Great People is one of the six core values that guides the work we do at Event 360. We have been fortunate enough to find some of the best of the best in the event business. (We’re not biased or anything!) And in an attempt to share a little bit more about who we are, we’re introducing our new series: The Event 360 Teammate Spotlight. Each week you’ll get a glimpse into the personal and professional life of someone who works at Event 360. We can’t wait for you to learn more about why we do the work we do!
Name: Kiki Setterlund
Position: Crew & Volunteer Coordinator
Start Year: 2012
What job did you hold right before you came to work at Event 360? I was the Race Coordinator for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Madison, WI. Some of my crazier work related stories, however, come from my time in the arts scene at The Washington National Opera and Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. When you put on roughly 30 special events for artists, politicians and dignitaries, you tend to get a lot of “did that really happen” stories.
Was there anything in particular that brought you to Event 360? I attended a conference in which a group from Event 360 presented on the importance of using data analytics on participant activity to best establish future goals and trends. It was brilliant. I remember saying to my colleague at the time, “I’m not sure when or how, but I’m going to work for that company someday.”
If you weren’t working at Event 360 what would you be doing? Good question! I’d probably hope to be doing the same type of work. Athletic fundraising events are such a win/win. Not only are you doing something good for yourself (exercising and spending time with friends and family), but you’re doing good for others (fundraising for a particular cause) at the same time.
Favorite part of your job? I like traveling and working on events. I miss my family while I’m gone. A lot. But the chance to get out there and work in the elements 12-14 hours a day with my friends/colleagues is very gratifying.
What do you like to do in your free time?
You’ll find me cooking with my husband, Seth, playing Wii with my son, Finn (9) and dancing on the coffee table with my daughter, Evy (6). I like to exercise and try to get in a ½ or full marathon each year. I also just started training to become a volunteer firefighter. It’s hard work and has challenged me in a number of ways. Those whom I’ve met in the fire community are pretty amazing people. I’m really thankful to be working with them.
Most memorable event experience? The 2013 Washington, D.C. 3-Day was hands down, the most memorable (read as: challenging, stressful and fun) experience to date. The federal government had shut down days before, requiring my colleagues to do some last minute rerouting. There was a potential protest of semi-trucks that planned to block the interstate and the weather throughout the weekend was wet. Very wet. In spite of it all, I was in awe of how well the staff and my Crew got down to work and made it happen. I shared a lot of laughs with people that weekend. It reminded me that in many situations, factors are out of your control, but you always have the power to do the best with the cards you’re dealt.
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? The Minnesota State Fair! Everyone needs to see the dairy princess carved in butter at least once in their lifetime, eat some fried food on a stick and hop a ride on Ye Old Mill. I would also recommend attending a live recording of Prairie Home Companion at the Fitzgerald Theater. Garrison Keillor’s traditional sign off is, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.” It’s become my life’s motto.
On event, what three things are we guaranteed to find in your bag?
- Burt’s Bees Chapstick
- Carabineers. Never leave home without at least one in hand.
- Surprises from my kids. An eraser, a stuffed animal. It’s different every time. Evy likes to put random things in my bag so I don’t forget about her while I’m gone.
One word to describe Event 360? SOLID. The team at Event 360 is unlike any other I’ve worked with. I’m humbled to be affiliated with such fun, bright, fun, hard-working (did I say fun?) colleagues. I’m a very lucky girl.
