SKYnext 2024
Through SKYnext, Skyline Attractions continues its efforts to support the next generation of amusement industry engineers, creatives, and managers. SKYnext offers exclusive presentations from industry professionals, behind-the-scenes tours, and networking opportunities with other passionate individuals.
SKYnext 2024 was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship and support of:
Details
What: A two-day event with a collection of speakers, tours, and networking opportunities
When: Friday, September 13 – Saturday, September 14, 2024
Where: Orlando, Florida, USA at IAAPA World Headquarters
4155 W Taft Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32821
Who: A collection of young industry professionals from across the United States (and possibly beyond!)
Why: To support the next generation of amusement industry engineers, creatives, and managers, as well as find potential talent for the Skyline team
Cost: $90 per person (travel and lodging not included)
Questions? Email us at SKYnext@SkylineAttractions.com
Speakers
SKYnext 2024 featured a collection of esteemed speakers that represent companies and roles across the amusement industry!
Dionté Henderson - Senior Manager, Ride & Show Engineering at Universal Creative
Dionté Henderson, Senior Manager in Ride & Show Engineering at Universal Creative, boasts nearly a decade of experience in theme park and attraction engineering with Universal Creative. He led the design and commissioning of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster Ride System, managing fabrication across international locations and overseeing custom ride vehicle design and lighting systems. Dionté also played a critical role in the development of the Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, including work on custom ride vehicle design, area development, and the park wide aquatic wave system. Dionté is currently working on the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.
Jerry Brick - Director of Construction and Maintenance at Palace Entertainment
Jerry Brick has over 30 years of experience in the amusement park industry, currently serving as the Director of Construction and Maintenance at Palace Entertainment. In this role, Jerry works on capital investment projects across the company’s portfolio of 24 locations, including the historic Kennywood amusement park. Prior to his current position, Jerry held several key roles at Lake Compounce Amusement Park, including General Manager and Director of Park Operations. His extensive background also includes management positions at Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe, Marriott International, and Six Flags Darien Lake.
Anya Tyler - Project Manager at CAVU Designwerks
Anya Tyler brings over a decade of experience in the amusement park industry. Currently serving as a Project Manager at CAVU Designwerks, Anya oversees the development of innovative theme park attractions, leveraging her expertise in mechanical design engineering and project management. Prior to her current role, Anya served as Lead Mechanical Design Engineer at Skyline Attractions and Design Engineer at Great Coasters International, Inc., where she played a critical role in the creation of prototype rides and the engineering of wooden coasters, including Texas Stingray at SeaWorld San Antonio and Mystic Timbers at Kings Island.
Allen and Anna Messick - Project Manager/Superintendent and Mechanical Installer at Northwest Coasters
Allen and Anna Messick, a dynamic husband-and-wife team, represent Northwest Coasters (NWC), a family business specializing in ride erection. NWC has installed notable roller coasters like Dr. Diabolical Cliffhanger and Wonder Woman: Golden Lasso at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Skyline Attractions’ own KID FLASH Cosmic Coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Allen brings extensive experience from residential and commercial construction, where he led a civil engineering company’s concrete division before joining NWC as Project Manager/Superintendent. Anna joined NWC in 2018 and plays a critical role in project execution, including ride system integration as a Mechanical Installer.
Michael Shelton - Vice President and Executive Director at IAAPA North America
Currently Michael is the VP and Executive Director of IAAPA North America which is the largest trade
organization for the global attractions industry. Michael oversees the North America region and works
with his team to develop educational programming, connection events, safety resources and
membership connections for over 4800 member organizations. He also oversees the largest trade show
for the global attractions industry (IAAPA Expo) which hosts over 40,000 attendees and 1100 exhibitors
annually in Orlando.
Jess Lawler - Head of Social & Digital Content, North America, at Merlin Entertainments
Jess Lawler is the Head of Social & Digital Content, North America, at Merlin Entertainments. With extensive experience in social media and digital marketing, Jess has previously led teams at Give Kids The World Village, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, and Travel + Leisure Co. She excels in transforming content strategies into measurable results and is known for her innovative approach to digital storytelling. Her expertise spans across content creation, media relations, and event marketing, driving impactful engagement and brand presence.
Application
Applications are now closed for SKYnext 2024.