Built to Last: 20+ Years at Event 360 Featuring Kristin Aukstik

Event 360 is built by people who believe deeply in what they do. People guided by purpose, meaningful work, and a commitment to making the world better through the events we plan, produce, and execute.

We have more than a dozen individuals on our team who have called Event 360 home for more than 20 years. Their longevity is unusual in this industry, but for us it’s foundational. In this ongoing series, we honor the team members whose commitment, knowledge, and heart have helped shape our company. Through their stories, reflections, and memories, we celebrate not just the years they’ve spent here, but the impact they’ve made along the way.

Today, we’re proud to recognize Kristin Aukstik, who joined Event 360 in 2003 and currently serves as Travel Manager.  

When you think back to your first year at Event 360, what stands out most to you now?
What stands out to me is how much we have grown, evolved, and adjusted. Twenty plus years ago we were grinding to produce the best events possible, and today we do the same. We have raised our game each year by finding efficiencies, using ever changing technology, and improving processes along the way. With as much that has changed, I feel that the heart and soul of this company have remained the same.

Which of Event 360’s Six Values resonates most deeply with you, and how have you seen it come to life during your time here?
Great People — every day for more than two decades I’ve worked with some of the brightest, funniest, most passionate, and talented humans around. We work hard towards a common goal and at the end of the day/event/series/year we collectively celebrate. It’s not always easy, but when you’re surrounded by a team as incredible as we have it makes it worth every second.

What is a moment — on event or behind the scenes — that you’ll never forget?
Many years ago, one of my sisters and my aunt volunteered as Pack-Up Crew on the Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day. Due to severe weather, we relocated in the middle of Friday night, and they slept on the floor of a school for two nights. Not ideal, but they got the full experience!

What’s been one of the hardest moments of your time at Event 360?
We talk about having the right people in the right seat on the bus here at Event 360. I had a year on a project where I was not in the right seat. It was a challenge that if I had to take on again, I would not accept.

What’s one piece of feedback you received here that changed the way you work?
One question that I can hear in Tim Brockman’s voice is, “Are you working to live? Or living to work?” I’m not always the best at finding that balance, but I do appreciate the reminder to work to live.

What’s the hardest you’ve laughed at work?
I’m certain the hardest I’ve laughed recently was at the end of a day on an event hanging out with some staff and realizing that we are now the senior tour after 20+ years on the road. If you can’t laugh at yourself, how can you laugh at anybody else?

What’s changed the most at Event 360 since you started, and what has remained constant?
Without question my own life has changed the most since I started. I feel like I’ve lived a thousand lives since we started. In the beginning, I was a wide-eyed kid, living my best life out of a bag on the road, working with the best people (sleeping on a tour bus most nights and showering in a trailer in some parking lot around the country). Now I have kids of my own that I bring to events to show them how cool what we do really is. The constant has been the amazing team I get to work with and the steadfast leadership of Mike and Tim steering this ship in the right direction.

What are you most proud of having been part of at Event 360?
I am most proud of working my entire professional life for a place that truly makes the world a better place. Whether I’m out on an event helping create an experience for a participant or supporting the team from my home office, I feel that I’m working for the greater good. And what is better than that?

What advice would you give to someone just beginning their Event 360 journey today?
I would urge someone who is just getting started to jump in and work on as many events as possible. The best way to learn is to get out there and do it. Touch the stuff. Ask questions along the way. Learn from the experienced team around you. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions when you see an opportunity to make us better.

Thank you, Kristin, for the heart and humor you bring to Event 360. The way you support everyone you work with and pay careful attention to every detail makes our work possible. We’re thankful for all you’ve contributed and for everything still to come!

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