Key Takeaways
- The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and IAAPA are collaborating to host two industry events in the Middle East: TEA SATE Middle East and IAAPA Expo Middle East.
- TEA SATE Middle East will take place from 25-27 March 2026 at Dubai Parks & Resorts, while IAAPA Expo Middle East will occur from 30 March to 2 April 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
- The partnership aims to bring together industry professionals, manufacturers, and operators to explore the latest innovations and trends in the global attractions industry.
- Attendees of TEA SATE Middle East will receive complimentary registration to the IAAPA Expo Middle East conference, ensuring a seamless transition between the two events.
Introduction to the Partnership
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, have announced a collaborative partnership to unite two major industry events in the Middle East. This partnership marks the first time that TEA’s signature global program, SATE (Storytelling + Architecture + Technology = Experience), will be hosted in the region. The event, TEA SATE Middle East, will take place from 25-27 March 2026 at Dubai Parks & Resorts, serving as a creative community pre-expo experience that will lead directly into the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East.
The Events
TEA SATE Middle East will bring together industry professionals, creatives, and innovators to explore the latest trends and innovations in themed experiences. The event will feature a range of programming, including education, networking, and inspiration, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to engage with the region’s rapidly evolving leisure and attractions landscape. Following TEA SATE Middle East, the IAAPA Expo Middle East will take place from 30 March to 2 April 2026 in Abu Dhabi, featuring a sold-out show floor and a robust program of education, networking, and inspiration. The event will bring together leading manufacturers, operators, and industry visionaries to explore the latest innovations shaping the global attractions industry.
Benefits of the Partnership
The partnership between TEA and IAAPA aims to deliver meaningful value to industry professionals, particularly those who are members of both associations. By aligning the two events, attendees will have the opportunity to experience incredible content and programming from both associations during one complete trip. The partnership will also provide a rare opportunity for attendees to engage across disciplines, perspectives, and markets, while experiencing the region’s rapidly evolving leisure and attractions landscape. As Melissa Oviedo, CEO of TEA, noted, "Thoughtful collaboration delivers meaningful value to our members. We recognize that IAAPA and TEA have a reciprocal membership base, particularly in the creative and development communities. These members have asked for opportunities where TEA and IAAPA experiences can better align."
Response from Industry Leaders
The partnership has been welcomed by industry leaders, who recognize the benefits of collaboration between TEA and IAAPA. Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA, commented, "Collaborating with TEA as we launch our first-ever IAAPA Expo Middle East is a natural fit. The Middle East is rapidly expanding, and by collaborating with TEA for our first-ever IAAPA Middle East Expo, more decision-makers will have access to our sold-out tradeshow floor. Together, IAAPA and TEA members have shaped many of the world’s most iconic attractions, and co-promoting these events delivers added value to our global community." The partnership is expected to provide a significant boost to the region’s attractions industry, attracting industry professionals, manufacturers, and operators from around the world.
Registration and Partnership Opportunities
Registration for both TEA SATE Middle East and IAAPA Expo Middle East is now open. Interested professionals can visit the TEA and IAAPA websites to learn more about the events and to register. Partnership opportunities for both events are also available, providing companies with the chance to engage with industry professionals and promote their products and services. Those interested in partnership opportunities can contact Chloe Hausfeld, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships, TEA, or Cheryl Sulock, Head of Global Sponsorship and Advertising, IAAPA. With the partnership between TEA and IAAPA, the Middle East is set to become a major hub for the global attractions industry, providing a unique opportunity for industry professionals to come together and shape the future of themed experiences.
