There’s something about this time of year in New Orleans—true, it still feels a lot like summer outside, but the buzz of pumpkin spice season, Halloween prep, and that lingering back-to-school energy tells us change is in the air. So it’s just that extra bit more exciting to be preparing to head to not one, but two different conferences next month!

In October, Downtown FabWorks team members will be heading in two different directions, united by a shared purpose: to gather, learn, and collaborate with some of the most thoughtful and forward-thinking people in our industries. We’re thrilled to share that we’ll be attending two incredible conferences next month:

• The Southeastern Museums Conference's Annual Meeting in Montgomery, Alabama
• The Themed Entertainment Association's SATE North America Conference in Buena Park, California

Both events offer powerful spaces to listen, share, and build relationships that last well beyond the closing keynote. If you're attending either, we’d love to connect!

Future-Forward in Montgomery: Our Team at SEMC 2025

From October 20–22, Dan Krall (President & Founder), Sarah Rose Janko (Sales Manager), and Anna Harris (VP of Communications) will be in Montgomery, Alabama for the 2025 Southeastern Museums Conference Annual Meeting.

Set in the heart of Montgomery at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel, this year’s SEMC theme—Future Forward: Reach, Remember, Reclaim—is one that truly resonates. It’s a reminder to look ahead by acknowledging where we’ve been, listening for new voices, and reclaiming stories and spaces that have too often been overlooked.

This is the kind of work that excites us.

As an experiential fabrication company, we draw so much inspiration from the ways museums create community through storytelling and design. We’re honored to be part of SEMC’s vibrant network of museum professionals, independents, and partners working together to shape the future of public history and engagement.

📍Stop by and see us at Table 18 in the Expo Hall—we’d love to meet you, hear your story, and share a bit about the projects that are currently fueling our passion! 

West Coast Wonders: Our Team at TEA SATE North America 2025

Also happening October 20–22 (yes, it’s a busy week!), Kyle Salzman (VP of Operations), Kristin Emmet (VP of Business Administration), and Logan Onebane (Sales Manager) will be attending TEA SATE North America at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

TEA SATE is a favorite for our team—it’s where creative possibility meets practical innovation, and the conversations linger long after the sessions end. With its unique focus on Storytelling, Architecture, Technology, and Experience, this conference is a true gathering of minds for those reimagining what themed environments can be.

We’re constantly inspired by the TEA community’s wide-ranging expertise—from theme parks and water parks to immersive brand activations, museums, multimedia spectaculars, and everything in between. Every project we touch is shaped by collaboration, detail, and heart—and it’s a joy to connect with others who feel that same pulse in their work.

Two Cities. Two Teams. One Shared Mission.

Whether we’re in a museum gallery or building out an immersive exhibit, crafting a traveling display or shaping a museum-grade artifact, our goal is always the same: to bring visions to life in the most thoughtful way possible.

Being at both SEMC and TEA SATE means we get to step out of our day-to-day and step into our why. It’s about learning from our peers, celebrating what’s possible when people come together—and remembering that real progress is a collaborative act.

If you’re heading to either conference, we hope you’ll consider reaching out. Even a quick hello can lead to something meaningful—and who knows where a single conversation might take us?

Let’s Meet Up.

Are you also attending the SEMC Annual Meeting or TEA SATE North America this year? Let’s find a time to say hi in person! 

Whether you’re curious about what we do, looking for a creative partner, or simply want to connect with a few passionate folks making things happen—we’re all ears.

👉 Email us at info@downtownfabworks.com with the subject line “SEMC” or “SATE” to set up a meeting time. Or feel free to swing by Table 18 at SEMC to catch us during Expo hours!

We can’t wait to see where these conversations lead. Until then—safe travels, stay curious, and we’ll see you out there.