamwork and storytelling remains unwavering as he continues on future live entertainment initiatives for Universal Destinations and Experiences.

Steve Alcorn is an entrepreneur, engineer, inventor, author, and teacher. In 1982 he joined Walt Disney Imagineering, where he helped design the electronic systems for Epcot Center. After opening he was appointed as Imagineering’s first Systems Engineer. In 1986 he founded Alcorn McBride Inc. The company’s show control, audio, and video playback products are the park-wide standard throughout most of the world’s theme parks.

Alcorn is also a USA Today Best-Selling author who has written a dozen fiction and non-fiction books, including the Epcot history Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot, and Theme Park Design: Behind the Scenes with an Engineer.

Steve Alcorn is an entrepreneur, engineer, inventor, author, and teacher. In 1982 he joined Walt Disney Imagineering, where he helped design the electronic systems for Epcot Center. After opening he was appointed as Imagineering’s first Systems Engineer. In 1986 he founded Alcorn McBride Inc. The company’s show control, audio, and video playback products are the park-wide standard throughout most of the world’s theme parks.

Mr. Alcorn is also a USA Today Best-Selling author who has written a dozen fiction and non-fiction books, including the Epcot history Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot, and Theme Park Design: Behind the Scenes with an Engineer.

Steve Alcorn is an entrepreneur, engineer, inventor, author, and teacher. In 1982 he joined Walt Disney Imagineering, where he helped design the electronic systems for Epcot Center. After opening he was appointed as Imagineering’s first Systems Engineer.

In 1986 he founded Alcorn McBride Inc. The company’s show control, audio, and video playback products are the park-wide standard throughout most of the world’s theme parks.

Mr. Alcorn is also a USA Today Best-Selling author who has written a dozen fiction and non-fiction books, including the Epcot history Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot, and Theme Park Design: Behind the Scenes with an Engineer.

Steve Alcorn is an entrepreneur, engineer, inventor, author, and teacher. In 1982 he joined Walt Disney Imagineering, where he helped design the electronic systems for Epcot Center. After opening he was appointed as Imagineering’s first Systems Engineer.

In 1986 he founded Alcorn McBride Inc. The company’s show control, audio, and video playback products are the park-wide standard throughout most of the world’s theme parks.

Mr. Alcorn is also a USA Today Best-Selling author who has written a dozen fiction and non-fiction books, including the Epcot history Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot, and Theme Park Design: Behind the Scenes with an Engineer.

Eng. Al Yaqdhan bin Abdullah Al Harthi is the director general of the Oman Across Ages Museum. This new museum charts the story of the Sultanate of Oman from its geographic pre-history through its evolution to the Renaissance of the 1970s, to the present day and into the future. Al Harthi was involved in all aspects of its creation, overseeing the collection, storyline, conservation work, structure, and policies. As part of his role, he helps visitors connect with Oman’s past, understand its present, and envision its future.

The museum has an auditorium, permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, a vast garden and numerous dining venues, and a comprehensive library, the Knowledge Centre. It takes inspiration from the landscape and canyons of the Al Hajar Mountains. Leveraging scale, form, light, and vistas, the design harmonises with the landscape and celebrates Oman’s rich heritage.

Inside, open, column-free spaces afford an unobstructed visitor experience. The content traces Oman’s story from its first prehistoric settlers through the following civilisations to its modern renaissance.

Speaking to blooloop in 2024, Al Harthi said: “I was handling this from the museum’s initial concept. The museum was built by the vision of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, which was to build a museum in Manah, a small village near Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman. Oman Across Ages is an audiovisual museum, looking at Oman’s history from its geographic and geological origins through to 1970, and then the 50-year renaissance period of achievement that followed under the reign of the late Sultan Qaboos, and into the future.”

The Oman Across Ages Museum’s vision is to be a world-class visitor destination that strengthens the relationship of Omani youth with their cultural heritage, transforming the way they engage with their country and inspiring them to participate in shaping its future.

Guillaume Allaire joined Puy du Fou in 2014, managing its international expansion during eight years. In 2022, he became Executive Producer of Puy du Fou Films, overseeing projects bringing the brand’s essence from stage to screen. Concurrently, he serves as CEO of Puy du Fou Nederland and is also a member of the Executive Board of Puy du Fou Group.

Kimberly Beneville is a Co-Founder of Beneville Studios, an Idea Manifestation Machine based in New York City. With a background in theater, storytelling has been the primary focus of her career, and a skill that has been integral to her work at Beneville Studios.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Kimberly began working as an actress at a young age. She met her future business partner and husband Michael Beneville in 2003, during which time they were both working actors, Kimberly as a performer on a hidden camera show and Michael as a host for an Xbox gaming show. Kimberly and Michael’s first projects together focused on creating bespoke objects such as inventive centerpieces for leading event planners. Though Kimberly and Michael have since divorced, they remain best friends and business partners.

When Kimberly and Michael established Beneville Studios, with Co-Founder and current President Camille Purdy, Kimberly found that her passions for storytelling were best suited to working behind-the-scenes. For the studio’s projects creating commissioned artwork and one-of-a-kind artifacts for exclusive clientele, Kimberly spends countless hours researching and compiling interviews, photos, and footage to construct the story of a client’s life and success. She believes that everyone has a compelling story to tell, and strives to make these stories tangible.

The project that Kimberly views as one of the masterpieces of her career at Beneville Studios was her work on The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, which provides world-class education to previously disadvantaged girls in South Africa. Kimberly and her team traveled to South Africa to interview the first class of girls to graduate from the school, collecting the students’ expressions of their hopes, dreams, and gratitude, which the studio then wove into a hand-bound commemorative book that was presented to Oprah Winfrey and preserves a magical moment in time for all involved.

For the Studio’s more recent work on AREA15, a massive experiential retail and entertainment complex off the Las Vegas strip, Kimberly has played an integral role in researching and securing tenants who will be the best fit for the project.

She has brought in a wide range of partners, including the Santa Fe art collective Meow Wolf, which brought to AREA15 a permanent interactive exhibition featuring the work of hundreds of local and international artists, and Los Angeles-based Lost Spirits, an immersive distillery experience. Kimberly has also spearheaded the creation of an interactive bazaar offering handmade wearable art, including headpieces, jewellery, goggles, cloaks, body suits and more.

Kimberly currently splits her time between Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas.

Co-founder of Bompas & Parr, Sam Bompas works as executive creative director of the company. He spends his time developing ideas that are universally appealing, experientially compelling and highly press-worthy. Projects such as Alcoholic Architecture have had a reach of 3.7 billion and Symphony in Blue (for Johnnie Walker Blue Label) had a reach of over 3 billion. Press accolades include TimeOut’s ’50 Best Londoners’ and Evening Standard’s ‘1000 most influential people’.

Over the years Sam has cultivated an extensive network of historians, chemists, micro-biologists, artists, musicians, art directors, flavourists, chefs, professional noses, inventors, stage illusionists, and pyrotechnicians who collaborate with Bompas & Parr to create genuine world firsts such a fireworks show where you can taste the fireworks as they explode above your head, attended by a quarter of a million people.

Sam lectures internationally and has delivered keynotes for companies such as Google, Unilever, Diageo and Coca-Cola and at the Met, Royal Academy of Arts and Victoria & Albert . Particular areas of expertise include, location based experiences, consumer journeys, visitor experiences, routes to creativity, the future of food and drink and multi-sensory design.

Co-founder of Bompas & Parr, Sam Bompas works as executive creative director of the company. He spends his time developing ideas that are universally appealing, experientially compelling and highly press-worthy. Projects such as Alcoholic Architecture have had a reach of 3.7 billion and Symphony in Blue (for Johnnie Walker Blue Label) had a reach of over 3 billion. Press accolades include TimeOut’s ’50 Best Londoners’ and Evening Standard’s ‘1000 most influential people’.

Over the years Sam has cultivated an extensive network of historians, chemists, micro-biologists, artists, musicians, art directors, flavourists, chefs, professional noses, inventors, stage illusionists, and pyrotechnicians who collaborate with Bompas & Parr to create genuine world firsts such a fireworks show where you can taste the fireworks as they explode above your head, attended by a quarter of a million people.

Sam lectures internationally and has delivered keynotes for companies such as Google, Unilever, Diageo and Coca-Cola and at the Met, Royal Academy of Arts and Victoria & Albert . Particular areas of expertise include, location based experiences, consumer journeys, visitor experiences, routes to creativity, the future of food and drink and multi-sensory design.

As Executive Vice President and Head of Lionsgate Global Products & Experiences, Jenefer Brown has established Lionsgate as a major force in branded entertainment. Brown oversees several fast-growing businesses that expand the reach of Lionsgate’s film and television properties, including location-based entertainment, which encompasses attractions in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia, the dynamic interactive games business and the consumer products business.

Named Executive of the Year by Los Angeles Business Journal in 2021 and a Top 10 Theme Park Influencer by blooloop for three years in a row, Brown led the successful openings of Lionsgate’ Entertainment World in Hengqin, China, which has earned rave reviews for ushering in a new era of immersive indoor theme parks; the Lionsgate Zone of the Motiongate theme park in Dubai, with a major expansion that opened in January 2022, Saw Escape experiences in Las Vegas and London; and The Hunger Games: The Exhibition at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. These initiatives add to a portfolio of Lionsgate-branded attractions and events that includes SAW: The Ride at Thorpe Park, the Dirty Dancing and Now You See Me live stage shows and La La Land, Hunger Games, Dirty Dancing and Twilight live-to-film concert tours.

Under Brown’s guidance, Lionsgate is also adapting several of its most acclaimed intellectual properties to the Broadway stage in collaboration with award-winning producers including the long-running television series Nashville and the film sensations La La Land and Wonder.

On the interactive games side, the division has garnered critical acclaim and won several major awards at E3. Highlights include the recently released Evil Dead: The Game; the groundbreaking Call of Duty X SAW crossover; Fortnite X John Wick crossover; psychological horror game Blair Witch; top-selling Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted; and Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid.

As Executive Vice President and Head of Lionsgate Global Products & Experiences, Jenefer Brown has established Lionsgate as a major force in branded entertainment. Brown oversees several fast-growing businesses that expand the reach of Lionsgate’s film and television properties, including location-based entertainment, which encompasses attractions in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia, the dynamic interactive games business and the consumer products business.

Named Executive of the Year by Los Angeles Business Journal in 2021 and a Top 10 Theme Park Influencer by Blooloop for three years in a row, Brown led the successful openings of Lionsgate’ Entertainment World in Hengqin, China, which has earned rave reviews for ushering in a new era of immersive indoor theme parks; the Lionsgate Zone of the Motiongate theme park in Dubai, with a major expansion that opened in January 2022, Saw Escape experiences in Las Vegas and London; and The Hunger Games: The Exhibition at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. These initiatives add to a portfolio of Lionsgate-branded attractions and events that includes SAW: The Ride at Thorpe Park, the Dirty Dancing and Now You See Me live stage shows and La La Land, Hunger Games, Dirty Dancing and Twilight live-to-film concert tours.

Under Brown’s guidance, Lionsgate is also adapting several of its most acclaimed intellectual properties to the Broadway stage in collaboration with award-winning producers including the long-running television series Nashville and the film sensations La La Land and Wonder.

On the interactive games side, the division has garnered critical acclaim and won several major awards at E3. Highlights include the recently released Evil Dead: The Game; the groundbreaking Call of Duty X SAW crossover; Fortnite X John Wick crossover; psychological horror game Blair Witch; top-selling Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted; and Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid.

Jenefer Brown is executive vice president and head of global live, interactive and location-based entertainment at Lionsgate.

After the launch of Lionsgate Entertainment World in 2019 in China, Brown and her team opened more themed entertainment experiences featuring the studio’s intellectual property. There are plans to roll out the Lionsgate Entertainment World format to other territories around the world.

What sets Lionsgate apart from other IP providers in the attractions industry is its focus on largely adult-led licensed properties. One of its key film franchises is The Hunger Games, as featured within the Lionsgate-themed land at Motiongate movie park in Dubai. Meanwhile, at Thorpe Park near London and in Las Vegas, horror fans can enjoy The Walking Dead and SAW-themed rides and experiences. In 2021, a new Blair Witch-themed escape room opened in Las Vegas.

Brown has been named in the blooloop Theme Park Influencer list on three occasions.

Jenefer Brown is Executive Vice President and Head of Lionsgate’s Global Live, Interactive and Location-Based Entertainment. She has established Lionsgate as a major force in branded entertainment with a fast-growing location-based entertainment business that encompasses attractions in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia. She also oversees the dynamic interactive games business that continues to expand the reach of Lionsgate’s iconic film and television properties.

Under her guidance, the Company recently opened Lionsgate Entertainment World in Hengqin, China, a vertically-designed indoor theme park built around multiple Lionsgate properties. The initiative adds to a portfolio of Lionsgate-branded attractions and events that includes the Lionsgate Zone of the Motiongate theme park in Dubai, the Official Saw Escape Room in Las Vegas, The Hunger Games: The Exhibition, the Now You See Me Live stage show and La La Land, Hunger Games and Twilight live-to-film concert tours. Lionsgate is also adapting several of its most acclaimed intellectual properties to the Broadway stage in collaboration with award-winning producers, including the long-running television series Nashville and the film sensation Wonder.

In addition, Ms. Brown heads up Lionsgate’s interactive games business whose slate continues to garner critical acclaim and which won several major awards at E3. Recent highlights include the ground-breaking Fortnite X John Wick crossover, John Wick Hex; psychological horror game Blair Witch; and top-selling Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted.

John Burton is the Senior Creative Lead for Merlin Entertainments’ Resort Theme Parks division. He oversees the creative development of iconic parks including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Gardaland, Heide Park, and Warwick Castle.

Most recently, John has led the design and delivery of major attractions such as Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers and Hyperia, the UK’s tallest roller coaster. His work includes overseeing The World of Jumanji at Chessington, featuring the world’s first Jumanji-themed coaster, Mandrill Mayhem. Other notable projects include The Curse at Alton Manor, The Walking Dead: The Ride, and Colossos: Kampf Der Giganten.

With a background in architecture and a passion for immersive storytelling, John continues to shape unforgettable theme park experiences worldwide.

Anthony Chong is the Group Managing Director at Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd, and the Executive Director of Kingsmen Creatives Ltd. With more than 40 years of experience in marketing and event management, Anthony drives the strategic management and day-to-day operations of the Group’s Theme Parks, Museums, Exhibitions, Events and Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) businesses.

Kingsmen Exhibits focuses on providing creative solutions in immersive experiences for trade shows, large scale corporate and sporting events, galleries, museums, and theme parks. The Group also develops and operates LBE and family entertainment centres (FEC).

Kingsmen Xperience Inc., the Group’s subsidiary focusing primarily on licensing Intellectual Properties for LBE, transforms brands into reimagined and expansive interactive experiences through landmark attractions. Kingsmen Xperience’s FECs include travelling exhibitions, pop-ups, and permanent installations, both in traditional and non-traditional venues.

With a passion for protecting nature, an understanding of the challenges the natural world faces, and a spirit of ruthless optimism, Dolf DeJong has enjoyed an incredible career in the conservation, wildlife protection and education field.

Dolf began as Chief Executive Officer of your Toronto Zoo in September 2018. His focus revolves around a commitment to raising the Zoo’s community connections to ensure we are working together to deliver on the Zoo’s new Strategic and Master Plan. These plans focus on saving and protecting wildlife, igniting the passion, delivering exceptional guest experiences, serving the community and revolutionizing technology.

Dolf has a Masters of Environmental Studies from Wilfred Laurier University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and an Honours Bachelor of Science from Brock University.

Master Projection Designer Bart Kresa creates projections for large corporations, movie studios, and multimedia conglomerates, including Oprah Winfrey, Paramount Pictures, the Grammy Awards, HBO, General Motors, Warner Brothers, FOX, and ABC. Kresa is also devoted to promoting humanitarian concerns through his work with various government bodies and multinational teams across the globe, including commissions in Japan, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Italy, Ireland, and his native Poland.

Kresa’s work with international artists and producers, consulting for Panasonic, along with his lectures and workshops, play a large part in advancing the use of projection design to inspire wonder and communicate ideas.

Bart Kresa is an award-winning Master Projection Designer, with over 25 years of industry experience.

He is the founder of BARTKRESA studio and Bart and his team create unparalleled projection mapping experiences around the world. The firm has won numerous awards, including AV magazine, Biz Bash, IAAPA, and the Themed Entertainment Association.

Master Projection Designer Bart Kresa creates projections for large corporations, movie studios, and multimedia conglomerates, including Oprah Winfrey, Paramount Pictures, the Grammy Awards, HBO, General Motors, Warner Brothers, FOX, and ABC. Kresa is also devoted to promoting humanitarian concerns through his work with various government bodies and multinational teams across the globe, including commissions in Japan, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Italy, Ireland, and his native Poland. Kresa’s work with international artists and producers, consulting for Panasonic, along with his lectures and workshops, play a large part in advancing the use of projection design to inspire wonder and communicate ideas.

Wouter Dekkers (53) brings nearly 25 years of experience in the leisure business since his start in 2000 with Six Flags Holland and Walibi Holland. In 2005 he started in Movie Park Germany as General Manager, where he became part of Parques Reunidos Group in 2010 after the acquisition by PQR. He has also worked for companies such as EY and KPMG. Since 2014 he has worked for Slagharen Themepark & Resort in the Netherlands and in 2019 was appointed General Manager for Tropical Islands after the acquisition by PQR early 2019. After a successful integration and turnaround, he was asked in 2021 to initiate and oversee all accommodation expansion projects for Parques Reunidos as the new Corporate Development Director.

April 2024 he was appointed as CEO of Momentum Leisure to lead the company’s further expansion, with an initial focus on growth markets in Central Europe. Momentum Leisure already operates three theme parks in Poland.

Winston Fisher serves as Chief Executive Officer of AREA15, the world’s first purpose-
built immersive entertainment district located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. AREA15 continues to grow in Las Vegas and across the globe. Welcoming nearly 5 million visitors since opening its doors in 2020, AREA15 Las Vegas is expanding across 20 acres to its north. In addition, AREA15 announced its first licensed pop-up location as part of Riyadh’s Boulevard World.

With a curated mix of dynamic destinations, AREA15 represents what’s next in experiential entertainment. The project represents a joint venture between real estate development firm Fisher Brothers and creative agency Beneville Studios, both of New York.

As CEO of AREA15, Fisher exercises his creative muscles and characteristically ambitious vision every day. As a first-of-its-kind venture occupying its own, brand-new category, AREA15 represents the culmination of Fisher’s career-spanning passion for innovation and aspirational approach to every project he undertakes. He is the leading industry voice of the experience economy, speaking across the globe at conferences and conventions about the future of immersive experiences.

Fisher hails from New York and has extraordinary experience in real estate and financial investing. Possessing a life-long interest in real estate while pursuing an early career in finance provides Fisher with an exceptionally intuitive and knowledgeable business mindset.

Since Spring 2000, Fisher has served as a partner for his family-owned and operated real estate company, Fisher Brothers. He directs the company’s financial and investing activities, property acquisitions and dispositions and oversees all new development initiatives. With experience across a broad range of transactions, he leads all financial analysis, due diligence, project capitalization efforts and joint-venture partnerships for new and distressed real estate projects. In addition to his active participation in the company’s development projects, he also manages the firm’s day-to-day stock and investment portfolio.

Fisher was recently named to the International Board of Directors of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). In addition, he is also recognized as one of blooloop’s “Top 50 Theme Park Influencers.” An active civic leader, Mr. Fisher also serves as a board member of many prominent organizations including the Partnership for New York City, the Real Estate Board of New York, Regional Plan Association, Citizens Budget Commission and as a Life Trustee at Syracuse University. He also serves as the Co- Chair of the New York City Regional Economic Development Council.

Additionally, Mr. Fisher is involved in a number of philanthropic activities, serving as a board member of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Prior to his career in finance, Fisher earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Syracuse University.

Winston Fisher is the chief executive officer of AREA15, a collaborative venture between real estate development firm Fisher Brothers and creative agency Beneville Studios. Prior to joining Fisher Brothers in 2000, Fisher worked as an analyst at JP Morgan Chase. After completing his tenure at Chase, he joined Heller Financial.

AREA15 is an experiential art and entertainment complex in Las Vegas, home to immersive activations, art installations, state-of-the-art technology, retail and F&B. Experiences include a permanent gallery that showcases artwork inspired by festivals, an ever-changing Japanese maple tree and canopy with more than 5,000 LED lights, and an interactive giant skull covered in 3D projection mapping. It’s also home to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart.

“It’s a cool space; it’s entertainment, it’s amusement,” Fisher said. “We are a storytelling company. It’s a word that you hear a lot, though only a few people actually do it with authenticity.”

Opened in 2020, AREA15 is already expanding by 20 acres. he anchor tenant will be a year-round eerie experience from Universal Destinations & Experiences inspired by Halloween Horror Nights. In an interview with blooloop, Fisher said the attraction is going to be “incredible and standout”. Halloween Horror Nights, he said, is a “30-year concept that has incredible brand awareness… it’s edgy, it’s cool, it’s fun”. He added: “It’s the right concept to be part of the AREA15 district. It’s exciting”.

​​“We are very strategic about working with really strong partners and delivering on what we promise them and then building from there,” said Fisher. “We couldn’t be happier that Universal chose AREA15. And it’s going to drive traffic. Our goal is that everybody who’s in the AREA15 ecosystem prospers. We want everyone to be wildly economically successful.”

Fisher was a judge for the inaugural blooloop Innovation Awards in 2021 and joined the panel of judges again in 2022. Speaking about the awards, he said: “This collaboration is rooted in a shared philosophy; to celebrate the projects shaping the future of visitor attractions and immersive experiences.”

Winston Fisher is the chief executive officer of AREA15, a collaborative venture between real estate development firm Fisher Brothers and creative agency Beneville Studios.

AREA15 was launched in September 2020.

AREA15 is an experiential art and entertainment complex in Las Vegas, home to immersive activations, art installations, state-of-the-art technology, retail and F&B. Experiences include a permanent gallery that showcases artwork inspired by festivals, an ever-changing Japanese maple tree and canopy with more than 5,000 LED lights, and an interactive giant skull covered in 3D projection mapping. It’s also home to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart.

“It’s a cool space; it’s entertainment, it’s amusement,” Fisher said. “We are a storytelling company. It’s a word that you hear a lot, though only a few people actually do it with authenticity.”

Fisher was a judge for the inaugural blooloop Innovation Awards in 2021 and joined the panel of judges again in 2022. Speaking about the awards, he said:

“This collaboration is rooted in a shared philosophy; to celebrate the projects shaping the future of visitor attractions and immersive experiences.”

Fisher has been in the blooloop Theme Park Influencer list for 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Winston Fisher is the chief executive officer of AREA15, a collaborative venture between real estate development firm Fisher Brothers and creative agency Beneville Studios. AREA15 launched just one year ago in September 2020. Prior to joining Fisher Brothers in 2000, Fisher worked as an analyst at JP Morgan Chase. After completing his tenure at Chase, he joined Heller Financial.

AREA15 is an experiential art and entertainment complex in Las Vegas, home to immersive activations, art installations, state-of-the-art technology, retail and F&B. Experiences include a permanent gallery that showcases artwork inspired by festivals, an ever-changing Japanese maple tree and canopy with more than 5,000 LED lights, and an interactive giant skull covered in 3D projection mapping

“It’s a cool space; it’s entertainment, it’s amusement,” Fisher said. “We are a storytelling company. It’s a word that you hear a lot, though only a few people actually do it with authenticity.”

Jeffrey Godsick serves Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group as Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships and Brand Strategy and Head of Location Based Entertainment.

In this role, Godsick, under the leadership of SPE Motion Picture Group Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman and Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group President Josh Greenstein, is responsible for the studio’s continued global evolution and extension of its key brands, including Spider-Man, Venom, Hotel Transylvania, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Uncharted, and Men in Black, developing opportunities for the brands beyond the theatrical films.

Godsick develops long-term global branding initiatives for the studio’s tentpoles; leads the creation and execution of global promotions strategies for the studio’s films; oversees the Motion Picture Group’s efforts in Virtual Reality, both as a marketing tool and as a possible new entertainment option for consumers; and directs the studio’s location-based entertainment projects, including theme park lands and attractions.

Since his appointment to the studio in 2016 and increase in scope of responsibilities in 2017, Godsick has restructured and refocused the studio’s global promotions efforts, building broad relationships with companies; enhanced its collaboration across other Sony Corporation businesses; expanded SPE’s IP into cross-media opportunities; and developed new revenue streams.

Under Godsick’s leadership, his division has created record-breaking campaigns in support of franchise hits Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Jumanji, and Blade Runner 2049, among many other films.

He also oversees the company’s growing expansion into Location Based Entertainment, which includes an agreement with Merlin Entertainments to develop and operate attractions, rides, lands, retail outlets and themed hotel rooms based on the studio’s box office hit Jumanji film franchise across Merlin’s Resort Theme Parks and Waterparks in Europe and North America. Experiences launched as part of the agreement include Gardaland Resort’s “Jumanji®-The Adventure” and “Jumanji®-The Labyrinth” attractions in Italy, as well as the world’s first Jumanji themed land at Chessington World of Adventures Resort in the UK. Other location-based entertainment experiences around the world include “Uncharted: The Enigma of Penitence,” the only attraction in the world inspired by the movie, Uncharted, in Spain’s PortAventura World, and Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, the world’s first fully branded Columbia Pictures theme and water park, in Thailand.

Prior to joining Sony Pictures, Godsick served as President of Fox Consumer Products at Twentieth Century Fox, where he was responsible for over $2 billion annually in retail sales from licensed projects in overseeing all of Fox’s consumer products activities and leading the worldwide licensing strategy for Fox’s film and television properties. While there, he oversaw the growth of “The Simpsons” into one of the biggest licensed properties in the world, and from there, into a worldwide lifestyle brand, including the creation of Duff Beer and the opening of 50 Simpsons-themed retail stores in China. Other milestones at Fox include consumer products programs supporting the Avatar, Ice Age, “Empire,” “Sons of Anarchy,” and “Family Guy” franchises.

Godsick also served as senior executive vice president of marketing at Twentieth Century Fox’s film division, where, over the years, he oversaw Publicity, Promotions, Corporate Communications, and Content Creation; he also created and led the Digital Marketing division. During his tenure at Fox, Godsick oversaw the campaigns for such hits as Avatar (the highest grossing film of all time), the X-Men series (which relaunched the superhero franchise), Star Wars Episodes I-III, Planet of the Apes and Independence Day (the first film to cross $100 million in its opening weekend); in seven years heading publicity, Godsick’s films won the Publicists Guild Award for best Publicity Campaign four times. Godsick also served as president of Marketing for Fox Walden, a joint venture with Walden Media.

Godsick began his career at Columbia Pictures as an Assistant Field Manager, working on films including Ghostbusters.

As vice president of experiential entertainment at Mall of America, Chris Grap has consistently pushed the boundaries of themed entertainment in a retail space.

Working together with the location’s IP partner, Nickelodeon Universe, he is continuing to grow and develop the on-site theme park, but his passion for themed entertainment also extends beyond the walls of Nickelodeon Universe and into the wider 5.6 million square foot Mall of America site.

He has been with Mall of America for over a decade and moved into his current role in August 2021. During his time he has led a number of successful projects, including the Webby Award-winning #Twizzard for in the Rotunda at Mall of America on Black Friday.

Speaking to blooloop about #Twizzard, one of his favourite projects, he said: “We wanted to do something strange and engaging. So we created a Twitter-activated blizzard. We created digital thermometers that began at 72 degrees, and we asked people to tweet using the hashtag #Twizzard. As people would tweet, the temperature on the thermometers would drop, reaching 32 degrees with every thousand tweets, triggering a light show and snow machines and creating an indoor blizzard.

“It was something that I was super happy with because it wasn’t about pushing a brand, but about pushing a feeling. The way that people jumped on it just to create moments for other people was unique. It gave me and the team a lot of confidence in how we could take little tropes and tell bigger stories with them.”

Chris Grap has also breathed new life into the fan-favourite log chute attraction in Nickelodeon Universe by developing holiday overlays such as the “Fog Chute” during Halloween and the “Yule Log Chute” during the holidays as well as working with IP partners such as Netflix to transform the Log Chute into the city of Hawkins for the release of Stranger Things Season 3.

He worked with Nickelodeon and Spinmaster to bring to life the popular Paw Patrol IP, concepting and developing the Adventure Bay open-play attraction in Nickelodeon Universe and is the lead designer for Mall of America’s forth-coming water park expansion, Mystery Cove.

As vice president of experiential entertainment at Mall of America, Chris Grap has consistently pushed the boundaries of themed entertainment in a retail space.

Working together with the location’s IP partner, Nickelodeon Universe, he is continuing to grow and develop the on-site theme park, but his passion for themed entertainment also extends beyond the walls of Nickelodeon Universe and into the wider 5.6 million square foot Mall of America site.

He has been with Mall of America for over a decade and moved into his current role in August 2021. During his time he has led a number of successful projects, including the Webby Award-winning #Twizzard for in the Rotunda at Mall of America on Black Friday.

Speaking to blooloop about #Twizzard, one of his favourite projects, he said: “We wanted to do something strange and engaging. So we created a Twitter-activated blizzard. We created digital thermometers that began at 72 degrees, and we asked people to tweet using the hashtag #Twizzard. As people would tweet, the temperature on the thermometers would drop, reaching 32 degrees with every thousand tweets, triggering a light show and snow machines and creating an indoor blizzard.

“It was something that I was super happy with because it wasn’t about pushing a brand, but about pushing a feeling. The way that people jumped on it just to create moments for other people was unique. It gave me and the team a lot of confidence in how we could take little tropes and tell bigger stories with them.”

Chris Grap has also breathed new life into the fan-favourite log chute attraction in Nickelodeon Universe by developing holiday overlays such as the “Fog Chute” during Halloween and the “Yule Log Chute” during the holidays as well as working with IP partners such as Netflix to transform the Log Chute into the city of Hawkins for the release of Stranger Things Season 3.

He worked with Nickelodeon and Spinmaster to bring to life the popular Paw Patrol IP, concepting and developing the Adventure Bay open-play attraction in Nickelodeon Universe and is the lead designer for Mall of America’s forth-coming water park expansion, Mystery Cove.

Joe Herrington was born and grew up in the cattle country and oil fields of West Texas. He served in the U.S. Army as a drill instructor at Fort Knox, KY, then as a platoon sergeant in Korea until 1969. Returning to civilian life, he directed commercials, news, and local programming for KMID-TV in Odessa/Midland, Texas.

In 1973 he became the production director for the Reuben Fleet Space Center in San Diego, California, writing and producing all public programming. Late in his eighth year with Fleet, he was discovered and asked to come to Walt Disney Imagineering to head up a sound effects department and produce soundtracks for all of Disney’s theme park attractions. During his time with Disney, he also became a novelist and Western storyteller traveling internationally telling stories of the American West. Joe is now in his 43rd year with Walt Disney Imagineering as an Audio Media Designer.

Craig Inglis is Merlin’s Chief Marketing Officer – a role established when he joined the business in June 2024. He is a member of Merlin’s Executive Team.

Craig has responsibility for the business’s brand and marketing strategy, with a focus on elevating its global brand presence to drive guest engagement across a diverse portfolio of brands and attractions.

He joined Merlin following leadership roles spanning marketing, digital and customer experience at household brands like TUI, Virgin, John Lewis, Sage and The Entertainer Group. Craig is perhaps most well-known for leading an overhaul of John Lewis’s customer and marketing strategies, including moving the brand to a more emotional positioning.

The campaigns launched during Craig’s tenure at John Lewis, particularly at Christmas, became much anticipated cultural moments, delivering market-beating effectiveness and winning numerous awards, including Cannes Creative Lions, the Marketing Society, and IPA Effectiveness awards. More recently, he spearheaded global campaigns at Sage and drove transformation at The Entertainer Group as Chief Customer Officer.

Craig is a Fellow of the Marketing Academy and non-executive Global Chair of The Marketing Society.

Eddie Kemsley is a strategy and development specialist with expertise in destination creation, driving value and fundraising.

CEO Dreamland, Margate and Board Director Margate Estates Ltd, a development company with a portfolio of entertainment facilities, live music venues, property and sites with mixed use potential. Eddie’s driving a development strategy to diversify this seafront portfolio to create a year-round arts and culture destination.

Previous senior roles include Kidzania, London; Port Lympne Reserve and Howletts Wildlife Park, The Hop Farm, Kent and Dreamland, Margate.

On BALPPA’s ManCom since 2014 and regular speaker at key expos and conferences; IAAPA, Lappset, Family Attraction Expo, LeisurUp, MAPIC. Eddie is also a founding member of World Experience Organisation, (WXO), a global institution improving the quality of experiences and promoting the experience economy.

Eddie Kemsley is a strategy and development specialist with expertise in destination creation, driving value and fundraising.

CEO Dreamland, Margate and Board Director Margate Estates Ltd, a development company with a portfolio of entertainment facilities, live music venues, property and sites with mixed use potential. Eddie’s driving a development strategy to diversify this seafront portfolio to create a year-round arts and culture destination.

Previous senior roles include Kidzania, London; Port Lympne Reserve and Howletts Wildlife Park, The Hop Farm, Kent and Dreamland, Margate.

On BALPPA’s ManCom since 2014 and regular speaker at key expos and conferences; IAAPA, Lappset, Family Attraction Expo, LeisurUp, MAPIC. Eddie is also a founding member of World Experience Organisation, (WXO), a global institution improving the quality of experiences and promoting the experience economy.

Born in Indonesia and raised in Singapore, Margaret Kerrison’s career spans over sixteen years of creating narratives for multimedia, games, brand storytelling, location-based entertainment, and immersive experiences. After receiving her MFA in Screenwriting from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, she worked as a Narrative Lead, Creative Consultant, Writer, and Disney Imagineer on multiple award-winning projects around the world, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, National Geographic Base Camp, and the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

As a consultant, she has created experiences for some of the most beloved brands in the world. She is the author of Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds and Reimagined Worlds: Narrative Placemaking for People, Play, and Purpose and is a frequent guest speaker on immersive storytelling. She was awarded the prestigious 2023 Paul Helmle Fellowship by the Department of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son and is always looking for her next adventure and invitation to play.

A creative collaborator and event strategist, June Ko has worked across multiple countries and industry sectors in the past 20 years in management roles. With global experience spanning North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, Ko joined InfoCommAsia in July 2023 to expand the international footprint of the expos in Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Ko is a Hong Kong born Canadian and Australian, and is a passionate leader dedicated to creating events to connect industries and people with meaningful memories.

Ko was recently Executive Director and Vice President, IAAPA Asia Pacific Operations. Ko joined IAAPA in 2014 with more than 20 years of experience promoting business interests in the Asia-Pacific region. She has expertise assisting Europe-and North America-based companies with successfully navigating cultural and business differences. Her background in product development and corporate services is an asset to IAAPA within the region.

Prior to joining IAAPA, Ko served as a director with Meridian Partners, a Hong Kong-based consulting company that assists clients engaged in corporate services and international trade, especially in China and Southeast Asia. Based in the Toronto office, she provided support and guidance to North American clients. Prior to Meridian Partners, Ko held various positions with ICS Trust, a financial services company based in Hong Kong; Ascalade Communications, a wireless communications firm with offices in Vancouver, Hong Kong, Mainland China; and Ngai Lik Electronics Trading Ltd., also based in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Ko oversees the IAPL teams in Shanghai, China and Singapore, which hosts three international expos InfoCommChina, InfoCommIndia and InfoCommAsia in Beijing, Mumbai and Bangkok respectively.

She was named one of the blooloop 50 in 2020, identifying her as one of the top 50 theme park influencers that year.

Ko earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto with a major in East Asian Studies and Economics. She is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.

As a global executive in the entertainment and attractions industry, Philipp Edelmann is leading the development and production of dozens of award winning visitor experiences around the world.

His work includes the production of permanent brand attractions for Coca-Cola, Ford, Heineken, Diageo and NASA as well as working closely with government bodies of the United States and the European Union for their Pavilions at World EXPOs in Shanghai, Milan and Astana.

As Head of Production for Netflix’s Live Experiences group, Edelmann oversees an ambitious array of new and innovative projects, paving the way for Netflix’ entry into the global themed entertainment industry.

He’s been recognized several times, including with Cleo Awards for his work at Netflix as well as multiple TEA Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his work on the TV documentary “Farrah’s Story.”

Judith Zissman believes in the power of transformative experiences to build understanding, forge connection, invite possibility, and inspire change. As Executive Creative Director of Blue Telescope, she leads teams of designers and technologists in creating digital interactives with compelling stories and human connection.

Zissman began her career in independent film production and distribution in New York City, then expanded to digital media and web technology, moving to Silicon Valley to explore new opportunities for innovation and product development before returning to the world of experience design with Blue Telescope.

Her cross-industry foundation in creative problem solving, client relationship management, and product ideation and strategy complements her expertise in experience design, fine art, and narrative strategy. A passion for inclusivity and diversity fuels her desire to use her skills to create memorable work that reflects, celebrates, and shares the scope of human experience.

At Blue Telescope, Zissman relishes the opportunity to bring projects with difficult or complex topics to life with rigor, compassion, and clarity. Recent clients include Sloan History Gallery, Kennedy Space Center, Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, Sing Sing Prison Museum, and Historic Hudson Valley (Kofi’s Fire). Judith graduated with honors in Modern Culture and Media from Brown University and is a volunteer with Tech for Campaigns.

Dr Les Johnson is a Visiting Researcher in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media at Birmingham City University. He was awarded his PhD for research into cultural visualisation, entrepreneurship and innovation. He is an alumnus of the Royal College of Art and was CEO of multi-award-winning design, media, marketing and management consultancy firm Equator International.

Dr Les Johnson is founder and Chair of the National Windrush Museum set up to research, document, exhibit, and preserve the legacy of the Windrush generation and their successors. Born in Jamaica, he is a part of the second wave of Windrush migrants to Britain in the 1960s. His academic interests, cultural studies, entrepreneurship leadership and philanthropy are channelled through his foundation where he supports a range of projects, research and enterprise. His design pedagogy experience has been applied to learning and teaching in a variety of education institutions. His expertise in practice-based and practiced led research have been combined to innovate a practice-driven methodology.

He has worked for; BBC, Channel 4, Carlton Television, The Arts Council, The Tate, the South Bank Centre, Design Museum, IBM, BPI, Clydesdale Bank, Virgin and Sony among many other cultural development organisations including local, regional and central government. Dr Johnson has served on a range of Boards, has been a Non-Executive Director and consultant for public and private sector organisations at local, regional and national levels in the U.K. He also works internationally as counsel, lecturer and a consultant in business development and culture sectors.

Dr Johnson is a practising visual artist, musician and community development activist. He spends his time between research and consultancy bases in the U.K, USA and Jamaica.

Vince Kadlubek co-founded Meow Wolf, an arts complex that captured the public’s imagination so much that it became a profitable business. Meow Wolf’s latest permanent exhibition,Convergence Station, launched in Denver in 2021. The psychedelic attraction follows the House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe and Omega Mart at AREA15 in Las Vegas.

Non-linear storytelling is key to the experience at this award-winning attraction, which also stages after hours concerts, parties and events. Meow Wolf has been described as an innovative take on an amusement park funhouse.

Meow Wolf is also heading to Texas, with two new permanent installations opening in a shopping mall in Grapevine and the Fifth Ward of Houston in 2023 and 2024.

Vince Kadlubek co-founded that rare thing: Meow Wolf is an arts complex that captured the public’s imagination so much it became a profitable business. Built on the site of a former bowling alley in Santa fe, New Mexico, Meow Wolf debuted The House of Eternal Return in 2016. Non-linear storytelling is key to the experience at this award-winning attraction, which also stages after hours concerts, parties and events.

“There are museums, children’s museums, and there are themed rides at Disneyland,” says Kadlubek. “But nobody else is just letting people explore. Everyone says they are attracting all demographics. But we actually do.”

Meow Wolf has been described has an innovative, 21st Century take on an amusement park fun house. The team behind the attraction recently re-invented another carnival classic. Kaleidoscape is a psychedelic dark ride that has freaking out visitors to Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado, since April 2019. The attraction serves as a precursor to a $30 million permanent art exhibit that will open in the city in late 2021. Meow Wolf is also planning ‘artainment’ experiences in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Washington DC.

In October, Kadlubek announced that he was stepping down as CEO, but will continue as executive advisor to Meow Wolf. Sharing the role of chief executive will be Ali Rubinstein, Carl Christensen and Jim Ward. Also helping continue the collective’s mission will be Game of Thrones author George RR Martin, an early Meow Wolf backer who has now been appointed its ‘chief world builder’.

Asa Kalama is Executive, Creative & Interactive Experiences at Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development where he oversees the development of interactive experiences around the world. He also oversees projects in collaboration with Lucasfilm for Disney Parks, including Star Wars and Indiana Jones-related projects. Previously, he oversaw the creative development of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction and the Star Wars: Datapad interactive experience for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Prior to his work on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Asa spent over a decade at Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development. With a mandate to develop new tools, technologies and techniques for The Walt Disney Company, he had the unique opportunity to contribute his talents to the Park and Resorts, Consumer Products, Interactive and Media Networks business segments. Asa also oversaw Advanced Development’s Narrative Experience Portfolio that focused on interactive storytelling and role-play.

Asa attended the University of California Los Angeles where he studied design at the school of Theater, Film, and Television. Many of his formative years prior to working with Walt Disney Imagineering were spent in darkened theaters both on and back stage; an experience in performing arts that allows Asa to bring a unique perspective to thematic storytelling.

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative engine behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products—including books, games, and merchandise. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from the teamwork and syntheses of creative and technical professionals representing more than 100 diverse disciplines.

Asa Kalama is an Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering where he oversees the development of immersive rides and interactive attractions as well as new experiences designed to entertain guests beyond-the-berm. He recently lead the global teams behind the THEA Award winning Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and the land-wide interactive program for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

Prior to this role, Asa spent over a decade at Walt Disney Imagineering, Research & Development. With a mandate to develop new tools, technologies and techniques for the greater Walt Disney Company, he had the unique opportunity to contribute his talents to the Park and Resorts, Consumer Products, Interactive and Media Networks business segments. Asa also oversaw Advanced Development’s Narrative Experience Portfolio that focused on interactive story-telling and role-play.

Asa attended the University of California Los Angeles where he studied design at the school of Theater, Film, and Television. Many of his formative years prior to working with Walt Disney Imagineering were spent in darkened theaters both on and backstage; an experience in performing arts that allows Asa to bring a unique perspective to thematic storytelling.