Non-binding request for Steve Tatham
Steve Tatham
Meet Steve Tatham, the creative force behind Epic Universe and one of the world’s most prominent experience and theme park designers.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!
Why book Steve Tatham for your next event
- Gain rare insight into the creative leadership behind Epic Universe, praised as one of the most groundbreaking theme parks ever built.
- Learn how world-class immersive experiences are shaped from a designer who has worked across Disney, Universal, USC and Harvard GSD.
- Discover the creative mindset behind award-winning projects from a speaker known for powerful ideas, clarity and entertaining delivery.
Non-binding request for Steve Tatham
Executive Creative Director behind Epic Universe and award-winning experience innovator.
Steve Tatham is one of the world’s most prominent theme park and experience designers, known for leading the creative vision of Epic Universe, a seven-billion-dollar project widely celebrated as a new benchmark in immersive entertainment. With a career spanning Disney, Universal, USC and Harvard GSD, he brings deep expertise paired with a sharp, engaging style. His talks blend creativity, leadership and innovation with humor and candor, offering audiences a rare look into how unforgettable experiences are designed and delivered.
A creative leader behind Epic Universe
Steve Tatham stands among the world’s most respected voices in theme park design, shaped by decades at the forefront of global experience creation. As the Executive Creative Director of Epic Universe, he led every creative aspect of the seven-billion-dollar flagship project. The result has already earned extraordinary praise, with many calling it the world’s greatest theme park. The New York Times captured the response perfectly: “Believe the hype. Epic Universe lives up to its name and then some.”
His leadership on this massive undertaking reflects his talent for turning ambitious ideas into places that feel alive, coherent and culturally resonant. Across years of development, he shaped lands, attractions, narrative frameworks and guest journeys with a level of craft that continues to influence the industry.
A career shaped by Disney and Universal
Before his near decade-long commitment to Epic Universe, Steve served as Vice President of Creative for Universal Studios Japan, where he guided major expansions and creative initiatives for one of the world’s highest-attended parks. His foundation in the field began at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he contributed to every Disney theme park prior to Shanghai Disneyland.
This combination of Disney precision and Universal scale gives him a perspective few can match. His work has earned six Themed Entertainment Association Awards, often described as the theme park world’s Oscars, along with multiple additional recognitions. Steve’s projects are known not just for innovation, but for clarity of story, emotional resonance and an ability to connect with guests of all ages.
Professor, CCO and global voice in experience design
Beyond his creative leadership roles, Steve is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of designers. He is a full professor of Experience Design at the University of Southern California School of the Cinematic Arts, one of the most influential programs in the field. He also teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
After one of his talks, Dr. Rena Fonseca, Director of Executive Education and International Programs at GSD, shared a reaction that mirrors what many audiences express: “It was superb, incisive, bright, interesting, illuminating, and so thought provoking… I felt like some new synapses grew this morning.”
Steve was recently appointed Chief Creative Officer at MDSX, an innovative experience design firm, where he brings his vision to projects that push beyond traditional entertainment into new realms of experiential storytelling.
A multifaceted creator with an unexpected background
Although best known for his major theme park achievements, Steve’s background is unusually rich and varied. He has worked as a stand-up comedian, radio host, tour guide, Jungle Cruise Skipper, illustrator and architectural draftsman. This broad creative foundation gives him a unique voice one that blends humor, design thinking and narrative instinct with practical leadership experience.
He is also the author of two traditionally published books, including one recognized as one of the year’s ten best by the Village Voice. His pioneering daily comedy news vlog, The Ointment, led to him being honored as one of the People of Los Angeles.
This diverse path informs his speaking style: sharp, entertaining, insightful and fueled by genuine curiosity.
Why audiences book Steve Tatham
- He offers an insider’s view of how landmark destinations are conceived, designed and built, supported by stories from Disney, Universal and Epic Universe.
- His talks blend rigorous creative thinking with humor and a vibrant narrative style, making complex ideas feel accessible and inspiring.
- As a professor and CCO, he bridges academic insight, industry leadership and real-world experience in a way that resonates across sectors.
- His sessions consistently leave audiences energized, imaginative and ready to think differently about creativity, design and innovation.
Steve Tatham is based in the northeastern United States and continues to shape the global future of immersive experience design, one bold idea at a time.
Customer Reviews
5 of 5
“Before there can be a real estate development, it must have a story that the general public is ready to buy. Steve Tatham’s window into story building will open a new set of eyes for you, in a visual and imaginative way told with enthusiasm, examples, takeaway mottos, and panache. In ways you’ll indelibly remember. Highly recommended!”
David SmithCEO Affordable Housing Institute Boston MA
5 of 5
“Thank you for three inspiring days on storytelling at the Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education. The lectures were truly engaging, interactive, and eye-opening; further deepening my understanding of the critical role storytelling plays in design. As architects, we are constantly telling stories – to clients, governments, and users – though we may not always fully appreciate the impact of these narratives. Your training highlighted how essential a compelling story is in presenting projects in a powerful and engaging way, making it an integral part of the design process.”
Koen Van GrimbergenFounding partner at UUGENING Architecture Kapellen Belgium
5 of 5
“Such an amazing class. Love the real world project incorporation.”
Student evaluationFrom Steve’s class at the Harvard Graduate School of Design
5 of 5
“I wanna be like you when I grow up.”
Ricky DayInterdisciplinary Artist New York NY
5 of 5
“Do not know how you can follow up on the projects and influences to date. It has been an honor to be within your circle of successes and valuable leadership.”
Karen WellerCostume & Wardrobe Design Professional Los Angeles CA
5 of 5
“You make it look easy, but everyone who’s worked with you knows it’s pure mastery.”
Michaelangelo RoccoExecutive Creative Director Los Angeles CA
5 of 5
“First class content. I’m sure you put a lot into that. I can tell you that at least 3 colleagues sent me messages about yours being the best of show. Well done.”
Chuck FawcettCEO, Animax Designs, Memphis, Tennesse
5 of 5
“Great presentation, loved it. I can see now what I needed to be a better leader.”
Randy BarnettDirector of International Design, Six Flags International, Arlington, Texas
5 of 5
“Because we implemented your idea, we made an additional $10 million the first year.”
Tsuyoshi MoriokaCEO, Katana Marketing, Ōsaka, Japan
5 of 5
“The session was so relevant. One of my favorite.”
Student in Steve’s Harvard Story Building class
5 of 5
“Steve is a spectacular storyteller.”
ManagerShow/Ride Engineering
5 of 5
“Your passion for the parks is radiant and refreshing to hear!”
ManagerComcast Treasury, Philadelphia, PA
5 of 5
“Best energy in the company.”
DirectorGlobal Communication, Major media company
5 of 5
“It was a real joy to be part of your workshop. Absolutely worth joining at 1am from Australia! …Best of all, I love your idea that, at the heart of it all, we should design for the emotions of our users.”
Tom ShieldSr. Manager, Urban Strategy and Architecture, Rail Projects Victoria, Australia
5 of 5
“I just want to express my thanks following yesterday’s presentation, ‘Story Building: Narrative Placemaking and Design.’ Thoroughly enlightening, exciting, enjoyable… it was great; thank you!”
Eddie Bullock Eddie Bullock Golf Consulting, United Kingdom
5 of 5
“It was superb, incisive, bright, interesting, illuminating, and so thought provoking… I felt like some new synapses grew this morning.”
Dr. Rena FonsecaDir. Executive Education and International Programs, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Boston, Massachusetts
5 of 5
“Most people use slides to support their presentation. Steve uses the world!”
Martin HoweCEO, Teq4 & Human 2.0, United Kingdom
5 of 5
“After hearing Steve talk about the Voice and the Vision, we decided to totally rethink the way we do business.”
Rachel ReadCo-Founder, Blooloop, United Kingdom
5 of 5
“What a fun and informative presentation. Just WOW!!!”
Logan ZawackiProject Manager, Sally Dark Rides, Jacksonville, Florida
5 of 5
“Congratulations! Thanks to your pitch, the Walt Disney Company just made $500 million.”
Paul La FranceProject Director, Walt Disney Imagineering, Glendale, California
5 of 5
“Not only does Steve have a brilliant, creative mind, but he is also able to maintain a positive "can-do" attitude in the most challenging of circumstances. This blend of creativity and positive energy is infectious, leading teams to greater heights than they might have otherwise imagined.”
Joel CarnesPresident and CEO at Alliance for Innovation, Phoenix, Arizona
5 of 5
“His ingenuity, curiosity and instincts as a storyteller have contributed significantly to the success of projects around the world.”
David Woody Vice President, Chief Creative Officer, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois
5 of 5
“His keynote by far was the highlight of the conference!”
Rachael FrohardtVice President, Marketing Manager, PCL Construction, Orlando, Florida
5 of 5
“This man is clearly a creative genius.”
Dierdre GilmoreHost, PSM Show Podcast, Alexandria, Virginia
5 of 5
“Steve is a star.”
Charles Read Blooloop.com, United Kingdom
5 of 5
“I am truly in awe of your visionary leadership and the incredible impact you’ve had in bringing Universal Epic Universe to life. Your dedication and creative genius have been instrumental in shaping this immersive and innovative theme park. I feel honored to have played a small part in this journey, and although I’m no longer with Universal, I’m bursting with excitement and pride for you and the team. Your ability to inspire and guide others is a testament to your exceptional leadership.”
Kiley BernardDisney Parks, Experiences and Products, Orlando, FL
5 of 5
“Steve is one of the industry’s most versatile and inspiring leaders. He has such a broad range of skills that he’s become a natural builder of strong energized teams. Every project he’s worked on has been bigger and more sophisticated than the last, starting with Disney and culminating with some truly mind-blowing mega-projects at Universal. He’s able to take a team from that first spark to the final, built project… and keep them sane and smiling even under the pressures of crazy deadlines and heavy construction. We can’t wait to work with Steve on some of our upcoming gigs; he’s one of the greats.”
Adam BezarkPresident of the Bezark Company, Los Angeles, California
Rated 5.00/5 based on 27 customer reviews
Keynotes
Keynote by Steve Tatham:
The Voice and the Vision
Creative Director Steve Tatham talks about what creative leadership means to him and the importance of having a voice and a vision. A voice is key because it is your vehicle to persuade others the merits of your ideas and the vision is defined as your destination. You need to be clear about where you are going and how you will get there. Steve will teach you how to use your voice to make your vision persuasive to colleagues and potential clients and customers.
Keynote by Steve Tatham:
Story Building
Steve takes audiences on a journey through narrative architecture to discuss how buildings tell stories. Audience members can apply these examples to their own work. Steve says projects happen in three phases: Telling, Selling and Gelling. He discusses these three important ways to think about your project.
In his talk you will discover how to define the story of your project and why it’s so important. He’ll reveal how to convey the essence of your project to others so they can share your enthusiasm. You’ll learn how it all comes together so that your project will emotionally resonate with potential users, customers, and colleagues.
Keynote by Steve Tatham:
The Art of the Pitch
Steve has ten questions and twelve pitching tips to boil down what for many is a daunting process: standing in front of a group of people to sell their ideas. He takes “you” out of the equation so that the pitch is about your enthusiasm for your project rather than how you come off as a speaker. You do not have to be a great speaker to be good at pitching. You need only to have clarity and enthusiasm for what it is that you want to convey to others. He’ll explain how passion and preparation win over style and swagger.
The Voice and the Vision
Watch Steve Tatham in action!
