Members of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) are gathering ahead of the organisation's annual summit, which happens this year in Anaheim, California.

Taking place over three days at the Disneyland Hotel, the event kicks off on 31 March with the focus placed on insights, trends and discussions that will give developers, operators and experience creators the tools and understanding needed to make future decisions.

Chaired by TEA president Steve Birket and EME board member, Kile Ozier, a panel discussion titled “Ethics, Ethos and the Elephant in the Room”, will cover upper-industry “elephant” topics like human rights and global citizenship; doing business in China, the Middle East and in emerging markets; environmental challenges facing the industry; and best practices within the attractions industry.

Also on the agenda for day one, the TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index – the definitive global attendance study – will be broken down in a presentation to provide attendees with a look at the themed entertainment industry on a global scale, analysing insights, trends and predictions for the future of the sector.

Day one will be highlighted by a keynote speech from Keith James of Jack Rouse Associates (JRA), who was awarded the 2016 Buzz Price Thea Award for a Lifetime of Outstanding Achievements at IAAPA in November last year.

Day two will be centred around presentations showcasing this year’s Thea Awards recipients, who will be honoured the following evening at the annual Thea Awards Gala. Former TEA president Roberta Perry and TEA Distinguished Service Award recipient Pat MacKay will act as co-chairs for day two, which is open to a broad industry audience including TEA NextGen members.

The event will conclude on day three with the black-tie annual Thea Awards. During the dinner, the already-announced Thea recipients for 2015 will be presented with their awards in front of an audience made up of industry peers.

For more information on the TEA’s annual summit, click here.