SATE 2016 – the conference on storytelling, architecture, technology and experience – comes to New York this week to explore ideas on to how prepare for, interpret and approach risk-taking in experience design.

Taking place on 13-14 October at New York’s AXA Event and Production Center, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) event features a who’s who of top speakers from the creative sector.

Cirque Du Soleil producer Scott Zeiger is at the top of the bill, who, accompanied by Cirque du Soleil president Martin Boudreau and business development director Amy Larea, will discuss the creative process of the company and how they continue to explore ways to present great experiences. Moderated by François Bergeron, COO of Thinkwell Group, the conversation will take an “Inside the Actors Studio” approach, with the meeting of the minds discussed as an on-stage interview.

Also on the schedule, Universeal senior creative executive Paul Osterhout will moderate an experience panel, with Joel Bekerman, founder of Man Made Music; Jason Eagan, artistic director for Ars Nova; and Marla Weinhoff Studio owner and production designer, Marla Weinhoff to discuss the notion of the designer as a daredevil.

“Evolve or die” is the message that Sean Saylor, vice president and creative director of MTV International will deliver during his talk. Saylor will share what taking risks looks like for a brand, such as MTV – which is expected to continually look and see what’s next, what’s new and where are things headed.

In a stacked lineup, Mike West, executive producer for Universal Creative, is also on the agenda, with the man who most recently led the creative team responsible for the design, development, production and installation of Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, scheduled to discuss finding the right balance on the “creative tightrope” – creating an idea while meeting parameters of cost, safety and more.

The SATE experience continues with an optional day on 15 October with visits to the Thea award winning 9/11 Memorial Museum and One World Observatory. The day includes a tour of both attractions, plus a panel discussion with 9/11 Memorial Museum vice president for exhibitions, Amy Weisser, and Electrosonic executive sales manager, Bryan Abelowitz.

For more information on SATE 2016, click here.