Event and Experience Management Major

Carrie Davenport
CMP-Fellow, CEM, CSEP, '05

_{I was a Psychology Major, graduating in 2005 and am currently serving as a Lead Event Manager at Altria. My decision to enter the event management industry post-graduation was inspired by my early love for planning events, which began during my college years and was further fueled by my study abroad experience at Victoria University in Australia.}

Maria Montilla
'27

_{Thanks to Virginia Tech, I’ve had the opportunity to venture beyond my major and explore diverse fields of interest. During the summer of 2024, I interned as a Guest Experiences Representative for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, a dream role for me as a passionate fan of the sport. Although this position did not directly align with my academic focus, it provided invaluable insights into event management. I was thrilled to be part of this prestigious industry, as it allowed me to develop skills and gain experiences that will complement my academic pursuits and help me become a more well-rounded student.}

Riley Johnson
'23

_{I graduated in 2023 with a degree in Humanities for Public Service and am currently working as a Special Events Coordinator at The Mariners’ Museum and Park. During my undergraduate years, I discovered a passion for the fast-paced and dynamic world of event management. I loved the almost chaotic energy that culminated in moments of peace and happiness for clients, and the immense satisfaction of executing a successful event. Event management also allowed me to express my creativity by planning and executing unique events. In my current role, I am fortunate to leverage my Humanities degree to design and implement innovative and out-of-the-box events, blending my academic background with my professional aspirations.}

Josh Greenberg
'93

_{I graduated with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management in 1993. I spent over 14 years with Darden Restaurants before transitioning to the live meetings and events industry in 2007. I am currently the Culture Captain, President & CEO of AVmedia Inc. The events industry allows me to use my passion for working with people, process and technology to ultimately help people communicate, celebrate and learn whether it be in a small intimate group in a boardroom, or with thousands packing a convention hall. Helping to ensure people achieve the experience they seek, while doing so with people I genuinely feel are like family, is a real privilege and thrill.}

Jillian Waller
'22

_{I am the Wedding Specialist at Mountain Lake Lodge, where I combine my passion for event planning with a deep commitment to creating unforgettable moments for couples. My decision to enter the event management industry post-graduation was driven by my deep-seated love for event planning and an unwavering passion for serving others. This role allows me to blend my organizational skills with my desire to create meaningful and impactful experiences for participants, making each event a unique and memorable occasion.}

Melissa Milione
'98

_{I graduated with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management and am currently the Corporate Director of Events-Americas for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. Upon graduation I went into Hyatt’s Corporate Management Trainee Program. I thought I wanted a career in Hotel Sales, but at the end of the training program I opted to go into Food and Beverage Operations. I had several years’ experience in restaurants and really loved the F&B life. It wasn’t until I worked as a Banquet Operations Manager that I even knew Event Management was a job! I was especially intrigued by Convention Services and quickly learned the larger a program was, the more excited I got about making all the details come to life in a way that would exceed expectations of our clients. It was a very natural move to go form Banquet ops to Event Planning, and I can say I found my}

Ragen Renner
'24

_{I was a Communications major with a minor in Event and Experience Management, graduating in 2024. Currently, I work as an Event Planner at Flatter Inc. I chose to pursue a career in the event planning industry post-graduation because of the profound impact my event minor had on my dedication to growth and learning in the job industry. After switching my major and minor from Interior Design to Communications with an Events minor, every position and internship I took on was dedicated to learning and growing. Being able to make a difference and curate experiences for others through creativity, innovation, and hospitality has been incredibly rewarding, and I know this is the field I was meant to pursue}

Lydia Urban
'22

_{Graduating in 2022 with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Event & Experience Management, Lydia has always been passionate about bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. Currently serving as the Special Events Sales Manager for the Tennessee Titans, Lydia thrives on the excitement and joy that events bring to people’s lives. Whether it’s orchestrating a grand wedding, a large-scale corporate event, or an intimate celebration, Lydia is dedicated to making each moment special and unforgettable.}