Lessons Learned: SES Educational Excursion 2011

Unlike the stereotypical Spring Break activities that come to mind, I spent my spring break with 39 bright and ambitious students interested in pursuing a career in the sports/entertainment/and or event industry exploring he industry on the west coast. The Special Events Society strives to supplement our education outside of the classroom and give us true experience in the events industry. Last year we went to Orlando, FL and this year we went to the Los Angeles, CA area. This past week was filled with different tours and Q&A's with all different types of venues and event professionals.

The list below pretty much sums up what I got out of this trip:

1. When flying coast to coast, always fly Virgin America
2. Yes, it is Spring Break and we are going to CA, but it is still winter. Pack appropriately.
3. When planning a race, always check to make sure you have enough sign-age, safety pins, and make sure the bibs are in numerical order before registration begins.
4. The best place to watch celebrities on the red carpet is on TV, not from behind a fence across the street.
5. Most professionals in the event industry, fell into it by accident
6. Be willing to work for free and pay your dues
7. Pay attention to the small details and fix things without being told to do so
8. If you haven't been hearing enough "no's" you haven't been talking to enough people
9. "No" just means "Not now". Be delightfully persistent.
10. Be well versed in the industry before entering the industry.
11. Send your resume to EVERYONE.
12. The sports industry is a very small world, do not burn any bridges, they talk. 

The SES board members did an outstanding job planning this trip for us. I can't wait to get started on brainstorming ideas for next year's Educational Excursion. The new board has some big shoes to fill.

Until next time...