The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) will host the annual Thea Awards Gala at The Globe Theatre, Universal Studios, Hollywood, California on 6 March.

The 16th annual event, sponsored this year by Garner Holt Productions and Economics at AECOM, will hand out awards in excellence and innovation in recognition of outstanding visitor attractions projects.

This year's winners will include founder of Water Entertainment Technologies Mark Fuller, who will be given the Thea Lifetime Achievement Award.

Visitor attractions that will receive awards at the ceremony include The Heineken Experience, Amsterdam (best brand experience); Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney's California Adventure and Walt Disney World, Florida (best attraction); America I Am: The African American Imprint (best traveling exhibition); and Skyscraper! At the Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, US (best science centre exhibit).

The awards night will be preceded by the 2010 TEA Summit at the Hilton Hotel, Universal City, California, on 4-5 March.

The two-day international think tank is targeted at both operators and suppliers, and speakers will include John Robinett of ERA/AECOM, Dave Schmitt of Management Resources/Profun, Keith James of JRA and Daniele Bienvenue of Management Savvy.