SKYnext Logo (White, Shadow)

Supporting the Next Generation of Theme Park Professionals

One of Skyline’s main goals 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.

SKYnext returns this September! Click below to learn more about SKYnext 2023 and apply.

SKYnext 2023

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 Orland Eye, a performance by a magician,  and a fun-filled evening at Fun Spot America.

Skyline_Attractions_SKYnext_2015_50

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.

Skyline_Attractions_SKYnext_2016_17

SKYnext 2017

The 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.

Skyline_Attractions_SKYnext_2017_09

SKYnext 2018

Our most recent in-person SKYnext was also the largest yet. Speakers included 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 Orlando 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!

 

Skyline_Attractions_SKYnext_2018_00

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.

Skyline_Attractions_SKYnext_2020_Reunion_01