The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced the formation of a standing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. The new committee was established on October 13, 2020 by approval of the TEA International board of directors. TEA is a global nonprofit membership association headquartered in Burbank, California, USA and founded in 1991 to serve the creators of compelling experiences and places in the visitor attractions industry.
TEA International board president Michael Blau of Adirondack Studios said: “TEA has established this new Committee to raise awareness of the importance of fostering diversity, inclusion, and transparency in our business community. The TEA Committee on Diversity and Inclusion will help TEA develop policies that ensure an accessible path to all roles with the TEA regardless of their race, ethnicity, cultural identity, religious affiliation, gender or sexual orientation, age, or disability status. I’m gratified to have helped bring about this milestone during my tenure as president, and proud of TEA for taking this step.”
TEA chief operating officer Jennie Nevin said: “Working to shape a brighter world is part of the TEA vision statement. The installment of this Committee is a vital step and will help TEA continue to make progress toward our goals of diversity and inclusion. Our organization and our industry will be better and stronger for it.”
Formation of the TEA Committee on Diversity and Inclusion grew out of task force discussions and recommendations that began at the annual TEA Strategic Planning Meeting held in February 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The TEA Committee on Diversity and Inclusion will be chaired by Nathan A. Jones of CAVU Designwerks. Jones has a substantial record of dedicated volunteer leadership within the TEA and active promotion of diversity initiatives. He is the current TEA Executive Committee Vice President and has been leading a diversity task force within the association. In 2019, Jones was Co-Chair of the TEA SATE Seattle conference, which explored the theme, “Embracing Diversity.”
Nathan Jones said, “I’m honoured by this new responsibility with TEA and look forward to a rewarding and meaningful process that will produce actionable change within the TEA and foster a path forward for a more inclusive industry.”
Committee members will be appointed from within the entire TEA membership with a view to developing the most diverse cross-section of perspectives, knowledge and community involvement.