NEW ORLEANS, LA. (Oct. 28, 2026) — Nassalis proud to highlight the participation of Michael Acevedo, manager of business development, as a featured panelist at the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Storytelling, Architecture, Technology and Experience (SATE) North America 2026 Conference. This year’s event focused on the theme of “Cultural Authenticity as Design Material,” bringing together industry leaders to discuss how culture, history and community can shape meaningful guest experiences.
Acevedo joined industry professionals from across the themed entertainment sector for thepanel discussion, "Building Authentic Worlds: Storytelling Through Culture, Experience, Design and Construction," where panelists explored the collaborative process of translating authentic cultural narratives into immersive environments through design, technology and construction.
With more than two decades of experience in themed entertainment, Acevedo has contributed to some of the industry's most recognizable projects, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Transformers: The Ride – 3D, Disney Springs, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Today, he leads business development efforts for Nassal, helping clients around the world bring complex themed and immersive environments to life.
“Great fabricationdoesn’t just recreate a design; it brings the story to life with anauthenticity guests can see, feel and believe,” said Acevedo. “Early collaboration allows us to bring constructability expertise to the design process, helping align the creative vision with scope, schedule and budget.”
Acevedo's participation at SATE reflects his ongoing leadership within the themed entertainment and specialty fabrication industries. In addition to serving onthe TEA Eastern North America Board, he regularly represents Nassal at major industry events, including the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, SeaTrade Cruise Global and Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, where he engages with owners, operators, designers and developers to advance conversations around immersive experiences, storytelling and custom fabrication.
Nassal’s participation in SATE North America brings a builder’s perspective to the conversation, connecting the business case for an experience with the creative vision and storytelling that give it purpose. By understanding both the owner’s objectives and the designer’s intent, Nassal helps transform those ideas into thoughtful, buildable solutions that preserve the story, support project goal and deliver authentic, memorable experiences.
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About Nassal
Since 1984, Nassal has been one of the largest leading specialtytheming fabricators and program managers, focusing on award-winning rockworkand fabrication for theme parks, cultural experiences, hospitality, zoos,aquariums, and other culturally relevant immersive environments. With locationsin Orlando and Los Angeles, our bi-coastal personnel, craftsmen and artisanswork together cooperatively and cohesively to deliver award-winningdestinations around the globe www.nassal.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kelly Larsen, Senior Marketing Specialist
Nassal
Kelarsen@nassal.com
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