For a long time, I worked for a company where the mentality was simple: it’s us or them. Competitors were to be kept at arm’s length, and collaboration outside our own four walls was viewed with suspicion. It wasn’t until I moved on that I saw the bigger picture and it was eye-opening. Suddenly, I found myself in conversations with the very people we’d labelled as “the competition.” To my surprise, these so-called rivals were not only approachable, they were often working together, passing projects back and forth, and openly sharing insights. The walls I thought existed were, in reality, much more porous.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing every other company as a competitor to outdo. But in themed entertainment, the truth is almost always the opposite. The most successful projects I’ve seen, and the most rewarding ones I’ve worked on, are the result of partnerships, not rivalries. Sometimes, your competitor is the one who can fill a gap in your team, bring a fresh creative perspective, or help you deliver a project that’s bigger than any one company could handle alone. In fact, those “them” relationships often become your best source of new work, trusted advice, or even lifelong friendships.

Collaborating with others means you can draw on a wider pool of skills and experience, which is especially valuable in a field as multidisciplinary as themed entertainment. Diverse teams generate more creative ideas, spot potential pitfalls earlier, and build more robust attractions. When you support others, they’re more likely to return the favour, leading to more opportunities for everyone. When the sector as a whole thrives, there’s more work and recognition for all.

Some of the most memorable moments in my career have come from unexpected collaborations, sometimes even with direct competitors. There’s a certain magic that happens when you join forces with someone who sees things differently or who brings a skill set you don’t have in-house. These partnerships have led to breakthrough design solutions, smoother project delivery, and even new business opportunities that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that themed entertainment really is a small world (cue the catchy tune, whether you like it or not). Today’s competitor might be tomorrow’s partner, or even your client. The most valuable thing you can do is approach each relationship with openness and curiosity, rather than suspicion. So next time you’re at an industry event or working on a big project, don’t be afraid to reach out to “the competition.” You might just find your best collaborator yet, and end up humming that song all the way home.

Don’t limit your project’s potential by closing doors to collaboration. Look for partners who complement your skills and challenge your thinking, and embrace the idea that when one company succeeds, it raises the bar for everyone. In themed entertainment, collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s often the secret ingredient behind the industry’s most memorable experiences.