Alexandre Lupien is a true ideas man who is part of the core creative leadership in the Theme Parks division of multimedia studio Moment Factory. As Creative Director, he guides a project’s artistic and technical vision, while working with the team to develop the best possible entertainment innovations. Alexandre holds an MSc in Aerospace Engineering from Montréal’s École Polytechnique, where he conducted research under the auspices of the IDEA (Integrated Design toward Efficient Aircraft) research chair. Since his arrival at Moment Factory, in 2012 he has worked on projects that comprise a vital part of the studio’s portfolio, including Wonderbox at Paradise City Korea, as well as various IP-based experiences and mapping shows.

Andrew McGuinness is the CEO of Layered Reality, the innovative location-based entertainment business which combines VR and other digital tools with full theatrical sets.  Prior to that he spent two years running the PR agency Freuds and the decade before that running two businesses he founded: Beattie McGuinness Bungay (BMB) and Seven Dials. Andrew was made CEO of TBWA\London aged 32 and has worked across Australia, New York and Mumbai. Outside of the day job he has worked on two UK General Election campaigns and chaired the Advertising Association.

Anne Kelly is a freelance experience designer, producer, and creative director. She earned her bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from Virginia Tech and her master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center. Anne spent seven years as a show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, with a focus on interactive attractions for the parks, producing attractions for Epcot, the New Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and Shanghai Disneyland. Anne’s work at Google has included design of Google's Experience Centers globally, and creating experiences at the Consumer Electronics Show, including The Google Assistant Ride. Anne is also the co-founder and executive producer of Switchboard Operations, a site-specific theatre company.

Asa Kalama is an Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering where he oversees the development of interactive experiences and one of the signature attractions for the recently opened Star Wars Lands.

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 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 back stage; an experience in performing arts that allows Asa to bring a unique perspective to thematic storytelling.

In 2013, Bill joined Universal Creative to lead the technical team for Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Prior to that, Bill served as Director, Portfolio Management Office for EA Sports.

For the past seven years, Bill has worked for Universal Creative. As Director, Engineering & Safety, he has overseen Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Super Nintendo World, and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Bill previously worked for Universal Creative managing the technical team that developed and delivered Fear Factor Live.

In his current role as Technical Director, Ride & Show, Universal Orlando Portfolio, he leads the Ride & Show technical teams in the design, development, and delivery of Universal’s immersive guest experiences.

Mr. Bingo Tso, has been active in the pro audio industry for over 40 years. From building the first professional recording studio in mainland China, to creating one of the largest Audio-Video-Lighting distributors and integrators in the region, Bingo has introduced many new technologies, products and best practices throughout China. Bingo has also mentored and trained hundreds of engineers. He has been involved in almost every important event in China, including China WW2 Victory Day 50th, 60th and 70th Anniversary Parades, Beijing Summer Olympics, Shanghai World EXPO, etc.

'I chose the life that my most beloved vocation provides.' he describes his career happily.

Bryan Boehme manages the sales strategy, business development and solutions promotion for Christie’s entertainment and enterprise teams in the Americas and leads the company’s global initiatives in the theme park industry. He also works with product management and our customers to develop products that meet the specific needs of the markets of themed entertainment, destination development, museums and giant screens. With a diverse background in AV systems design and over 20 years’ experience with cutting-edge digital display manufacturers, Bryan loves to be part of amazing visual spectaculars and draws on his expertise to work very closely with his team and Christie’s partners to turn these ideas into real experiences that move audiences.

Carl Guyenette is an Experiential Creative Director and Technologist, weaving together narratives with physical experiences that leverage new technology to innovate contemporary immersive audience journeys. Carl is a futurist that harnesses knowledge in neuroscience and emotional mapping to develop the location-based experiences he conceptualises. He is recognised by awards at Sundance New Frontier, Festival de Cannes and World XR Forum and he also tutors as the creative technologist of immersive content for the Venice Biennale. He co-authored and directed both SOMNAI and Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience.

As a Creative Director, Dave Cobb guides project development with a focus on story and guest experience, and he is constantly looking for new ways to integrate technology, social interactivity, and theatricality to engage and excite an audience.

Dave’s role as Thinkwell’s Parkwide Creative Director for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi involved supervising the development of over twenty world-class attractions—from dark rides and media spectaculars to coasters and live shows—in six immersive lands inspired by Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbara, and DC Comics.

His past client experience during his tenure at Thinkwell also included Cirque du Soleil, Nickelodeon, NASCAR, Hershey’s, Six Flags, the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, Paramount, the San Diego Zoo, and more. Prior to Thinkwell, Dave was responsible for the development of Universal Orlando’s groundbreaking Men in Black: Alien Attack.

Dave served as 2019 vice-chair and is the 2020 chair of TEA’s Thea Awards Nominating Committee, and he was also selected as one of Blooloop’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencers in 2018 and 2019.

Dave Phillips, Founder and President of Children’s Hunger Fund (CHF), is a thought leader in mercy ministry to the poor. Phillips founded CHF in 1991 with a vision to mobilize and equip the local church to serve those suffering in poverty in their own communities. CHF reaches suffering children with food and care in 24 countries, including the U.S. Phillips had a vision fifteen years ago to create an immersive exhibit, allowing guests to step into the lives of children living in poverty around the world. One year ago, this vision became a reality with the opening of Poverty Encounter.

Diane Challis Davy is now in her 25th season as director/producer of Pageant of the Masters.  Her BFA in theatre is from California Institute of the Arts, where she studied set and costume design. She began her professional association with the Pageant in 1980 in its costume department. Demonstrating her skills as a scenic painter and designer, she was promoted to Assistant Pageant Director before assuming her current role. She was recently honored as a female industry visionary by the Advanced Imaging Society at its 10th annual Entertainment Technology Awards for her creative use of digital technology in last summer's Pageant, The Time Machine.

Ed Cookson’s professional experience spans from interactive entertainment and broadcast content, to live events, visitor attractions, exhibitions and boundary-pushing immersive audience experiences. His career has been devoted to engaging audiences in experiences that combine cutting-edge technologies with a world-class creative design approach, from award-winning work for the world’s leading museum and art galleries, to major experiential components of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In 2017, Elaine joined Universal Creative to produce Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Prior to that, Elaine served as Director of Entertainment / Executive Producer, Dubai Parks and Resorts. Elaine is a Thea Award-winning producer with 30+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. For 19 years, Elaine worked at Universal Orlando Entertainment. As Director of Entertainment, she produced Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, Grinchmas, Universal’s concert series and Universal’s Superstar Parade.

In her current role as Executive Producer, Universal Orlando Portfolio, she leads the creative development and show quality teams in the design, development and delivery of Universal’s immersive guest experiences.

Geir has been the director of the Fram Museum on polar exploration since 2005. Since then, he has initiated and managed a total renovation and modernisation process and the museum stands today as an exciting award winning attraction for all ages. It has been rated as the best museum in Norway on Tripadvisor the last five years. Geir has edited or written more than 25 books on polar exploration and curated travelling exhibitions shown in 27 countries. Previously, Geir worked as project director of a human rights NGO, providing media and communication support to Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Glenn Davidson currently serves as the Director of Development at Miral in Abu Dhabi. In his capacity, Glenn is primarily responsible for feasibility studies, planning and development of leisure entertainment facilities.

Armed with 41 years of experience as an amusement park industry veteran, Glenn began his career in 1978, when he joined Hugh White State Park on Grenada Lake in Mississippi USA.

His career kick started in 1984, with his appointment as Manager of Revenue at Rapids on the Reservoir in Jackson Mississippi. Glenn worked in Management, Operations and Development at several companies, including Newport Aquarium in Newport Kentucky USA, and various waterparks, amusement parks, and state parks in the United States during his 41 years in the leisure park industry.

He moved to the United Arab Emirates in February 2001 to take on the role of General Manager of Wild Wadi in Dubai, a unit of the Jumeirah Group. In June of 2008, Glenn joined ALDAR Properties PJSC as Commercial Director - Theme Parks.

Glenn joined Farah Experiences in Abu Dhabi in November of 2011 as Special Projects Director and served as Interim General Manager for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi for a year after transferring from ALDAR Properties PJSC.

From May 2009, he worked on the development of the Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi on Yas Island that opened in July 2019. In March 2018, Glenn transferred to Miral, taking on the role of Theme Park Advisor.

Other Yas Island projects include SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi phase 4, Yas Waterworld CineSplash 5D, Yas Waterworld phase 3, CLYMB as well as several upcoming projects.

In addition to his career, Glenn has spent eight years on the Board of Directors of the World Waterpark Association, including two years as Chairman of the Board of Directors and received induction into the WWA Hall of Fame in October 2019.

Glenn received a Bachelor of Science in Park and Recreation Administration from Mississippi State University in 1978. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Farah Experiences and Theme Parks Inc.

Jacqueline King is a producer for Walt Disney Imagineering. In this role, she is responsible the delivery of all creative and design aspects of projects. Additionally, she works closely with the creative, technical, and construction teams to ensure the project meets creative and budgetary goals. She most recently oversaw one of the signature attractions for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

In 2011, Jacqueline joined Walt Disney Imagineering as an intern in Florida and has helped to bring several experiences to life across multiple continents since then. Some of her previous roles in the company were in Estimating, Show Coordination, Show Software, and now Producing. Jacqueline received her Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida.

Justien Dewil leads public relations and strategic communications for Walibi Belgium. As a MSc graduate of KULeuven in Belgium, Justien holds a specialization in media psychology, strategic communications and digital innovations. She has since worked as a PR and communications specialist for leading companies such as L’Oréal, and European institutions such as the European Parliament and the European Defense Agency. 

Larry Paul is a technologist and has more than 25 years of experience in the design and deployment of high-end, specialty themed entertainment, giant screens, virtual reality, visualization and simulation projects. A co-inventor on six different patents, he has passion for and expertise in high frame rate, true high dynamic range (HDR), RGB laser illumination, multi-channel high-resolution 2D and 3D display solutions and is always focused on solving specific customer challenges and improving the visual experience. A 16-year veteran of Christie, Larry is the company’s Executive Director, Technology and Custom Solutions, Enterprise and Entertainment. 

Laurence Beckers has spent 22 years in the Creative Industries and, specifically, 16 years at Alterface Company as the Creative Director. Alterface S.A. is a company specialized in the development and implementation of interactive technologies for the “on location” entertainment sector. Starting as a University spin off in 2001, the company has been instrumental in the development of interactive theaters and interactive dark ride in this industry.   

Teaching transmedia storytelling, board member of l’Institut des Arts et Diffusion, the main mission of Laurence is to convert new technology into amusement and emotion, taking care of users experience. Digital projects coordinator for Mons 2015, European Capital of Culture, she has managed international artistic residencies at the intersection of art, science and technology. Always Looking for new challenges as a "Make it happen manager" for Cultural projects mixing creativity, ecology and technological approach.

Marcelo Alba is a strategist that has spent 15 years working above, below, and through the line. No matter the medium, he believes joy connects brands to people and creates value and meaning to both parties. Among others he's brought joy to gamers for Xbox, families for Coca-cola, and most recently has been experimenting with how Google brings joy to users out in the real world as he heads up strategy for experiential marketing at Google.  So what brings him joy? His family, the mountains, and beer - definitely beer.

Creative Director at BRC Imagination Arts, Matthew collaborates with museums and brands to create transformational experiences that connect profoundly with audiences and produce measurable results for clients. His eclectic roster of clients includes The Coca-Cola Company, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Savannah College of Art & Design, American Civil War Museum, NASA, Museum of the Bible, and Ozzy Osbourne’s Hellgate, to name just a few. Matthew is a graduate of New York University and is the recipient of several awards and honors for his work in theater, film and experiential storytelling.

Michael Vanderhorst is the President and owner of IDF Studio Scenery. After attending College of the Sequoia’s in Northern California, he worked in general construction and acquired his General Contractors license at the age of 23.  He began working at IDF in 1993 as a fabricator/carpenter and purchased the company in 1997.  Since then, Michael has developed IDF into a fabrication company for the themed environment and entertainment industries.  Michael and the IDF team have had the pleasure working on numerous projects for clients like Children’s Hunger Fund, Fox Sports, Louis Vuitton, Disney and NFL Network to name a few.

Nancy Seruto is a Portfolio Creative Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. Her primary focus is developing and leading Imagineering teams to execute future growth opportunities, following the successful opening of this first-ever Disney park in mainland China.

Prior to this role, Nancy led the Creative Studio where she developed WDI-wide strategies to expand excellence in all Imagineer-created products and experiences, created a toolkit with a primary focus on innovative projects, and worked with WDI studio leadership to develop a unified network that continues to foster and influence cross-functional teamwork.

Nancy joined WDI in 2011 as executive producer for Treasure Cove at Shanghai Disney Resort, the first pirate-themed land in a Disney park. In partnership with Luc Mayrand, she led an interdisciplinary team of 100+ Imagineers on the land’s creative development, along with one of the most complex attraction designs ever attempted: Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for Sunken Treasure.

Prior to WDI, Nancy was the Founder and President of Seruto & Company, a design and consultancy firm focused on projects in the cultural and themed entertainment markets. In this role, she produced multiple world-class touring exhibitions including Tutankhamun: King of the Pharaohs, “America I am” for Tavis Smiley, and “CSI: The Experience” for Bob Weis Design Island.

Nancy also worked as the Vice President of Design and Production at Lexington for 14 years, where she completed more than 100 projects for a wide variety of venues including museum and traveling exhibitions, theme parks, retail and restaurant interiors, film and television, and special events.

Nancy has a master’s degree in Design for Theater from California State University Long Beach. 

After studying law, Nicolas de Villiers graduated from ‘Audencia’ Business School, Nantes. During his studies, he worked at Puy du Fou as stunt rider. Nicolas then joined Puy du Fou teams as a Show Manager and then Art Director. In addition to the artistic direction, he took the presidency of Puy du Fou Group in 2004. Involved from the ignition of each new projects, he also directs the staging of Puy du Fou shows with passion, while leading the strategy of Puy du Fou. His key words: “Elevate through the beauty of art”

Peter’s 20 years in visitor experience design, previously with Martello Media and now as co-founder of DMW Creative, has spanned projects from poetry (The Life and Works of WB Yeats) to poetry in motion (the Irish Racehorse Experience, opening August 2020), across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the Far East and the USA. An accomplished photographer with a background in physics and interactive multimedia, his broad understanding of every part of the visitor experience journey means he knows how to take the broad strokes of a story and render them as a compelling experience.

Rena Opert began her position as director of exhibitions at Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. in 2018. She oversees the development and implementation of all temporary exhibitions, as well as the ongoing needs of the permanent exhibit spaces. Rena has been in the museum field for twenty years and holds a B.A. in art history and Jewish studies from Northwestern University, as well as an M.A. in Museum Studies from The George Washington University. She most recently spent ten years working at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and is a professorial lecturer at The George Washington University for a course on museums and cultural property. 

Robin Reardon is a portfolio executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) currently working on the Global Star Wars portfolio.

Robin joined the company in 1985 as a Project Scheduler for the Disney MGM Studio Tour, where she coordinated the design and build teams. She worked her way up through Imagineering to become a Show Producer, leading the creative development, production and construction of projects in Florida, Tokyo and California.

Robin has more than 30 years of experience in the design, management and implementation of multi-faceted projects. She has also worked as the VP of Creative Development for Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure, where she directed all aspects of the project including corporate sponsorship, financing, creative development and team building. In addition, Robin worked as Warner Bros’ owner’s representative for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida.

In 1997, Robin founded a New York City-based concept design firm, specializing in providing design solutions to a broad range of clients, including Jim Henson Productions, Sesame Workshop, RadioShack, the World Science festival and Warner Bros.

Scott Trowbridge is the creative executive overseeing concept development for Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. — including two theme parks, three hotels and a retail, dining and entertainment district. In addition, Scott continues to partner with Lucasfilm on Star Wars content across Disney parks, resorts, cruise ships and additional immersive experi­ences. Most recently, Scott led design and development of the epic Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lands that premiered in 2019 at both Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., and Disney's Hollywood Studios Park in Orlando, Fla.

Applying his talent for the integration of creative product with technological innovation, Scott previously led Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in finding opportunities to combine various media and technologies in order to tell new stories and create innovative entertainment experiences. Additionally, Scott oversaw the Blue Sky Design Studio where Imagineers from multiple disciplines come together to explore and develop new ideas for Disney’s theme parks and resorts worldwide.

Scott has spent most of his career dreaming up new and unique ways to entertain people, ranging from state-of-the-art themed attractions to film, theater and retail. Prior to joining Disney, Scott worked as vice president for the creative division of NBC/Universal’s Theme Park & Resorts, where he led a team that strategized, developed and managed the design, creative development and delivery of entertainment product, theme park attractions, resort hotel destinations and new technologies.

Before NBC/Universal, Scott’s experience includes The Groundlings, Inc., Landmark Entertainment Group, and The Wiltern Theatre/BGP Productions.

Scott holds a degree in cinema from the University of Southern California.

Sharbie Higuchi is the Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Merchandise for the Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach. She’s passionate about developing new ideas that benefit the organization’s finances and reputation. For the past 22 years, she has been responsible for the Pageant’s and Festival’s strategic marketing and communication programs, brand management, corporate sponsorships, merchandise development and sales, advertising, social media and digital campaigns. She was honored with a MarCom Platinum Award in 2010 and was twice-nominated for the Orange County Business Journal "Women in Business Awards.” Sharbie holds a bachelor degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. 

Having spent 20 years in professional roles in advertising, fundraising, and strategic philanthropy Vicky is driven by social change being at the heart of everything she does. Vicky was part of the leadership team at The One Foundation, the private philanthropic fund of Declan Ryan. Prior to ONE, Vicky worked in New York in Advertising for both for profit and non profit clients. 

Over her career she has been lucky to be inspired by both men and women from many walks of life. Having ‘fallen’ into an arts degree, she left college with a 2.1 degree with no idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up.

A spur of the moment decision saw her move to NYC, she was fortunate to work with Cynthia Hampton  VP of the US Environmental Defense Fund (former advisor of Oprah Winfrey Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, MD of Global Marketing at the Citigroup Private Bank and EVP at Young and Rubicam, NYC ) who opened her eyes to the world of social inequality. This was integral in leading her to find a role at Barnardos, working closely with the late Niamh Cleary (MD of JC Decaux) who’s mantra was ‘don’t sweat the small things – keep thinking the big picture, Declan Ryan and Fergus Finlay. From there she moved with Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Social Innovation Fund  (former Barnardos and CEO of ONE) to be part of the leadership team at The One Foundation, Declan’s private philanthropic fund - the largest personal foundation in the country strategically investing €85M into the Irish Not for profit sector.

As the door to One closed (it was a 10-year sunset fund), Vicky linked up with Rosheen McGuickian (CEO of NTR plc) to run the NTR Foundation which she continues to do so today. This brought her to the world of Climate Change and Norman Crowley, CEO of Crowley Carbon and together they have created The Cool Planet Experience, a visitor experience on climate action, the first of its kind based in Powerscourt Estate.

Having seen how change is achievable and big ideas can become reality – she is delighted to be at the forefront of The Cool Planet Experience engaging the Irish public on how we become more sustainable, and ultimately carbon free. Cool Planet opened with Sir Richard Branson in March 2018 and a highlight moment was being interviewed by former Vice President Al Gore in Berlin on furthering the message of making sustainability cool.

Outside of Cool Planet, she can be found running around Dun Laoghaire either solo or chasing her kids, or ever escaping dog… or just having a coffee and watching the world go by.

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Wendy Heimann-Nunes, a managing partner of Nolan Heimann LLP, is the only attorney to specialize in location-based entertainment. She began her career as a talent agent and proudly served as the Executive Director of the renowned landmark, The Chicago Theatre. After graduating from the University of Chicago Law School, Wendy practiced IP transactional law at the international law firm Mayer Brown. She sealed her intense passion for and commitment to immersive entertainment as head of Business and Legal Affairs for Universal Creative. In addition to her professional work, Wendy is a passionate drummer and regularly performs with her band Crinoline.

Yoo Jeong is a creator who has worked as a planner and scenographer of exhibitions and theme spaces for 25 years. Her portfolio covers a wide variety of projects, including the Presseum (Newspaper Museum), Star Avenue (K-pop Exhibition hall), Figure Museum, and the 2012 Yeosu EXPO-themed Pavilion, for which she won the prize from MOLIT. She also published Korea Exhibition Design, Exhibition A to Z and lectured at universities.

During the development of Wonderbox, she was in charge of managing its concepts, including interior, attractions, media / environment, performance, and F&B. Currently, she manages the operation, marketing, AD, events, and customer relationship at Wonderbox.

Brian Morrow has a passion for turning ideas into a living, breathing entity, from creative concept through execution. Brian has an international reputation as an established Project Principal, Executive Producer and Creative Director with a clarity of vision and a proven success record of projects. With over 22 years and 1.2Billion of entertainment design experience, Brian has created and seen the opening of a wide range of multimillion-dollar, award winning projects. Previously Brian held the role of Vice President attraction development for SeaWorld and Busch Garden theme parks.  

In 2018 Brian created BMorrow Productions. Founded as a unique co-op studio, BMP services multiple clients in various categories with a new approach- that centers on the creative talent and solid project processes. The studio workspace allows for the empowerment of creative talent to drive design and invention with the opportunity to profit share. The unique boutique team of designers, artists, live entertainment and producers are at the forefront of invention, immersion and gamification projects around the world. This unique approach has delivered higher results at lower costs to clients world-wide and elevated artists and creators to solid business partners.

The BMP Studio delights in projects that combine strong storytelling with technology, to inspire guests to connect to each other.  From show-set design to world-building, Brian’s project successes in rides, attractions, shows and entertainment include work at Europa Park, Baha Mar Resort, Weta Workshop, Universal Creative, Sally Corporation, Kennedy Space Center, SeaWorld and clients that remain confidential.

Fri Forjindam leads global business development, branding and communications for Mycotoo, Inc., a “top media” entertainment development company by Inc. 500. Mycotoo operates in North America, Europe and Asia, with successful projects worldwide including studio theme parks (Motiongate and Bollywood Parks) and award-winning brand experiences (HBO's SxSWestworld and Bleed For The Throne, Netflix's The Irishman Little Italy Takeover and Westword III at CES). Voted “Top 50 Theme Park Influencer” by Blooloop Magazine, Fri has created distinctive guest experiences in film, theatre, publishing and special events. Notable experience included Executive Creative Director for Prince's Paisley Park Experience, Creative Director for Bollywood Parks, and Producer for Los Angeles Downtown Latin Museum Gala Opening and T-Mobile HTC’s corporate tours. As a Cameroonian-born, MFA graduate of Columbia University in NYC, Forjindam brings her rich, diverse background in content development and experiential marketing to facilitate development strategies for regional, national and international tourism. Forjindam has been featured on Huffington Post, Essence Magazine, KTLA, and sits on the board for the Ryman Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young artists through visual arts education.

(Headshot Photography: Artem Logvin)

Luc Mayrand is a portfolio creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. In this role, he is responsible for the creative vision for the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and other International Projects. Most recently Luc held leadership positions with the creative ideation team for the Shanghai Disney Resort tasked with mapping out initial concepts for the park and lead the creative aspects of Treasure Cove, the first land in any Disney park based entirely on Pirates of the Caribbean.

Luc has been with WDI since 1999 and has had creative leadership roles on a variety of projects, including Mission: SPACE, enhancements for Space Mountain in Anaheim and in Paris, and Blue Sky work for future parks and attractions.

Monty Lunde is Co-Founder and President / CEO of Technifex, an entertainment company formed in 1984 specializing in the design, engineering and production of technical special effects. Monty is involved in the management of the company as well as the conceptual development of special effects and show systems for theme parks, attractions, iconic features, immersive environments, and training systems. Monty is also a named inventor of several patented technologies.

As one of Blooloop’s top 50 Theme Park influencers and the visionary founder of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), Monty continues to be instrumental in bringing together industry suppliers and owners / operators, thus advancing the growth of the Themed Entertainment industry.

Since founding The Hettema Group in 2001, Phil Hettema has led the creation of iconic visitor experiences around the world, including three Thea award-winning projects. Phil started his career in the costume shop in Disneyland and went on to become the Senior VP of Attraction Development for Universal Creative for 14 years. In 2019, the TEA recognized Phil’s impact on themed entertainment by awarding him the Buzz Prize Thea Award for a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements. Phil serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Ryman Arts and is a member of the Full Circle Alumni Board for ArtCenter College of Design.

Shawn McCoy is Vice President of JRA, a studio that plans, designs and realizes theme parks, attractions, museums and branded projects worldwide. With over twenty-five years of experience in project development, Shawn regularly presents on industry trends, intellectual property, branded attractions, emerging technologies and immersive storytelling. 

For the past ten years, he has presented the session “Emerging Trends in Immersive Design” at the annual IAAPA Expo. He is a regularly featured contributor for numerous industry publications and webinars, and has been interviewed as a trends expert by mainstream publications and media such as Forbes, USA Today and CNN.

Now in her seventh year at the executive helm of TEA, Jennie Nevin has become a familiar face in the attractions industry while stepping up as an effective leader. She has helped the Association reach new milestones on many levels including membership expansion, member services, brand identity, financial stability, internal organization, staffing and global growth.

Previously, Jennie served as Director of Operations and Development and Deputy Executive Director for the Hollywood Radio & Television Society in Los Angeles. Based in TEA’s Burbank headquarters, Jennie’s dedication to TEA also takes her into the field to know and represent the industry first-hand.

As a Principal and member of the executive leadership team, Michael oversees all aspects of Adirondack Studios’ business development around the world through daily management and strategic planning that further company goals. He works to develop Adirondack Studios in targeted markets, branding programs, marketing, and new business ventures to achieve long and short-term growth initiatives. Michael synthesizes design, fabrication and business knowledge to make sure clients are provided innovative and cost-effective theming solutions. He has extensive experience creating live theater, theme park attractions, water parks, museum experiences and retail environments around the world. 

Michael is the current International Board President of the Themed Entertainment Association, and previously served as International Board Vice President & Vice President of the Eastern Division.

Pat MacKay is the former publisher of Theatre Crafts/TCI and Lighting Dimensions magazines and founder of the LDI Trade Show and Conference.

For the past 20 years she has divided her time between writing, content creation, website development, and production for a wide range of new and old media, themed attraction, entertainment and special events projects for a wide range of clients

Recent awards include 2007 LDI Life in Light, 2015 TEA Distinguished Service Award, 2018 Knight of Illumination Lifetime Achievement, 2019 Pat MacKay Diversity Scholarships established, and 2020 USITT Founder’s Award.

Since 1996 she has been a frequent member of the TEA’s Thea Awards Nomination Committee (with term limit breaks). In 2012, MacKay became a Co-Chair (with Roberta Perry) of the annual TEA Thea Summit Case Study Day of award recipients.

Roberta Perry owner of Roberta Perry and Associates is a business development consultant. Her clients have included Edwards Technologies, Fresh Juice Global, Fox Studios, Iwerks Entertainment, Cerritos Public Library, Paramount Studios and LA Center Studios. 

She has served as Chairman of the Nightclub and Bar Association; as President of the Themed Entertainment Association; sat on Seattle Fair Campaign and Practices Commission; Toastmasters International Board of Directors 2010-2012  and currently serves on the Board for Lawrence Anthony’s Earth Organization and the Freedom Writers Board of Directors.  In addition she is a best selling author in the compilation books “Women who Rock” volumes 1&2 by Natasha Duswalt.