Themed Entertainment Association signs up for Gulf Expo

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) – an international alliance of professionals in the location-based, entertainment industry – is to mount a pavilion at the Theme Parks & Fun Centres (TPFC) trade show being held in Dubai next April.

TEA participated in TPFC 2003 for the first time and here is what Director Mark Pyrah has to say about their participation: “The TEA stand was a huge success and real demand for TEA member services certainly exists in the region. There was also steady interest in entertainment professionals provisionally joining the association.”

Based on the huge demand of their services in the region and also the excellent potential of MENA region, TEA is coming to the TPFC 2004 show with a pavilion.

“TEA’s participation is something of a coup for the show,” said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, International Expo-Consults (IEC), which organises Theme Parks & Fun Centres. “The Association’s members have played key roles in the development and production of nearly all of the world’s most successful theme parks, entertainment centres, resorts, museums, themed restaurants and themed retail.

“The Association represents the best in the business from concept designers, writers and architects to operations experts and full service companies.”

IEC is planning to organise a buyers and sellers meeting which will put TEA members in touch with leading project developers throughout the Middle East.

The TEA’s support for the show strengthens a strong industry lobby for the event which includes the backing of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions and the World Waterparks Association.

TPFC, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in April, is set to grow by a third on the 2003 show. April’s event, which will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 27-29, will also feature the show’s first dedicated arena for inflatable equipment.

“Over 90% of exhibitors at the 2003 show have rebooked for 2004,” said Falaknaz.