Orlando, FL – November 21, 2025 – The Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Society (TEAAS) is proud to host the 8th annual TEAAS Symposium, coinciding with the final day of the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The TEAAS Symposium is the premier event in this field of academic study, bringing together academics and scholars from around the world.
Through the annual support of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and academic partners, this full-day event is held on the Friday of the industry’s highly anticipated IAAPA Expo, offering unparalleled industry access to academics and professionals alike. The Symposium spotlights theoretical and practical research, timely knowledge transfer, and research exchange as participants engage with industry leaders through networking, and innovative presentations. Tickets are available for students ($50) and professionals ($75), with Early Bird rates available.
Symposium Highlights
- Industry trends and insights shared by top leaders in themed experience
- Academic research presented in 15-minute sessions
- Structured networking opportunities with industry experts, academics, and scholars
- Innovative research showcase
Symposium Speakers
Morning Keynote:
Molly Murphy, President, Universal Creative, Universal Destinations & Experiences
Molly Murphy spearheads the development of cutting-edge attractions and experiences for Universal Destinations & Experiences. Molly oversees Universal Creative’s long-term vision, strategy, creative development, global project delivery, and daily operation. Before joining Universal Creative, she was Principal and Co-Managing Director at Gensler’s New York office. Molly Murphy will share her insights about the new Universal Horror Unleashed experience, which recently opened in Las Vegas.
Afternoon Keynote:
Bob Weis, Former President, Walt Disney Imagineering
Over a forty-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering, Weis contributed to every Disney park and resort worldwide, including Tokyo DisneySea, Shanghai Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure. A recipient of the TEA’s Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award, Weis is also the author of the newly released book, Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering. Bob Weis will discuss “Re-Imagineering: How Disney redesigned and revitalized venues and attractions to create iconic experiences.”
About TEAAS
The Themed Experience & Attractions Academic Society enhances communication between themed experience, attraction researchers, and educators to create new knowledge, add to the body of work in the field, and facilitate both teaching and learning.
The TEAAS actively engages with the academic community through a scholarly journal, annual academic symposium, and a highly engaged global membership.
For more information and ticket information, visit teaacademicsociety.org.
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