The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), a non-profit representing compelling places and experiences worldwide, has announced the schedule for the Storytelling, Architecture, Technology, and Experience (SATE) conference for North America, which will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, from 12 – 14 October 2023.
The agenda features a number of notable speakers, including CEO & creative director of Iwerks & Co. Leslie Iwerks, an Academy Award and Emmy-nominated director, writer, and producer; CEO of THG Phil Hettama, author/narrative lead Margaret Kerrison, and Kaye Mallins, the founder of Walt Disney Hometown Museum.
The theme of this year’s event is “Origins and Influencers: The people, places and ideas that shape our industry”.
Expert speakers & insightful sessions
The event begins on Wednesday 11 October with a ticketed event, the Hard Hat Laugh-O-Gram Studio Tour presented by Thank You Walt Disney. This will be followed by the Opening Welcome Reception and Masters Pinning Ceremony at Union Station.
Thursday 12 October sees a full day of sessions, including a keynote conversation with Leslie Iwerks, and sessions led by speakers from companies like Freckled Sky, Storyland Studios, LF Studios, and more. The Masters Induction is also on the schedule for day two, and the day will finish with another ticketed event, a Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos NFL Game.
On Friday 13, Kaye Mallins will lead the keynote and expert speakers will host sessions throughout the day on topics such as sustainability, immersive live experiences, immersive storytelling, technology, sports entertainment and more. A special evening event will be hosted at Worlds of Fun. Sessions for students and Next Gen participants will take place on Saturday 14 October.
“This agenda is full of sessions that will review what the past has taught us so we can create the next generation of experiences,” says the TEA.
The early bird rate for TEA SATE North America finishes today, 31 August. To register for the event, please click here.
This event follows the successful TEA SATE Europe 2023 which took place in May at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. Earlier this year, the TEA also announced the release of its latest global attractions attendance report.
