By Abbie Peterson
We are pleased to introduce one of our newest staff members, Kayla Leibfried! Kayla joined the team at Event 360 in October 2021 after searching for a new position in event production. “During the height of COVID-19, it was hard to find event jobs. Finally, when I read the job description for the event production coordinator it felt like a perfect match for me.” Kayla’s love of events developed during her time at The University of Iowa. “I had a mentor in college that made me fall in love with events,” she says. “While I was taking a Foundations of Event Management course, it was just like, oh duh why don’t I do this for a living?!”
Kayla’s first project has been helping to produce 59 PanCAN PurpleStride events happening across the United States later this month on April 30th. On top of event execution, Event 360 is excited to staff 30 of these events. Kayla joined the Event 360 production team at the beginning of the PanCAN PurpleStride planning. “I was lucky to have a slower integration into the Event 360 world. I was taught so much in my first couple of months. I was able to try all these new things with such tremendous support. I could not imagine a more supportive team.” In the last seven months, Kayla’s main role within the PanCAN project has been managing 15 of the 59 PurpleStride sites. This includes securing each event location and the permitting, contracts, payments, and communications around all site logistics. “Seeing an event through from start to finish, there’s nothing better than watching it all come together.”
As we head into PurpleStride weekend, Kayla has some event production tools already in her toolbox. “The first event that I staffed was the MMRF Team for Cures 5K Walk/Run event in Los Angeles. I truly felt like a rookie for the first time in a while. I’ve had a lot of event experience in the past, but I got on-site and was in awe of the expertise. There was a moment when the ground wasn’t level near the start line, and we went to buy mulch to flatten out the area so no participants would trip or injure themselves. That would’ve never crossed my mind! I’m so grateful for the lessons I learned at the Team for Cures 5K Walk/Run and will definitely take that confidence into the Cleveland PanCAN PurpleStride event that I’ll be staffing at the end of April.”
Not only will Kayla take her previous knowledge and experience with her on event weekend, but she also needs a few items in her physical toolbox to bring with her on event day. “I always make sure to have my three most useful supplies. My headlamp, an endless amount of zip ties, and coffee. Event days typically require an early morning so coffee is a must.”
Follow along as we continue to prepare for the PanCAN PurpleStride event series and make sure to add @Event360 on all social media platforms to see it all come together on April 30th!
