Entertainment Designer Forum returns this month featuring Orlando theme park discussion, collectible auction to benefit charity

in Disney, Entertainment, Walt Disney World

The second annual Entertainment Designer Forum will be held in Orlando in just two weeks, offering attendees a chance to learn about the theme park industry from many of its most talented designers and to benefit a charity for which the event is closely connected.

In April 2010, the first Entertainment Designer Forum took place, with the goal of raising money for American Cancer Society Relay for Life. This charity was chosen specifically film and theme park designer Stephanie Girard, who unfortunately lost her battle with cancer in the months since the last event. Now, in her honor, some of Orlando’s top designers are once again getting together to discuss their work and answer audience questions.

Like last year’s event, it will take place at the Mad Cow Theatre in downtown Orlando. The event will feature two sessions, each moderated by Mike Aiello, show director for Universal Orlando and a creative lead for Halloween Horror Nights.

The first panel at 6:30 p.m. will include Universal Orlando designers TJ Manarino, Mary Nesler, Rick Spencer, and Patrick Braillard, Jack the Clown actor James Keaton, as well as Busch Gardens technical director Robbi Lepre. The 9 p.m. session will include Disney designer Cindy White along with Universal Orlando designers David Hughes, Eric Baker, Doug Sauls, Kim Gromoll and Ray Keim.

These designers at this year’s panels have worked on major theme park projects such as Halloween Horror Nights, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and many more. They are willing and able to offer advice to anyone in the audience hoping to land theme park design positions in the future. (Click here for pictures and a summary of the advice given at last year’s event.)

In addition, a silent auction will be held featuring one-of-a-kind theme park creations including artwork, theme park memorabilia, and rare Halloween Horror Nights collectibles. Tickets for the event are $25 with all proceeds from both ticket sales and the auction donated to the American Cancer Society Relay. Tickets are available now at the Mad Cow Theatre web site.

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