Designed to educate and inspire, NextGen Showcase is a free scheme being launched for the upcoming generation of themed entertainment professionals. The scheme offers a year-long program which includes mentorship from top European attraction leaders.
Esteemed panel
The judging panel includes influential figures from European theme and amusement parks, comprising Linnanmaki MD and CEO Pia Adlivankin, Liseberg CEO and president Andreas Andersen, Efteling project support team lead Jaap den Bleker, Europa-Park Global Art Director Daniel Kerscher and Blackpool Pleasure Beach managing director Amanda Thompson OBE.
Participants will be supported in the creation of a ride or attraction concept, as part of a teamwork project utilising diverse skill sets. Each group will be partnered with industry mentors, creating an invaluable networking opportunity for young professionals at the beginning of their careers in the sector. Areas including concept design, engineering, creative writing, architecture and project management will be explored during the project’s course.
The time commitment required for the project will be significant, however, the scheme is designed to be flexible to fit around higher education or work commitments, spanning a ten-month period.
Invaluable experience
Laura Marakowits, an organiser of the 2018 NextGen Project, says: “Alex Korting and I initiated the first NextGen Project at SATE 2018 hoping to supplement the theoretical knowledge NextGens were gaining in education with some real-world experience.
“The project ran for 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.”
Applications open
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and located in Africa, Europe or the Middle East for the bulk of the program. The NextGen Showcase is an educational program designed for new members of the themed entertainment industry, who will be required to provide a CV or resume as part of the application process. Signups close on 19 June 2022.
Further information and application details can be found on the NextGen website.
