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Mercadante has served on the TEA’s International Board of Directors for the past six years
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has a new president, with Michael Mercadante, president of US-based experience design firm Main Street Design, taking up the position in November 2018.
Part of the TEA for a nearly a decade and a member of the organisation’s board since 2012, Mercadante revealed his plan to take the association to the “next level” during his term as TEA president.
“In broad strokes, it means implementing best practices that position the association to remain viable into the future, building and protecting our brand, and upholding standards of excellence for the industry,” he says.
“The TEA is maturing – in a few years, our organisation will hit the 30-year mark. Today we’re in a strong position to embark on a new phase of long-term planning.”
Strong foundations Mercadante succeeds David Willrich, who completed his second term as president in November after taking the position in 2016. During his time at the helm of the TEA, Willrich worked to create a “truly global” TEA, introducing new educational events such as SATE Europe.
“David worked hard to bolster the visibility and involvement of the TEA Europe and Middle East Division members and region and get more exposure for TEA in the burgeoning Asia Pacific markets,” says Mercadante. “I have no doubt he will now be a very supportive immediate past president. TEA past presidents tend to stay involved after their terms are completed, and the TEA Past Presidents Committee is a great resource.”
Global outreach Over the course of 2019, the TEA has more than 100 events planned across its regional divisions, each supporting professional development, education and networking. With Willrich building a strong foundation for the events taking place in every corner of the globe, Mercadante will be keen to continue and improve upon this.
“A huge benefit of TEA membership is the access to people, places, discussions and venues we provide,” he says. “It’s just as important for established industry members as for NextGen members, with our offerings reflecting the needs of the community we serve.”
Beyond education, Mercadante is planning to increase the TEA’s presence in each of its world regions, growing them even further and expanding the association, though according to the new president, geography is not the only measure: “The industry is evolving and diversifying in terms of market sectors, types of projects, guest expectations and business culture,” says Mercadante. “My own background puts me in an ideal position to help expand the conversation within the museum and zoo communities and to grow the TEA’s presence in those communities around the world. There are many business spaces in need of what TEA members can do in terms of storytelling, placemaking and compelling experiences.”
In terms of his new position, Mercadante describes this new opportunity as his chance to “give back in a big way”.
“We will all work together to help TEA become an ever-richer resource - to help plan and shape its future – its best future – to serve the members and enrich the industry,” he explains.
As the sector thrives, what is it for the new TEA president that excites him most about themed entertainment?
“It never stands still,” he says. “We’re compelled to grow and innovate always.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
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Mercadante has served on the TEA’s International Board of Directors for the past six years
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has a new president, with Michael Mercadante, president of US-based experience design firm Main Street Design, taking up the position in November 2018.
Part of the TEA for a nearly a decade and a member of the organisation’s board since 2012, Mercadante revealed his plan to take the association to the “next level” during his term as TEA president.
“In broad strokes, it means implementing best practices that position the association to remain viable into the future, building and protecting our brand, and upholding standards of excellence for the industry,” he says.
“The TEA is maturing – in a few years, our organisation will hit the 30-year mark. Today we’re in a strong position to embark on a new phase of long-term planning.”
Strong foundations Mercadante succeeds David Willrich, who completed his second term as president in November after taking the position in 2016. During his time at the helm of the TEA, Willrich worked to create a “truly global” TEA, introducing new educational events such as SATE Europe.
“David worked hard to bolster the visibility and involvement of the TEA Europe and Middle East Division members and region and get more exposure for TEA in the burgeoning Asia Pacific markets,” says Mercadante. “I have no doubt he will now be a very supportive immediate past president. TEA past presidents tend to stay involved after their terms are completed, and the TEA Past Presidents Committee is a great resource.”
Global outreach Over the course of 2019, the TEA has more than 100 events planned across its regional divisions, each supporting professional development, education and networking. With Willrich building a strong foundation for the events taking place in every corner of the globe, Mercadante will be keen to continue and improve upon this.
“A huge benefit of TEA membership is the access to people, places, discussions and venues we provide,” he says. “It’s just as important for established industry members as for NextGen members, with our offerings reflecting the needs of the community we serve.”
Beyond education, Mercadante is planning to increase the TEA’s presence in each of its world regions, growing them even further and expanding the association, though according to the new president, geography is not the only measure: “The industry is evolving and diversifying in terms of market sectors, types of projects, guest expectations and business culture,” says Mercadante. “My own background puts me in an ideal position to help expand the conversation within the museum and zoo communities and to grow the TEA’s presence in those communities around the world. There are many business spaces in need of what TEA members can do in terms of storytelling, placemaking and compelling experiences.”
In terms of his new position, Mercadante describes this new opportunity as his chance to “give back in a big way”.
“We will all work together to help TEA become an ever-richer resource - to help plan and shape its future – its best future – to serve the members and enrich the industry,” he explains.
As the sector thrives, what is it for the new TEA president that excites him most about themed entertainment?
“It never stands still,” he says. “We’re compelled to grow and innovate always.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
In a world where imbalance often accumulates quietly, Wildsmith unveils its newest
wellbeing innovation: Silent Loads, an approach designed to meet the needs of modern spa
guests with precision and depth. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Beautylizer Beautylizer brings
its deep aesthetic expertise and
strong R&D focus to holistic wellness,
offeri [more...]
