This year’s SATE Europe event, hosted by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), took place at the picturesque Gardaland Theme Park, situated on the stunning shores of Lake Garda.
Over four action-packed days, attendees embarked on a captivating journey through the history and future of themed entertainment, investigating the evolution of creating engaging immersive experiences.
Our very own Head of Events, Natasha Flegg, attended TEA’s signature international conference, which brought together the brightest minds and top decision-makers to discuss what’s next in Storytelling, Architecture, Technology, and Experience in the themed entertainment industry.
The SATE event began with a relaxed afternoon exploring Gardaland and meeting fellow attendees, setting the stage for the days ahead. Under the theme, ‘Back to the Future?’, the following days were packed with engaging conference sessions, insightful discussions, and themed dinners at Gardaland Resort, complete with exclusive access to the rides.
Natasha found the conference to be incredibly insightful. The friendly and approachable nature of the participants, coupled with their willingness to share their vast knowledge and experiences in the themed entertainment industry, made a lasting impression:
“The TEA Masters panel discussion on ‘Mastering Mistakes’ was fascinating,” Natasha shared. “Embracing mistakes and learning from them is vital in our industry; each misstep offers invaluable lessons that drive innovation and growth.”
Among the other thought-provoking presentations, the discussion on the impact of technology on live experiences and visitor engagement also stood out:
“The theme, ‘Back to the Future?’, opened discussions on how nostalgia, technological advances, and the expectations of visitors can work together to create authentic visitor engagement in the future.”
For Natasha, one of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to discuss work and industry trends with new acquaintances:
“Building robust relationships is crucial to Two Tails, so connecting with and enjoying shared experiences with like-minded professionals is a rare treat,” she said. “The conference helps facilitate meaningful connections with colleagues from across Europe and America, making it easier to network and collaborate.”
With their dedication to creating immersive experiences through detailed theming and storytelling, Gardaland was a perfect location for the conference. Owned by location-based entertainment leaders, Merlin Entertainments, the park, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Garda in Italy, is one of the country’s premier theme parks.
“It’s an impressive blend of thrilling rides, immersive theming, and family-friendly activities,” says Natasha.
“I can see why it’s a hit for locals and tourists alike. It’s packed with some great IPs, not to mention the fabulous Sea Life Aquarium.”
It’s safe to say that you’re more than likely to bump into Natasha at the next TEA event, or even on your next visit to Gardaland!
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