The Storytelling Architecture Technology Experience (SATE) Conference 2013 kicks off today (3 October) at the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) with Carnegie Mellon Entertainment Technology Centre (ETC) founder, Don Marinelli making the keynote speech, entitled SATE: the reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic of the 21st Century.

Organised by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the conference is an annual, international gathering of themed entertainment and experience design creators, producers, owners and operators.

The conference explores issues, opportunities and possibilities relating to the creation of compelling guest experiences for entertainment, education, retail and branding. A new theme is explored every year, with this year’s theme being ‘what’s next.’

SCAD has been selected as the venue for SATE based on the success it has had with its new themed entertainment design degree – the first of its kind – which has gone from strength to strength since its inception.

The team behind the new degree spoke to Attractions Management magazine on how it would benefit the industry.

“SCAD is one of the first colleges to recognise the uniqueness of themed entertainment and the skill sets necessary, so students will have an advantage over those from other institutions that don’t have the same kind of focus,” said programme founder, Peter Weishar. “A primary function in the industry is telling a story and creating a compelling environment and that’s what the students focus on.”

Professor George Head, a former employee of Walt Disney, said: “It needs to be as close as possible to experiences in the industry – every project I set is based on an actual job.”

SATE 2013 runs October 3-4. For more information visit: http://www.teaconnect.org/tea-sate-2013

To read the full article on SCAD available in Attractions Management Magazine,