Santa Cruz, CA — July 9, 2025 — This fall, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center and Event Santa Cruz invites you to a NEXTies spinoff event. The NEXTies: Earth & Sea: Science and Solutions in Santa Cruz is a dynamic, environmentally focused awards show that brings together changemakers, ocean lovers, and innovators for an unforgettable evening of recognition and inspiration.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Monterey Bay, The NEXTies: Earth & Sea celebrates the people and projects driving environmental progress—from conservation and community science to sustainable design and education.
Aimed at a new generation of changemakers, this high-energy event invites guests to experience science in action while celebrating individuals and organizations who are making a difference right here on the Central Coast.
“Our community is full of brilliant minds solving real world problems—this event is about lifting them up,” says Jonathan Hicken, Executive Director of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. “We’re blending science with celebration, because change happens when we’re full of hope.”
Event Highlights:
- Live award ceremony honoring local innovators and community leaders.
- Immersive exhibits featuring an aquarium, cutting-edge ocean science and climate solutions.
- Local bites, drinks and crafts from sustainably focused vendors.
- Live music to keep the party going.
“The NEXTies have always been about celebrating the people shaping the future of our community. With The NEXTies: Earth & Sea, we’re shining a light on environmental innovators who are not only dreaming big but taking bold action.” — Matthew Swinnerton, Founder, Event Santa Cruz
📍 When & Where:
Friday, October 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz, CA
Whether you’re a scientist, surfer, designer, or simply curious about the planet, The NEXTies: Earth & Sea offer an exciting night of connection, celebration, and possibility.
Cast your nomination for the honorees
Follow the journey: @seymourcenter @eventssantacruz | #TheNEXTiesEarthandSea
About Seymour Marine Discovery Center
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a community-supported, marine science education center for the University of California, Santa Cruz, dedicated to educating people about the role scientific research plays in the understanding and conservation of the world’s oceans.
Powered by the UC Santa Cruz Sciences, a world-renowned scientific research university, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center offers hands-on immersion into the world of ocean exploration and discovery. With a 20,000-square-foot visitor center, guests can touch a shark, explore the latest discoveries in ocean science, and take in the spectacular Monterey Bay, called the “Serengeti of the sea” for its incredible diversity of marine life.
The Center offers a deeper dive into the scientific research conducted at UC Santa Cruz and a chance for everyone to find their inner scientist through rich experiential learning programs including school field trips, summer youth programs, volunteer opportunities, internships and more.
