Hello blog! My name is Jamie, and I’m currently a registration specialist intern here at MCW Events. As much as I’ve loved working in our Seattle office—learning the ins and outs of event registration, enjoying our snacks, and getting used to the taste of sparkling water (still working on that one)—I wanted to take this chance to reflect on the opportunity I had this past July to work my first-ever on-site event in San Diego!
GitHub’s 24 RKO took place not too long ago over the course of three days at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Hubbers (love what they’re called, by the way) attended general sessions, breakouts, and workshops and were also invited to on-site and off-site activities such as a 5K run, a pool party, and a Gaslamp block party.
Also, can I just say—since starting in June, I’ve been bragging to all my friends about this role and all the wonderful things that make up event planning. So catching my first flight to this conference in San Diego was a dream come true, even if it was a ‘work trip.’
As much as I gained hands-on experience supporting and shadowing the various roles that make up a successful program, I think my biggest takeaways came from simply watching and witnessing all the cogs turning in the machine—AKA all the invisible labor that goes on behind the scenes. It was truly inspiring to see my team being so articulate with even the most granular details to ensure the best experience for our attendees. In my case, it was sorting and organizing all the swag boxes for over 800 attendees with my fellow swag comrades, Ellie and Amy, BY HAND. If that’s not an act of love (and patience), then I don’t know what is.
Along with attention to detail, I noticed everyone’s passion for people—both working with them and serving them—radiating through every gesture, every action, every hello. Knowing this was the driving force behind the team I was surrounded by was so amazing to learn from and be a part of. And this awesome, amazing, inspiring team I keep referring to? Primarily made up of hardworking and persevering women. I think that was the best part—witnessing this absolute feat of a program being run predominantly by girl bosses of every type. Now that is badass.
Moving forward with this first event under my belt, I carry with me a renewed appreciation for both the small moments of delight and the larger feats of world-building and creating immersive, memorable experiences. Having soaked up so much from this past trip, I can’t imagine what the rest of the year holds for me. For now, I feel equipped with the knowledge and growing passion for serving others and making every moment matter.
A big shout-out and virtual hug to the entire GRKO team this year! I wouldn’t have wanted to work with and experience all of this with anyone else!
