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Supporting the Next Generation of Theme Park Professionals

One of our primary goals here at Skyline Attractions is to support the future of the amusement industry, including the diverse cast of young industry professionals who will one day build the next generation of theme parks and attractions. To help us achieve this goal, we began to host our SKYnext event in 2015. SKYnext offers exclusive presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, and networking opportunities with other passionate individuals.

The next SKYnext will be in spring 2026! More details coming soon!

SKYnext 2024

Our most recent SKYnext was also the largest yet. Speakers included Dionté Henderson (Senior Manager, Ride & Show Engineering at Universal Creative), Jerry Brick (Director of Construction and Maintenance at Palace Entertainment), Anya Tyler (Project Manager at CAVU Designwerks), Allen and Anna Messick (Project Manager/Superintendent and Mechanical Installer at Northwest Coasters), Michael Shelton (Vice President and Executive Director at IAAPA North America), and Jess Lawler (Head of Social & Digital Content, North America, at Merlin Entertainments). Attendees also had the chance to visit Fun Spot Orlando and participate in a behind-the-scenes look at the theme park industry.

Learn more about SKYnext 2024 in our press release!

 

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SKYnext 2023

2023’s SKYnext was included Tom Iven (Premier Parks, LLC), Brian Andrelczyk (SeaWorld Orlando), Melissa Oviedo (The Nassal Company & TEA), Charles Laureano (Six Flags Over Texas), Jack Falfas (Amusement Industry Executive), Maxwell Glorit (IAAPA), Susie Storey (Storey to Story Communications), and Jimmy Dagley (Universal Creative). Attendees also had the chance to visit Fun Spot Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, including a behind-the-scenes tour of Pipeline: The Surf Coaster and a spooky evening at Howl-O-Scream. Like in 2018, we were thrilled to have Skyline Chili cater the event!

Learn more about SKYnext 2023 in our press release!

 

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SKYnext Reunion 2020

Despite the ups-and-downs of 2020, Skyline was determined to host the next SKYnext event. We went virtual for our fifth event, hosting a reunion for all past SKYnext attendees. A diverse group of 45 former attendees returned for the event and heard from speakers Cindy Emerick (Dynamic Attractions) and Pete Barto (Extreme Engineering), as well as participated in a series of networking and professional development activities.

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SKYnext 2018

SKYnext in 2018 featured Scott Fais and Alex Reszitnyk (IAAPA & Funworld Magazine), Franceen Gonzales (WhiteWater West), Alexis Papadelias (Universal Orlando), Melissa Ruminot (The Nassal Company & TEA), Frank Heimes (Wiegand.Maelzer GmbH), and Jonathan Smith (SeaWorld Entertainment). Attendees also had the chance to visit Fun Spot America in Kissimmee and ride Mineblower, as well as SeaWorld Orlando for a construction tour of the upcoming Infinity Falls attraction and a fun evening at Dave & Buster’s. Skyline also achieved a longtime goal and had Skyline Chili cater the event!

 

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SKYnext 2017

Our third SKYnext was March 10-11, 2017. The hugely successful event was expanded with an exciting line-up of speakers, including Jack Morey (Morey’s Piers), Bob Sharpe (Universal Orlando), Mark Hatton (SeaWorld Orlando), Jake Kilcup (Rocky Mountain Construction), Mark Rosenzweig and Adam Sandy (Ride Entertainment), Saham Ali and David Consolo (Falcon’s Creative Group), and representatives from both IAAPA and TEA. Continuing the trend of visiting the finished attraction from the previous event’s construction tour, attendees visited SeaWorld Orlando for a behind-the-scenes tour of Mako. Attendees were also treated to a peek at the construction of the Mineblower roller coaster at Fun Spot America with Korey Kiepert (The Gravity Group) and a fun evening at Main Event Center.

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SKYnext 2016

Our second SKYnext was held March 11-12, 2016. The sophomore event featured a diverse range of speakers, including Katie Kelly (Disney), Jeff Hornick (SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment), Mark Rosenzweig and Adam Sandy (Ride Entertainment), Greg Senner (Universal Parks & Resorts), Mark Stepanian (Premier Rides), Mike Haimson (Dynamic Attractions), and representatives from both IAAPA and TEA. Attendees also visited the newly-opened Orlando Eye (whose construction was toured the previous year), the nearby Madame Tussauds, and visited SeaWorld Orlando for a construction tour of the upcoming Mako roller coaster.

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SKYnext 2015

The inaugural SKYnext event was held on March 6-7, 2015. The weekend included presentations by Bill Kitchen (US Thrill Rides), Melissa Ruminot (The Nassal Company), John Arie, Jr. (Fun Spot America), and Samanta Dawson (IAAPA Ambassador). Attendees were also treated to a behind-the-scenes construction tour of the then-upcoming Orlando Eye, a performance by a magician,  and a fun-filled evening at Fun Spot America.

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