IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017

TJ Mannarino
Vice President, Entertainment Art & Design
Universal Orlando Resort


TJ Mannarino, Vice President of Entertainment Art & Design, Universal Orlando, has been an active part of the entertainment community for 30 years. In his current role, TJ is responsible for the conceptual development and production of all live entertainment attractions overseeing the areas of creative, design, and costuming for Universal’s three world-class theme parks, five award-winning Loews Hotel resorts, and the CityWalk night-time entertainment complex. During his 21 years at Universal Orlando, TJ has lead a team of artists, scenic and costume designers, creative and concept developers and show producers working in tandem to deliver some of the industry’s most compelling live entertainment experiences. Some of the acclaimed ground-breaking and live entertainment experiences include: the Jimmy Fallon Ride Through New York grand opening with the Today Show and Tonight Show cast; Wizarding World of Harry Potter; Illuminations’ The Secret Life of Pets Parade Float Experience; the Super Star Parade; Grinchmas; The Macy’s Holiday Parade; and Mardi Gras. TJ and his design team are highly regarded for their continued successes in the uniquely innovative design and development of Universal Orlando’s Award-Winning Halloween Horror Nights. TJ has been a thought-leader on creating successful immersive interactive experiences including: live in-park; digital online; extensive Alternate Reality Gaming (ARG); immersive live technology assisted experiences; and RFID assisted in-park game play. Most recently, and gaining nation-wide media attention, TJ was responsible for the concept, creation and development of an immersive performance/VR/Escape room called “The Repository” debuted at Halloween Horror Nights in 2017. Prior to his arrival at Universal Orlando, TJ enjoyed a successful and diversified career in film and television and attended the University of Florida.

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