The deadline for the upcoming NextGen Showcase programme is soon approaching with applications due by 19th June 2022.
The new initiative is designed to educate and inspire an upcoming generation of themed entertainment professionals with a unique programme produced by Themed Entertainment & Attractions Mavericks (TEAM).
The programme has already seen a surge of interest with more than seventy applicants from around the world, looking to learn more about topics such as architecture, concept design, engineering, creative writing, AV, lighting design and project management.
Learn from leaders
As a unique, year-long program, those at the beginning of their careers in the industry can benefit from valuable mentoring from some of the most experienced people in the themed entertainment sector.
The NextGen Showcase will provide participants with a project simulation where they can encounter attraction design first-hand. Those taking part will be tasked with responding to a client brief and working in a team with mixed skill sets.
Each group will be paired with a knowledgeable industry mentor, learning from experienced industry professionals through specialised education sessions. Participants will benefit from an invaluable networking opportunity for young professionals, who can learn from their senior industry counterparts.
Alex Korting and Laura Marakowits began the first NextGen Project at TEA SATE 2018, with the plan of supplementing the theoretical knowledge NextGen professionals were gaining from education with valuable real-world experience.
Marakowits says: “The project ran a full year, culminating in a presentation by the project team at SATE 2019, that could only be described as ground-breaking. Not only did participants get hands-on project experience, but they also created a network of colleagues and friends that will last a lifetime. Most impressively, their commitment to the Project and experience received has also resulted in paid work for all of the participants.”
Leave a legacy
The NextGen Showcase management team is also searching for themed entertainment professionals who would like to become mentors or subject matter speakers for the programme. Those who wish to inspire the next generation are encouraged to reach out to the event organisers by email.
Participants should allow for a significant time commitment for the project, however, it has been designed to be flexible around higher education or work commitments, over its ten-month run. Intended for those new to the themed entertainment industry, applicants must be aged 18 or over, and largely be based in the EMEA region.
A Q&A webinar will take place on 17 June at 7 PM CEST, explaining more about the exclusive program. Those wishing to participate must sign up before the 19 June 2022 deadline. More information and registration details can be found on the NextGen Showcase website.
Please note: The NextGen Showcase is not an official Themed Entertainment Association event.
