Event Operations Experience:
Melton Student Center
Position: Event Operations Team Member
Location: Auburn University – Melton Student Center
Timeframe: February 2023 – August 2024
Working as an Event Operations Team Member at Auburn’s Melton Student Center gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps campus events running smoothly. From early morning room setups to late-night equipment resets, I learned what it takes to support a wide range of events while meeting high standards for professionalism, timing, and guest satisfaction.
Role and Responsibilities
In this role, I was part of a team responsible for the physical setup, breakdown, and on-site support of events hosted throughout the Student Center. This included:
-
Setting up tables, chairs, and staging equipment for banquets, conferences, workshops, and student org meetings
-
Preparing audio-visual equipment such as microphones, projectors, and speakers
-
Troubleshooting AV and layout issues before and during events
-
Maintaining venue cleanliness and readiness between back-to-back reservations
-
Communicating with event organizers and supervisors to ensure all setup needs were met
Each day brought a different challenge, from high-profile university events with tight schedules, to last-minute layout changes requested by clients. These situations pushed me to be flexible, communicative, and detail-oriented.
What I Learned
This job helped me sharpen my:
-
Time management skills – Coordinating multiple event setups during busy seasons required fast decision-making and effective planning
-
Teamwork and collaboration – I worked closely with a diverse crew, often under time pressure, to make sure everything was ready on time and up to standard
-
Event logistics knowledge – From understanding fire code spacing requirements to knowing how to tape down cables safely, I gained practical knowledge of what makes events work behind the scenes
-
Problem-solving in real time – Whether a microphone wasn’t connecting or an extra table was needed minutes before an event, I learned to stay calm, act quickly, and keep guests comfortable
This experience strengthened my foundation in hospitality operations and gave me a realistic view of the operational intensity behind events, something that perfectly complements my background in event planning and guest services.
Why It Matters
As someone who is passionate about hospitality and event management, this role gave me valuable exposure to the technical and logistical aspects that are easy to overlook. It reminded me that every great event is made possible by a team working quietly in the background, paying attention to the little things, like lighting, layout, or sound clarity that shape the guest experience.
This role was also deeply rewarding because it helped me contribute directly to Auburn’s student life. Whether setting up for a club meeting, cultural celebration, or academic conference, I knew my work helped bring people together.