The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), an international non-profit association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers, and producers of compelling places and experiences, has announced the introduction of a new “Wellness Council.”
As per TEA, the Wellness Council has been created with a “dedication to enhancing both physical and mental wellbeing within the themed entertainment industry. This innovative Council, drawing from TEA’s global divisions, will provide guidance on wellness-focused content and event planning, fostering a supportive environment for our members year-round.”
Following impactful discussions at the 2024 INSPIRE Conference about mental health and workplace wellness, TEA recognised the need for a dedicated effort to address these crucial issues. The Wellness Council will work to “destigmatise mental health, promote a thriving community, and design events that energise and inspire.”
The idea of the Wellness Council arose after a group of TEA members convened the 2024 INSPIRE Conference panel, “When Things Go Wrong: A Candid Conversation”. Panel topics included a variety of wellbeing topics including anxiety, imposter syndrome, and both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Based on the member feedback they received, as well as their awareness of other recent in-person and virtual TEA sessions on the topic, they realised they needed to organize their collective efforts so that the Association and industry could centre wellness year-round.
“It seemed crazy to us that such important topics as workplace culture, quiet quitting, and burnout were only being formally discussed at a couple of 20 or 30-minute sessions per year,” said Clara Rice, Director of Global Marketing at Adirondack Studios and Wellness Council Chair.
“Creating the Wellness Council now means that we can work with TEA Staff, International Board, and Divisions to create a suite of coordinated initiatives around mental and physical wellbeing.”
The Wellness Council has initiated plans which include Net-Walking mixers and healthy event alternatives, Success Guides for major conferences and Wellness Surveys to tailor initiatives to member needs.
Goals of the Wellness Council include cultural changes: Destigmatising the term “mental health” over time and in turn, celebrating when members invest in their mental health and wellbeing.
Establishing an inclusive TEA community vision: Creating a supportive community where “emotionally and physically thriving” is considered the highest personal priority and is talked about as naturally as designing an attraction.
Producing TEA events designed to allow people to thrive: Re-evaluating physical environments for wellness in event planning and offering content designed to energize members and inspire action.
For those attending IAAPA Expo Europe, the TEA Wellness Council will be hosting an informal “Net-walking” mixer on Thursday, 26 September at 9am. Attendees can also visit TEA at Booth #10629 for further details.
Image: TEA
