Orlando, FL, USA – Skyline Attractions is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of SKYnext 2024, held on Friday, September 13, and Saturday, September 14, at the IAAPA World Headquarters in Orlando, Florida. This two-day professional networking event brought together 52 college students and recent graduates eager to pursue careers in the themed entertainment industry.
SKYnext offered attendees a unique opportunity to hear from an array of industry professionals, participate in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, and engage in invaluable networking opportunities with representatives from Skyline Attractions and other companies.
Distinguished speakers on the first day of SKYnext 2024 included industry luminaries such as Michael Shelton (Vice President and Executive Director at IAAPA North America), Anya Tyler (Project Manager at CAVU Designwerks), and Jerry Brick (Director of Construction and Maintenance at Palace Entertainment). The second day continued with an equally-impressive roster: Allen and Anna Messick (Project Manager/Superintendent and Mechanical Installer at Northwest Coasters), Jess Lawler (Head of Social & Digital Content, North America, at Merlin Entertainments), and Dionté Henderson (Senior Manager, Ride & Show Engineering at Universal Creative).
Attendees were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the attractions industry, and SKYnext concluded on Saturday evening at Fun Spot America in Orlando, offering attendees a chance to enjoy the park’s many rides and further connect with fellow attendees. The event also featured Skyline Chili catering on Friday, a favorite among attendees.
Jeff Pike, President of Skyline Attractions, commented on the significance of the event:
“Opportunities like SKYnext simply didn’t exist when I was trying to get my foot in the door as a college student. It’s a privilege for Skyline Attractions to play a role in helping these future leaders make meaningful connections and learn from industry veterans.”
The 52 attendees were chosen from over 100 applicants. The final group represented over two dozen colleges across 23 states and two countries, with a diverse collection of backgrounds that included mechanical engineering, computer science, game design, production design, and civil engineering.
“SKYnext was beneficial to me because it gave me the opportunity to hear from many different types of guest speakers with a wide variety of expertise in the industry,” SKYnext attendee Mya Reardon shared. “It gave me perspective into everything that goes into creating a theme park and where I might best fit into that process. In addition to gaining more insight into the industry, SKYnext helped me expand my network and meet peers that are as passionate about the industry as I am!”
SKYnext 2024 was made possible through the generous sponsorship of IAAPA, Amusement Today, Great Coasters International, Inc., Vekoma, and Merit Fasteners. Representatives from these companies were present throughout the event.
Skyline Attractions is proud to have helped inspire the next generation of themed entertainment professionals and forge connections that will shape the future. Skyline Attractions looks forward to the continued growth and success of SKYnext in the years to come.
About Skyline Attractions:
Skyline Attractions is an amusement ride design and manufacturing firm based in Orlando, Florida, USA. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Skyline Attractions designs and engineers a variety of rides for amusement parks worldwide. Their portfolio includes the P’Sghetti Bowl Roller Coaster, TrailRunner Family Coaster, and a collection of compact steel coasters. Skyline Attractions also provides its design and engineering services to Great Coasters International, Inc. and has designed and engineered many of the company’s premier rides, including Texas Stingray, Roaring Timbers, and the upcoming Colossus.
