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TEA SATE Europe 2018 – Roland Mack and Europa-Park host themed entertainment conference

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Europa-Park_Bell_Rock_hotel TEA SATE Europe 5

As the dust settles on the TEA Summit and Thea Awards Gala and at Disneyland Resort, the Europe and Middle East division of the Themed Entertainment Association is gearing up for SATE Europe at Europa-Park.

Roland_Mack to speak at TEA SATE Europe 2018 a (1)The theme of the conference will be “Industry Landscape: the power of the collective in creating shared experiences that are shaping themed entertainment”. A highlight of the two-day (May 2 and 3) programme will be an in-depth interview with Europa-Park co-founder and managing partner Dr Roland Mack (pictured). In addition, speakers from across the industry will share experiences and insights on topics such as:

• The importance of taking a strategic approach to IPs and branding

• Driving long term growth without losing sight of what is happening today

• Accessibility as a premise instead of an after-thought

• Integrating today’s increased security requirements seamlessly into the guest experience

• The blurring of lines between themed entertainment and brand experiences: from temporary events to permanent installations

Technologies that are shaping the future and changing lighting and special effects in themed experiences

• The evolution of shopping centres as community gathering spaces and entertainment venues

An audience with Roland Mack

During a 40-minute chat, Roland Mack will give a brief history of his family’s famous theme park resort. He will also go into detail about its continuous expansion including the eagerly-awaited Rulantica waterpark project.

Roland is also expected to talk about political engagement, including his strong support of the European Union. His fondness for the arts, philanthropy, and succession planning in a family business are other likely topics for the man who was Germany’s first international IAAPA chairman. SATE delegates will be free to ask questions of their own during a post-interview Q&A.

Other speakers confirmed

Whilst Europa-Park is the continent’s busiest non-Disney theme park, Merlin Entertainments is Europe’s largest attractions operator. Representing the industry giant will be global Midway marketing director Fiona Eastwood with a presentation entitled Leisure Branding: much more than a logo.

clara rice jack rouse associates jra tea sate europe (1)From JRA, Clara Rice will examine four abbreviations that rarely seem to leave the lips of attractions designers these days: VR, AR, AI and IP. She’ll also share the technologies, techniques and traits that shape these trends and dare to ask which have true staying power.

lesley morisetti blooloop 50 theme park influencer judge
Lesley Morisetti

Industry consultant Lesley Morisetti will be speaking on brand strategy. A case study will be provided of the refreshed Jameson Distillery Experience in Dublin. Yael Coifman from Leisure Development Partners will be talking about ‘Retailtainment’.

Storytelling on cruise ships will be the focus of a session presentation from Stefan Lawrence of Rethink Leisure & Entertainment. Meanwhile Koert Vermeulen of ACLTD will look at the use of drones as part of a lighting designer’s toolkit.

7thSense Design's Matt Barton appointed President TEA Europe and Middle East
Matt Barton

Other confirmed speakers include Dr Alysia Sagi-Dolev from Qylur Intelligent Systems and TEA EME president Matt Barton of 7thSense Design.

Hotel Bell Rock – home of TEA SATE Europe 2018

SATE – Storytelling + Architecture + Technology = Experience – now boasts annual events in the USA, Europe and Asia. SATE Europe will be held at Europa-Park’s Bell Rock Hotel (see main picture) on Wednesday and Thursday, May 2 and 3. A networking reception and formal conference dinner will also be held during the event. Opportunities to visit Europa-Park will be provided to delegates before/after the conference.

TEA SATE Europe is expected to be attended by attraction owners, operators, designers, suppliers, consultants and academics. You could be one of them. More details here. Potential attendees are encouraged to act fast to take advantage of preferential SATE rates at Hotel Bell Rock.

SATE Europe 2018 sponsors include Alterface, Barco, Brogent Technologies, Christie, Dan Pearlman, Kraftwerk Living Technologies, Mack Rides and Wårtsilå.

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Owen Ralph

Owen Ralph

Feature writer Owen Ralph has covered theme parks and attractions for over 20 years for publications including blooloop, Park World, World’s Fair, Interpark, Kirmes Revue and Park International. He has also served on boards/committees with IAAPA and the TEA. He grew up just 30 minutes from Blackpool (no coincidence?)

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