Mercadante has served on the TEA’s International Board of Directors for the past six years
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has a new president, with Michael Mercadante, president of US-based experience design firm Main Street Design, taking up the position in November 2018.
Part of the TEA for a nearly a decade and a member of the organisation’s board since 2012, Mercadante revealed his plan to take the association to the “next level” during his term as TEA president.
“In broad strokes, it means implementing best practices that position the association to remain viable into the future, building and protecting our brand, and upholding standards of excellence for the industry,” he says.
“The TEA is maturing – in a few years, our organisation will hit the 30-year mark. Today we’re in a strong position to embark on a new phase of long-term planning.”
Strong foundations Mercadante succeeds David Willrich, who completed his second term as president in November after taking the position in 2016. During his time at the helm of the TEA, Willrich worked to create a “truly global” TEA, introducing new educational events such as SATE Europe.
“David worked hard to bolster the visibility and involvement of the TEA Europe and Middle East Division members and region and get more exposure for TEA in the burgeoning Asia Pacific markets,” says Mercadante. “I have no doubt he will now be a very supportive immediate past president. TEA past presidents tend to stay involved after their terms are completed, and the TEA Past Presidents Committee is a great resource.”
Global outreach Over the course of 2019, the TEA has more than 100 events planned across its regional divisions, each supporting professional development, education and networking. With Willrich building a strong foundation for the events taking place in every corner of the globe, Mercadante will be keen to continue and improve upon this.
“A huge benefit of TEA membership is the access to people, places, discussions and venues we provide,” he says. “It’s just as important for established industry members as for NextGen members, with our offerings reflecting the needs of the community we serve.”
Beyond education, Mercadante is planning to increase the TEA’s presence in each of its world regions, growing them even further and expanding the association, though according to the new president, geography is not the only measure: “The industry is evolving and diversifying in terms of market sectors, types of projects, guest expectations and business culture,” says Mercadante. “My own background puts me in an ideal position to help expand the conversation within the museum and zoo communities and to grow the TEA’s presence in those communities around the world. There are many business spaces in need of what TEA members can do in terms of storytelling, placemaking and compelling experiences.”
In terms of his new position, Mercadante describes this new opportunity as his chance to “give back in a big way”.
“We will all work together to help TEA become an ever-richer resource - to help plan and shape its future – its best future – to serve the members and enrich the industry,” he explains.
As the sector thrives, what is it for the new TEA president that excites him most about themed entertainment?
“It never stands still,” he says. “We’re compelled to grow and innovate always.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2019 issue 1
Mercadante has served on the TEA’s International Board of Directors for the past six years
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has a new president, with Michael Mercadante, president of US-based experience design firm Main Street Design, taking up the position in November 2018.
Part of the TEA for a nearly a decade and a member of the organisation’s board since 2012, Mercadante revealed his plan to take the association to the “next level” during his term as TEA president.
“In broad strokes, it means implementing best practices that position the association to remain viable into the future, building and protecting our brand, and upholding standards of excellence for the industry,” he says.
“The TEA is maturing – in a few years, our organisation will hit the 30-year mark. Today we’re in a strong position to embark on a new phase of long-term planning.”
Strong foundations Mercadante succeeds David Willrich, who completed his second term as president in November after taking the position in 2016. During his time at the helm of the TEA, Willrich worked to create a “truly global” TEA, introducing new educational events such as SATE Europe.
“David worked hard to bolster the visibility and involvement of the TEA Europe and Middle East Division members and region and get more exposure for TEA in the burgeoning Asia Pacific markets,” says Mercadante. “I have no doubt he will now be a very supportive immediate past president. TEA past presidents tend to stay involved after their terms are completed, and the TEA Past Presidents Committee is a great resource.”
Global outreach Over the course of 2019, the TEA has more than 100 events planned across its regional divisions, each supporting professional development, education and networking. With Willrich building a strong foundation for the events taking place in every corner of the globe, Mercadante will be keen to continue and improve upon this.
“A huge benefit of TEA membership is the access to people, places, discussions and venues we provide,” he says. “It’s just as important for established industry members as for NextGen members, with our offerings reflecting the needs of the community we serve.”
Beyond education, Mercadante is planning to increase the TEA’s presence in each of its world regions, growing them even further and expanding the association, though according to the new president, geography is not the only measure: “The industry is evolving and diversifying in terms of market sectors, types of projects, guest expectations and business culture,” says Mercadante. “My own background puts me in an ideal position to help expand the conversation within the museum and zoo communities and to grow the TEA’s presence in those communities around the world. There are many business spaces in need of what TEA members can do in terms of storytelling, placemaking and compelling experiences.”
In terms of his new position, Mercadante describes this new opportunity as his chance to “give back in a big way”.
“We will all work together to help TEA become an ever-richer resource - to help plan and shape its future – its best future – to serve the members and enrich the industry,” he explains.
As the sector thrives, what is it for the new TEA president that excites him most about themed entertainment?
“It never stands still,” he says. “We’re compelled to grow and innovate always.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2019 issue 1
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger
cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance,
hospitality and public programming.
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
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