Today, our Teammate Spotlight showcases the life and mind of Jesse McDaniel! Don’t forget to follow along as Jesse takes over the Event 360 Instagram channel tomorrow for a peek into his life!
Name: Jesse McDaniel (pictured right)
Position: Creative Services Coordinator
Start Year: 2021
What job did you hold right before you came to work at Event 360?
I was an editor in the realm of major gift stewardship/development at Johns Hopkins for about four years.
Was there anything in particular that brought you to Event 360?
I was hooked the moment I learned about Event 360! I’d built my post-grad career in the world of fundraising and loved it, but I was looking for a new challenge. Hearing about all of the amazing organizations this company supports was enough for me. The fact that this was an interesting role, fully remote, and included occasional travel? That was all icing on the cake.
If you weren’t working at Event 360 what would you be doing?
Given my love for the written word, I’m sure I’d be working in some sort of editorial capacity. However, I’m sure there’s an alternate reality where I’m thriving as an art curator or full-time musician.
Favorite part of your job?
I enjoy the variety and continued evolution. I’ve gone from spending months on signage projects and IT work to doing research for giveaways and building customized websites for volunteers. This is a position built to shift gears, so I’ve really appreciated the flow of new and exciting projects. Collaborating with a staff that’s passionate, focused, and always willing to help is a big bonus too!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m a big creative, so I cherish anything that lets me flex those right-brained muscles. I compose and produce music, enjoy museums, traveling, and cobbling together DIY photo shoots. And if I’m not with family/friends, then I’m chiseling away at a book list about a mile long.
Most memorable event experience?
I remember being in California last year for the San Diego 3-Day closing ceremony. That is still the most emotional moment I’ve had thus far. Seeing all these people whose lives had been changed by breast cancer had a huge impact on me. And while grieving can be a lifelong part of many of those stories, I was even more profoundly moved by folks who were advocating for themselves, their loved ones, and a global community. It filled my heart knowing that, despite the ongoing battle, there are still countless individuals willing to join an army and fight.
You’re showing off your hometown to a friend who has never been to visit before. What’s on your must see/do/eat list?
If you come to Baltimore, there’s no way you can leave without swinging by some of our incredible art spaces (The Baltimore Museum of Art, Walters Art Museum, Current Space), scarfing down as many crab cakes as possible, taking in the architecture (Baltimore Basilica, Washington Monument, National Aquarium), or maybe a local show (Metro Gallery, The Undercroft, Rams Head). We have so many unique sights to take in that it’s worth coming to see for yourself!
On event, what three things are we guaranteed to find in your bag?
I basically always have my headphones (never know when you might need some tunes), utility knife (for all the box-opening, zip tie-cutting, and plier-pulling), and sunglasses (for bright load-in days and discreet travel maneuvering).
One word to describe Event 360?
Prepared.
