IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, held its annual IAAPA Expo 2022 in Orlando, Florida, and The Walt Disney Company received several THEA and Brass Ring Awards during ceremonies held during the week.
Thea Awards
The prestigious Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Award is considered one of the greatest honors in the themed experience industry. The Thea Awards honor individuals, projects, and technologies in the arena of themed attractions and experiences worldwide.
This year’s Thea Award Recipients include:
Catalyst Award (recognizing individual contributions to the advancement of the industry)
- Susanna Tubert, Creative Director, Disney Live Entertainment, Disneyland Parks & Resorts, The Walt Disney Company
Classic Award (celebrating a guest experience that has stood the test of time)
- Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade, Anaheim, CA – USA
Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement – Brand Experience:
- Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, USA
IAAPA Brass Ring Awards
The annual IAAPA Brass Rings awards recognize amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers (FECs), and suppliers from around the world for excellence in food and beverage, games and retail, human resources, live entertainment, marketing, new products, and exhibits
The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards are considered one of the global attractions industry’s most prestigious honors, and Disney Parks received the following awards:
Most Creative Property-Wide Event, Amusement Parks and Attractions, Including Water Parks, Annual Attendance More Than 1 million
- Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Paris 30th Anniversary Celebration
Most Creative Multimedia Spectacular
- Walt Disney World Resort, “Harmonious“
Most Creative Halloween Haunt, Show, or Experience
Hong Kong Disneyland, “Let’s Get Wicked“
Most Creative Christmas/Holiday Show
Disneyland Paris, “Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade“
Best Theatrical Production, Amusement Parks and Attractions, Including Water Parks, With Annual Attendance More Than 1 Million
Disneyland Resort, “Tale of the Lion King“
Games and Merchandise Excellence – Best Apparel Item
Disney Global Product Creation, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Cassette Player Shoulder Bag
Games and Merchandise Excellence – Best Hard Good Item
Disney Global Product Creation, Halcyon Starcruiser Training Lightsaber Hilt
Games and Merchandise Excellence – Best Plush Item
Disney Global Product Creation, Groot Scented Plush
Food & Beverage – Best New Menu Item, Annual Attendance More Than 1 Million
The Ganachery at Disney Springs, “Chocolate Mighty Thor’s Hammer“
“This year’s Brass Ring and Thea Awards truly speak to the power of live entertainment and the consistent quality of work of the team I have the privilege to lead,” said David Lightbody, senior vice president, Disney Live Entertainment. “We are honored and grateful to receive these industry recognitions.”
Congratulations to all of this year’s Thea and Brass Ring winners at IAAPA Expo 2022!