Writing the Future of Themed Entertainment - Panel Discussion

Join a dynamic conversation with industry leaders who've seen firsthand how trained writers drive better outcomes: tighter team alignment, stronger guest engagement, and more adaptable, impactful, and cost-effective storytelling. The panel will discuss how writers help projects ensure clarity across departments and cross-functional teams, elevate placemaking to boost dwell time, navigate IP and operational challenges—and crucially, streamline collaboration with clients and licensors at every stage of development.Whether you’ve worked with writers before or have never considered a writer's role in the themed entertainment industry, this session will offer you a look into the creative and strategic edge that story-first teams hold in today’s competitive landscape.

This panel is ideal for executive producers, creative directors, studio leads, and anyone responsible for assembling project teams, managing vendor partnerships, or shaping guest-facing narratives.

If you’re committed to delivering experiences that resonate and endure—this is the room to be in.

=====================================

SPEAKERS:

Our MC for the evening will be veteran themed entertainment industry Creative Writer Colette Piceau.

Our Panel consists of:

• Francisco Nunez, Owner of FrankNDesign

• Ameenah Kaplan, Theme Park Show Director

• Tom Acomb, Chief Creative Officer of AOA

• Theron Skees, former WDI Senior Creative Executive and Author of "Creating Memorable Worlds"

• Stacy Barton, veteran themed entertainment Creative Writer• Scott Swenson, Owner of Scott Swenson Creative Development

PRODUCERS:

• Sophie Katz, professional Creative Writer

• Emma Oliver, Show Writer and Creative Director

• Melody Matheny, Owner of Slice Creative Network and Cosmos Creative

Host or Publisher Slice Creative Network