Notes of Thanks - The 2014 TEA Summit and Thea Awards Weekend
NOTE – While the main purpose of The Walkthrough Blog is to focus on themed entertainment storytelling, I wanted to put down my thoughts on the recent TEA Summit. Nobody likes blog posts that are just the author rambling on about something personal. This is one of those blogs posts (No… don’t go…) I believe there’s something for everyone to come away with here. Trust me.
When you let a bunch of theme park students, pros and fans dress up in tuxes and gowns, you can bet there will be selfies. Lots, and lots of selfies.
Selfies!
Pictures of people taking selfies!
(Photos courtesy of Martin Palicki, Arielle Rassell and me).
I spent last weekend mere steps away from the gates to the Happiest Place on Earth. The annual TEA Summit and Thea Awards were held at the Disneyland Resort. The TEA, the Themed Entertainment Association, is made up of people hailing from a very unique tribe – they design, build and construct theme parks (among other kinds of themed entertainment experiences).
The TEA Summit is two days of master classes and case studies. The Thea Awards are, in essence, the Oscars or Emmy awards for the industry. There are speeches, awards, dance numbers, fire alarms and booze - All the ingredients of an enjoyable night.
After the awards show, it was onto the selfie show. Pics of industry big wigs mugging with college students filled iPhones and Twitter feeds. Snapped photos were shared around the Disneyland Hotel. And while it was fun to mug for the camera, my favorite moments of the weekend weren't the ones captured in a snapshot. They were the quiet off-camera moments that changed my life.
Too often, we think of “life-changing events” as big moments or announcements - weddings, births, deaths, job changes or ending of 86-year World Series droughts. Yet, we often overlook the small moments.
These are tiny things - things that a casual observer would glance at and overlook as nothing more than chatter. Small acts of kindness can shift someone’s life. You don’t always need a 30-yard run. Moving inches is just as significant.
Waddles and Mousie are plush animals that my sons, Casey and Kieran give me when I travel so they can "be with me" as I travel.
My weekend at the TEA Summit and Thea Awards were full of these life-changing small moments. I’m pretty sure that most of the people I shared them with hardly recognized them, or thought nothing of them.
This blog post is to thank them for these moments.
How often do we thank those that have an impact on our lives? It seems rare that we tell people that we value their contributions and kindness. We’re so busy wanting something that taking a moment to send appreciation seems quaint, or sadly, dated.
It was a TED Talk by Drew Dudely that tuned me into the fact that I should be thanking those people that have impacted me. I’m a first-time manager in my job, and I’ve tried to be the boss I’ve never really had. That involves giving credit and saying thanks. It’s small, but something that I feel is important.
These small moments made my weekend at the TEA Summit and Thea Awards. I shared them with seasoned pros and young students that are the future of the themed entertainment world.
So, in no particular order, here are some nods to people that impacted me this past weekend.
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First, to the people I didn’t get to spend much time with – Brad Shelton, Ken Saba, Kile Ozier, Devin Flanigan, Michael Libby, Sasha Bailyn - Missing out on quality time with each of you was a serious oversight. It was great to briefly chat with each of you, and I hope we can get some quality time soon.
Todd McCurdy, Joanna Del Moral, Melissa Ruminot - We shared some great food as well as a fantastic view of the Disneyland fireworks high above Catal. We had selfies, chats and sat speechless in the presence of a master storyteller. Thanks for the great company. Here’s to spending more time together at future events.
Kathy Oliver - Thank you for trusting an unknown e-mailer to deliver your show reel. I was glad to use my editing skills to make a small contribution to the TEA Summit. It’s my first contribution to the themed entertainment industry, but hopefully not my last.
Arielle Rassel - To my Theme Park Prom “Date”. I was really glad to meet such a smart and talented young woman. You’re wise beyond your years, and it’s only a matter of time before the industry discovers your creativity. I was glad you realised that sitting around the fire listening to Joe Rhode was as valuable to your career as any networking opportunity. Maybe our career paths will let us collaborate, and what a ruckus we’ll stir up!
With Arielle.Note the socks.
MK Haley - My fellow Bostonain. I’m sure it was either curiosity or pitty that made you approach the guy snapping pictures of stuffed animals. Thank you for spending Friday with me, allowing me to pick your brain about the industry -- but more importantly, letting me observe your leadership and guidance with the TEA Next Gen attendees. I’ve never been a mentor, but hope to help students out in some capacity. You do it so well, that it was a great lesson to observe.
Dave Cobb - The big gay Jedi Master Creative Director to my Padawan Show Writer. From our very first meeting, you’ve treated me like an industry professional. You’ve helped me see the theme park world thru the eyes of an industry insider, rather than a fan. Your guidance is invaluable and you quietly make me strive me to be a great show writer (and to dress better).
Al Cross - What can I say? Your presence made me make the most of this conference. It was more than simple things -- introductions to MK and notes to meet people -- It was your selfless interest and belief in me. I’m confident in my ability, but knowing someone thinks I “have it”, was the fuel that carried me to make the most of my time in Anaheim. Your long-distance mentorship is invaluable. Thank you.
Joe Fox - I feel terrible that we didn’t I hang out more… drinks at Sam’s or maybe a park visit. It was fun to get to know you offline thru dinner at Catal and other hallway conversations. You’re a smart guy, and I’m thrilled to know you. Thanks, and here’s hoping for new adventures!
Stefan Lawrence - I blame you for my stubborn belief that I can make it. I’m not brave enough to toss everything away and move cross-country, but nobody gets in the same way twice. I admire you, not necessarily for just how you made the leap and landed safely, but how you serve as an ambassador for the TEA and mentor for students and anyone interested in the industry.Thank you. Stefan Rules!! Yeah, I went there.
Gary Blumenstein - Thank you for allowing an aspiring show writer the chance to chat with you. I admit it was a little intimidating to chat with you. You’ve worked on some of my favorite attractions. But putting those aside, you are genuine, warm and kind. Please e-mail me the Harry Potter secrets.
With Dave Cobb and Alex Krikes
Alex Krikes - I’m in awe of your ability to dream up and draw attractions concepts with ease. You may be a few years away from entering the industry, but you’re well on your way to making the most out of your college life. You really inspire me to make the most of my “idle time” with quick notes or dreams. As I said, I look forward to presenting you the Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award.
Emily Harley - I was absolutely thrilled to meet a young student interested in show writing. It takes confidence in your craft to hand out cards asking people to “Trust The Writer”. Us writers can be an introverted bunch, but I see that’s not your case. Make the most of college and eventually, you’ll find role where people will trust you to write great things.
Joe Rohde - It was quite humbling to be sitting next to a master storyteller after the Thea awards. It was also quite surreal to be sipping a Kungaloosh next to the person behind The Adventurer’s Club. You’ve been on amazing journeys, more than I’ll ever do in my lifetime. I admire your Disney work, but your pursuit of a life full of stories to share is truly inspiring. Thank you for your few hours worth of time that I’ll never forget.
Bob Coker - While I tease you too much about your late arrival (A flight 2014 reference...get it..) into the themed entertainment industry, your journey quietly inspires me everyday. There’s a reason to wake up, spend time on samples and never quit. Thanks for seeing me as a slightly younger (sorry...can’t help it) and equally hungry version of yourself.
Brent Young - Feedback is vital for any creative career. Finding someone that takes a few moments to give that feedback is equally important. Thanks for providing me with input and ideas on making my work shine.
Doug Barnes - Thanks for being an ear as I aired out those internal doubts that us creatives keep bottled up. It’s rare that I find someone that’s in the same boat. Inside, yet looking in, if that makes sense. Realise that your podcast is an invaluable tool for people trying to get into the industry. It’s really an extension of your warmth as a person. Your work is your way “in” as well.
TEA NextGen - Ashley Spedding, Colt Sammons, Casey Ging, Jessica Liang - and everyone else in the program that I chatted with but overlooked your name - WOW. This may make me sound old, but it’s great to see “Today’s Youth” interested in the industry. Your portfolios and experiences are impressive. Gathering with industry pros is an incredibly smart move, and it will pay off soon.
There’s something to be said about dozens of people in the themed entertainment industry having an impact on me during the TEA weekend. Theme parks and themed entertainment as a whole are about experiences. Creative people connect to guests thru our artistic skills. Themed entertainment pros connect to each other thru this common thread. I was glad to be learning and laughing from these people during my days in Anaheim. It is my tribe.
The glamor and fun of the TEA Summit and Thea Awards will fade as we drift back into our worlds of deadlines and client pitches. It’s hard to meet good people, knowing that it may be months before I see them again. The least I could do was share my thanks for their company during my Anaheim visit.
Thanks.
Joe Rohde storytime at Trader Sam's