Seymour Marine Discovery Center and Event Santa Cruz Announce "The NEXTies: Earth & Sea," A Celebration of Environmental Innovators

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center and Event Santa Cruz are partnering to present The NEXTies: Earth & Sea, a new event celebrating the people and projects driving environmental progress on the Central Coast. This spinoff of the popular NEXTies awards will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, offering a high-energy evening of science, celebration, and community against the backdrop of Monterey Bay.

The event aims to honor a new generation of changemakers dedicated to conservation, sustainable design, community science, and education. It invites guests to engage with science firsthand while recognizing the individuals and organizations making a tangible difference in the local community.

"Our community is full of brilliant minds solving real-world problems—this event is about lifting them up,” said 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 include a live awards ceremony, immersive exhibits featuring marine life and ocean science, and live music from James Durbin and The Lost Boys. Guests can also enjoy local bites, drinks, and crafts from sustainably focused vendors.

"The NEXTies have always been about celebrating the people shaping the future of our community," said Matthew Swinnerton, Founder of Event Santa Cruz. "With The NEXTies: Earth & Sea, we’re shining a light on environmental innovators who are not only dreaming big but taking bold action."

Whether you’re a scientist, surfer, designer, or simply curious about the planet, The NEXTies: Earth & Sea offers an exciting night of connection, celebration, and possibility.

What: The NEXTies: Earth & Sea

When: Friday, October 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060