In the winter of 2024, I was selected to be the Event Design Chair for the Experience Industry Management Department’s annual Auction & Dinner Fundraiser, an event hosting more than 150 guests. I collaborated closely with Jenn Prentice, Lecturer for the EIM Department, and Brooke Campbell, Owner of Brooke Nicole Events, to bring the event vision to life. My responsibilities included overseeing all design elements such as tablescapes, florals, photography, live music, rentals, catering, and alumni features. I also created and formatted all event signage to ensure a cohesive and professional presentation.
Beyond design oversight, I supported outreach for auction items. While maintaining relationships with long-standing donors, I sought to add fresh and exciting offerings. This effort led to securing a unique auction lot—LA Kings tickets—which generated strong interest among attendees. I also introduced a new alumni and student photo wall to honor both current students who had contributed to event projects over the years and alumni in attendance. This large display featured each individual’s photo, name, position, and Cal Poly graduation date, serving as a meaningful tribute and focal point of the evening.
With a limited budget, resourcefulness was essential. Discounts were negotiated with local vendors and we secured catering from Old Slo BBQ at a reduced rate. Additionally, we obtained all rentals from Avenue 12 as in-kind donations. To keep the planning process on track, I led weekly meetings to assign tasks, review progress, and clarify key stakeholders and deliverables. I also presented frequent updates to the class to ensure alignment across all auction committees.
On the day of the fundraiser, I acted as the primary point of contact for volunteers, vendors, and staff. I coordinated timelines, managed logistics, and addressed challenges in real time to keep the event running smoothly. The evening concluded with $75,000 raised, marking the highest-grossing auction in the department’s history at that time.
For a more detailed overview of my work on the Auction & Dinner Fundraiser, please reference the accompanying guidebook.
