Page 12
Fall 2013
Inside and Outside the Classroom (continued from p.11)
Event Management & Planning from the Experts Stephanie Whitson (HTM, 06’) and Amanda Leech spoke to students in HM 498: Event Management about the planning of two major events in the Alumni Office: Bluestone Reunions and the Madison Alumni Conference. Their message focused on great customer service and how it can enhance the event experience before, during and after the event. The major takeaways for students were as follows:
Left to right: Amanda Leech, Stephanie Whitson
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Customer Service: always smile; bend over backwards for your guests; provide them with the best possible experience to keep them coming back and giving back.
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Be proactive: always have a back-up plan just in case. You don’t want to be caught in the rain!
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Don’t panic: regardless of what happens, with a well-planned event, it will always work out. You can’t let little things get to you or show on your face because you are probably the only one who knows that something went wrong.
Skyping the Verizon Center Boss
David Touhey on the television screen
In Dr. Josh Pate’s SRM 333:Management in Sport and Recreation course, the students Skyped in David Touhey, the vice president and general manager of the Verizon Center in Washington DC. Mr. Touhey spoke about decision making and problem solving. His most impressive example came from when the President chooses to attend an event at the Verizon Center and the decisions that go into hosting the President. He said typically it is a two-day planning process, and he is the middle-person between the Secret Service (who wants the President shielded) and the White House Staff (who wants the President in the public eye). Mr. Touhey said that only once was the President's visit a surprise visit, although he was the only staff member to know in advance. Mr. Touhey is pictured on the computer screen to the left.
Learning About the Global Nature of Sport In Dr. Josh Pate’s SRM 242: Sociology and Psychology of Sport and Recreation Management course, the students will be Skyping in Isabel de Vugt, the founder of Sport for Socialization in Zimbabwe. Ms. de Vugt is scheduled to speak about the organization's Social Inclusion Program and how adapted physical activity is used as the staff attempts to serve the people of Zimbabwe while also showing that sport is open for all individuals no matter their social upbringing or ability.
Isabel de Vugt