How long have you worked in the industry?
I began my career in the industry in 2000, and some twists and turns aside I've been here ever since. I no longer work in a venue, but I'm excited to still be connected to the industry in my current role.
What are you most excited or passionate about? What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work?
I'm driven by serving our customers and helping them solve problems through technology solutions. Our customers work extremely hard, managing complex events in a dynamic landscape, so they need tools to help them work efficiently and effectively. Being a part of making their lives easier is a great privilege!
I want to understand how and why you ended up working in the events industry. What were you doing before you came here? What attracted you to work in this business?
My undergraduate degree is in music, and as a musician I've been around events for most of my life. My first job in the events industry was in arts management, which ultimately led to a role in venue management. I've primarily worked in live entertainment venues, and supporting the work of performing artists and helping them connect with audiences has been a major part of my career. The event industry is an exciting and vibrant world and I'm grateful for the experiences I've had along the way. I pivoted to a new role in 2019, joining the EventBooking team which ultimately merged with Ungerboeck in 2021. Going from working in the industry to serving the industry has been a rewarding transition for me.
What relationships have meant the most to you over your career?
Relationships drive so many things about this industry, so it's difficult to pinpoint specific ones above others. The bonds formed with your teammates in a venue are very strong... working long hours in stressful, high-impact situations can really bring people together! I've also been fortunate to have some great mentors during my career, and it gives me great satisfaction to pay that forward by mentoring others.
What advice would you have for someone going into the events industry?
Enjoy the ride! There are few things in life as exciting as the energy generated by live events and being a part of creating a space for others to enjoy events, connect with other people, and make memories together is truly a gift.