The TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) will stage its signature SATE conference in the UK for the first time next month.
Hosted at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu on May 4th and 5th, an attractive speaker programme is promised. As with all TEA events, networking will also form an integral part of the proceedings.
The theme for the conference is ‘Cultural and Historic Futures – Making the stories of the past relevant for future generations’. Speakers from a variety of industry sectors will share unique perspectives with delegates in the Classic Car Lecture Theatre. There will also be an introduction to Beaulieu from Lord Montagu.
Session Highlights
A keynote session will see TEA president David Willrich in conversation with Ken Robinson. The industry consultant has advised government departments, politicians and project developers and undertaken numerous worldwide projects. He has also advised the United Nations International Trade Centre on tourism development strategies. Contributions on Storytelling from Universal’s Mike West and Paul Osterhaut are also expected to be a highlight for many SATE delegates. Other sessions include the following:
• The Relationship Between Broadcast and the Attractions Industry. Presented by Marcus Arthur, President of BBC Worldwide, UK & Ireland.
• A Modern Resort Anchored By Story. Michel Linet Frion discusses Center Parcs Les Domaine Du Bois Aux Daims. This Thea Award winning French project sympathetically integrates a modern resort into a historic rural setting.
• Where Can the Augmented World Take Us? Many people now yawn when the talk turns to VR/AR. Benoit Cornet from Alterface will highlight some of the flaws in such projects but also examine the prospects for “AR 2.0”.
• Expanding The Appeal of a Heritage Attraction. Nick Blofield explains how Merlin Entertainments leverages maximum potential from Warwick Castle whilst remaining respectful of its history and heritage.
• Disruptors: Future Impact. AECOM‘s Margreet Papamichael, Thorpe Park’s Steve Foran and Dr Pieter Cornelis from Fontys Academy of Creative Arts look at some major trends and developments that may seem like far-fetched futurology but are closer to being history than you might think.
Further confirmed speakers include Matt Barton of 7th Sense and Dr Oscar Garcia-Panella, professor at ENTI. More industry professionals, academics, attraction operators and owners will be added in the coming weeks.
Networking and Travel
The networking kicks off ahead of the main conference with a Fish & Chip mixer on Wednesday evening, May 3rd. On Thursday night, there’s a black tie dinner at Beaulieu Abbey Domus. Those without a penguin suit can wear national dress. On Friday, once the formal business is over and weather permitting, remaining delegates will enjoy a finger buffet afloat the River Solent.
The conference fee is $500, inclusive of all daytime sessions, lunches and evening activities, plus coach transfers between hotels. A partner ticket is available for $200. Further details can be found here. Beaulieu is located in beautiful surroundings in Hampshire, about 1 hour and 45 minutes by train from central London, or 20 minutes from Southampton International Airport. Further SATE conferences are planned from the TEA later this year in Los Angeles and possibly Asia.
