MOVERS & SHAKERS
Christine Kerr
The president of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has come far since her early days as a costumer in the entertainment department of Canada’s Wonderland
How did you first get into the attractions business? I started out at Canada’s Wonderland. I’d just graduated with my degree in thea- tre and got a job as a costumer in the entertainment department in its opening season. I moved into production manage- ment for the Entertainment Department and very quickly became that depart- ment’s director, which included producing, staffing and operating live shows, the street entertainers and costume char- acters, park-wide technical support and producing all special events and the opera- tion of a 15,000-seat concert facility. I had successfully transitioned from a creative, entertainment role into an operations role. This was somewhat unique at the time.
How has your career progressed? I then spent two years leading the Guest Services Department at the CN Tower in Toronto where I was responsible for daily operation of all attractions. It was a time of change and renovation and I was a key part of the team responsible for a series of renewal projects, including a motion simulator theatre renovation, installation of the Glass Floor and new lighting on the iconic structure. I developed and imple-
68 Attractions Handbook 2014-2015 TEA thrives because our
members are adaptable, flexible and respond to industry needs – reflected in our ongoing partnerships with owner operators like Disney
mented new staff training initiatives which led to the Tower and its staff being recog- nised for excellence in customer service. I was then asked to join the LEGO Com-
pany as director of operations for the new LEGOLAND Park being built in Windsor, UK. I was involved in the design, construction and planning for most aspects of the park, including the development of all live enter- tainment and special events in its opening season. I assembled and trained the operations team during the park’s opening season. In 1997 I joined the project team building LEGOLAND California where I had the opportunity to perform a similar role. In 2001 my family and I moved back home to Toronto and I joined BaAM Pro-
TEA president Christine Kerr
ductions, leading business development, project teams and company operations. I’ve worked with clients in the for-profit and non-profit worlds and across the enter- tainment spectrum from theme parks to tourist attractions to cultural and heritage projects and large-scale events for major league sports and teams, and have devel- oped an understanding of the similarities between cultural attractions, theme parks and major league sports.
How does it feel to be one of only two female TEA presidents? More importantly – I’m only the second president from outside the US! I realise I’m still located in North America (I’m Canadian) but this reinforces the fact that the world is a smaller place. Being elected is a reflection of my long-standing involve- ment in the association and also because I was perhaps uniquely suited to lead some of the initiatives for 2013/2014. In 2012, I had an opportunity to partici- pate on a task force made up of executive committee colleagues, Gene Jeffers and some past TEA presidents – the Future Vision Task Force met over nine months to explore the future potential of TEA. Key among the results was a commitment to
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