The attractions industry must continue to build on its initial forays into academia and develop courses worldwide to ensure the next generation of leaders are fully-equipped to succeed.

This is the view of Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) president Christine Kerr, who has hailed the growing interest in themed entertainment courses – particularly across North America – noting the key opportunities for inter-generational knowledge exchange.

Speaking exclusively to AM2, Kerr – who will hand over the TEA presidency to Steve Birket in November after a successful full term – cited the return of experiential pioneer Jack Rouse to lecture at New York’s Columbia University as a prime example of this.

“Many of my generation came into the attractions industry from other sectors and learned on the job, as there weren’t any recognised academic pathways in place,” she said.

“But now we have a prime opportunity to identify the rising stars and make sure we’re giving them high-quality, focused training, while still reflecting the open-minded and imaginative nature of our exciting industry.”

Kerr also highlighted the work of the TEA’s NextGen Committee – chaired by JRA’s Clara Rice – which plays a “vital role” in setting students and recent graduates on the pathway to success by connecting them to the TEA’s members and experts.