Center Stage is a dynamic hub where students, faculty, and industry professionals can share insights, experiences, and creative ideas. This versatile venue will allow students to produce live events, simulate trade shows and engage in various activities. It provides a platform to showcase the exceptional talent fostered within Rosen College鈥檚 globally recognized programs, including the entertainment management and event management degree programs.

“Center Stage is more than a venue 鈥� it’s a launchpad for student innovation,鈥� Dean Cynthia Mejia says. “It is an exciting addition to our learning environment, giving students yet another opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world yet experiential settings.鈥�

Rosen College is proud to collaborate with leading industry sponsors for Center Stage:

• BeMatrix: Headquartered in Belgium, BeMatrix operates worldwide and is a global expert in modular systems for event displays.
• ETP (Entertainment Technology Partners): Headquartered in Orlando, ETP is a global multi-brand entertainment technology company.
• LMG: Also based in Orlando, LMG is a full-service audiovisual provider known for creating stunning live experiences through cutting-edge technologies.
• Freeman: A global leader in event production and logistics, Freeman specializes in designing and executing trade shows, conferences and experiential marketing events.
• Cort: A nationwide leader in furniture rental, offering high-quality furniture solutions for event spaces, office environments and temporary housing.

Center Stage will debut during the Spring 2025 semester with a variety of student-led events, showcasing the exceptional skills developed through Rosen College鈥檚 hands-on programs. Open for booking by students and faculty across all degrees, Center Stage exemplifies Rosen College鈥檚 mission to provide innovative, experience-driven education that equips students to lead the industry.

In addition to fostering creativity and collaboration, BeMatrix will equip students with access to advanced CAD (computer-aided design) technology, enabling them to design trade show layouts, stage setups and other event plans 鈥� valuable technical skills in high demand across the workforce. This new venue will complement other academic spaces like the Darden Auditorium, Walt Disney World Dining Room, Universal Orlando Foundation Library, and Anheuser-Busch Beer & Wine Lab, providing students with more opportunities to engage in production simulations, class projects, workshops and student-led events. Sponsored by leading industry partners, these spaces mirror real-world environments, offering students invaluable exposure to sector-specific practices.

Event organizers promised thousands of people鈥攚ho would pay $500 to $250,000 for ticket packages鈥攎ajor musical acts, round-trip travel, luxurious villas, gourmet food and many celebrities in attendance.

But anyone with event-management experience could have told you once the dates of the event were revealed (April 28 – 30 and May 5 – 7) there was no way anyone could pull this off.

鈥淭hree months simply isn鈥檛 enough time,鈥� says Kayode D. Aleshinloye, a聽lecturer at 麻豆原创鈥檚 Rosen College of Hospitality Management who specializes in cultural festivals and event management. 鈥淓specially if you don鈥檛 have previous experience or aren鈥檛 working with professionals.鈥�

Following the release of two documentaries by Netflix and Hulu, more interest has developed around how the festival’s planning failed and what could have been to make it a success.

Here, Aleshinloye gives more insight on the Fyre Festival and festival culture:

Is it possible to actually pull off a festival like this for 10,000 people?

Yes, it’s possible. The problem about the Fyre Festival was due to poor management, ineffective operational efficiency and inability to deliver what was promised to the attendees. The event was well-marketed through the social media, which is an effective marketing tool in today鈥檚 world, and the response was great. Apparently, the organizers lacked the necessary experience in event operations and management. They could have hire event-management professionals or organizers who could have managed the operational and delivery part of the event successfully.

Moreover, the organizers failed to keep the promise made to the attendees despite paying a huge sum of money for that experience. I mean, how could you promise and tell someone that you are going to give them a VIP experience on the island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas by flying them from Miami on a custom VIP configured Boeing 737, lodge them in a luxurious, eco-friendly domes and villas, and provide them with gourmet foods made by celebrity chefs鈥攁nd at the end of the day, make them wait at the Miami airport, put them in makeshift tents and give them cold cheese sandwiches to eat? That is insane. Remember, a VIP package cost around $12,000.

The questions that came to my mind always are; Does the destination (Bahamas) have the resources to accommodate the Fyre Festival and all the luxury promised? Is the timing of the event right? Are the stakeholders carried along properly during the planning of the event? The stakeholders in this instance are the government of the Bahamas, the security operatives, the local suppliers and ultimately the locals. The destination stakeholders are crucial to the success of any events because their lack of support will spell doom for the organizers and the brand.

In my class I always emphasized about the importance of the host community because they feel the impacts of the event鈥攑ositives and negatives 鈥� more than anyone.

How much time and money would be needed?

Event of this magnitude need time to be properly executed, it is not something that can be done in a hurry. You need time to carry a detailed feasibility study or a situational analysis, make necessary consultations with the host community, have your operational plans in place with a realistic time-line, and assemble your teams鈥攊ncluding paid staffs and volunteers鈥攁nd training.

“In my class I always emphasized about the importance of the host community because they feel the impacts of the event … more than anyone.”

Conservatively, I would say that 18 to 24 months might be the ideal time to organize this event 鈥� remember it is first-time event.

All you just have to do is to assemble a great team together, people that are knowledgeable and highly experienced in event management and its operations.

It鈥檚 hard to give an estimate on the cost of this event or similar one if one is not directly involved because there are a lot of factors that are needed to take into considerations and the logistics involved. But since this event is more of a high-class luxurious festival and considering all that was promised, I estimate that between $10 million to$15 million might be needed for putting this event up.

How can people who鈥檝e never organized a large-scale event make sure it鈥檚 a success?

Today鈥檚 event-management practices/operations are not all-comer affairs, you need experienced professionals to handle it successfully. The event markets have already recognized the importance of the trained and educated professionals. That is why there is a surge in event-management studies in many universities across the country. At the 麻豆原创 Rosen College of Hospitality Management, our event-management programs stand out among the rest and the feedback is outstanding based on the quality of our teachings, internships and students鈥� employment rates.

Back to your question, if you lack the necessary skills, training and experience in staging this type of an event, then you have no business venturing into it because it will be a major disaster

“Event management nowadays has become so sophisticated, whether it is a community festival or a large-scale event.”

But another way out is for you to employ and assemble a tested team of event professionals who will manage all the different aspect of the event鈥攕taging and audiovisuals, logistics, human resources, transportation, media relations, suppliers and vendors and many others.

Event management nowadays has become so sophisticated, whether it is a community festival or a large-scale event, because the risk and safety component of it is very important and the government has put a lot of regulations to ensure the safety of all attendees. The more you work with the professionals, the better the outcome of the event will be.

Our job as event managers is to make sure that the positive impact of an event supersedes the negative impacts. And there’s no way, in any event, that you won’t have negative impacts. All you just have to do is come up with ideas how we can maximize these positives and how we can minimize the negatives. This is why we do surveys during and after events, to find out what we did right, wrong and what we should improve upon. We learn through experience over time with different events bringing different challenges.

Are there any trends that you’ve noticed in newer festivals?

Nowadays, it has become old-fashioned to purchase tickets at the gates. You can buy through the apps and other internet-based selling outlets in advance. This is good for the organizers because they don’t have the luxury of having the funds readily available for the event procurements, so the money comes in trickles. So when you are able to get the money ahead of time, it helps your cash flow.

They are also making events to be cashless now, involving more technology. They鈥檙e using RFID (radio-frequency identification) wristbands [which are like the wristbands that Fyre Festival attendees were told they would use]. These devices allow eventgoers to pay for their drinks and other things, but also allow festival organizers to monitor where you are and what you鈥檙e using the band for. This provides spending data and research [which can be useful for future events].

The other thing I鈥檝e noticed is there is a lot of government involvement now with event regulations. Festivals can be vulnerable environments with security concerns. So, some governments have created criteria such as policing and securities, traffic and crowd control that has to be met before you organize any event.

“Ultimately people want experiences and they are willing to pay for them. Festivals give you an experience that you cannot quantify.”

Music festivals seem more popular now than ever, why is that?

I asked my students a long time ago, 鈥淒o you think we have too many festivals?鈥� Everybody said, 鈥淣o! We don’t have enough festivals.鈥�

Music festivals happens to be the latest trend now because it gives people the experience they want in terms of watching their favorite artist playing and enjoying the thrills and frills of the environment at the same time. It also draws at lot of people creating huge impacts for the economy. The market potential is great for the music festivals now and in the foreseeable future.

If you look at most tourist communities, what they are doing now is trying to extend their tourism season by creation of new festivals and revitalization of old ones on a regular basis. Most festivals are usually in the spring and summer but now there are festivals in winter and fall.

The impact of festivals in every local community is enormous. It stimulates the economy. It helps people to bond. The festival helps to create harmony in the society.

Ultimately people want experiences and they are willing to pay for them. Festivals give you an experience that you cannot quantify. Because when you go to a festival, it gives you a different experience from everyday life. You feel the pulse, you feel the impact of the event, the impact of people 鈥� something binds you together. You share a collective interest.

She credits her professors for preparing her not only to excel in this prestigious internship program, but also for supporting her during the competitive application process. Although Tate鈥檚 internship ended on May 1, she already secured a full-time job in the events industry as a sales assistant at , Washington, D.C.鈥檚 finest small historic hotel.

For the benefit of other students considering the program, Tate shared details about her experience as a White House intern and what it took to get there:

Why did you decide to apply for a White House internship?

As my graduation date approached, I began to realize the Orlando area is highly saturated with hospitality seeking professionals specializing in the hotel industry. I knew that I wanted to work in the events field and only the events field, so I needed to place myself in a city where I felt I would thrive. Quite frankly, I knew that I would be in a highly vulnerable and transitional phase of my life and wanted to put myself in a position to succeed. A few months before [the White House Internship application deadline], my active duty Air Force parents were notified they were going to be stationed in the National Capital Region. I researched internships in the Washington D.C. area and came across the White House Internship Program and saw that the Social Office within the Office of the First Lady was an option. I realized I would have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and gain invaluable experience and exposure to event planning in a highly visible office. Additionally, I would be able to depend on my family for emotional, spiritual and financial support.

What was the application process like and how did you prepare?

As with any major decision in life, conducting research is very important! Just like any application, I started off with researching the White House Internship Program and previous events conducted by the Social Office within the Office of the First Lady, my primary office of interest. As I gathered more information about the possible office I could be selected for, I definitely fell more in love with the positions and that helped fuel my desire to complete the application to the best of my ability.

This program is highly competitive. Why do you think you were chosen? What do you think made you stand out?

Yes, definitely highly competitive! It was something that kept ringing in my head when I was applying. Washington, D.C. is the political epicenter of the United States and as an event management major with no political experience or involvement, it scared the living day lights out of me! Interns however come from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Coming from a hospitality background, I knew I would be a different type of candidate, but nonetheless very useful in the Office of the First Lady. Throughout my college career, I was constantly involved in the event industry, from internships to catering to my starting my own business. I made sure I was constantly getting a wide variety of experience.

Describe a typical day as a White House intern.

First, when planning events, no day is typical鈥ver! In my office, when I arrive at work, I do my morning rounds to make sure everything is set for my supervisors that day. E-mails are always the second thing I do because they give me a sense of what is happening in the office that day; I also respond to any outstanding event requests we receive. As interns, we help things flow more smoothly for the event directors. Personally, I handle a lot of photos from events 鈥� processing and staying in contact with the right people to make sure those who come to our events receive their photos. On event days, I assist the event鈥檚 point of contact with any last minute details that need to be finished (photo cards, announcement cards, seating card placement, interoffice communications) before doors open for the event.

What kinds of events are you assisting with?

One of my favorite things that attracted me to this internship and has proven to still be one of my favorites is the varied event experience I鈥檝e received. We do movie screenings, dinners, receptions, message events, The First Lady鈥檚 Let鈥檚 Move! or Reach Higher initiative events, bill signings, national championship team visits (pro-sports) and press conferences. Every day is a new adventure and each event has its own personality.

What鈥檚 the best or most memorable experience you鈥檝e had so far?

The best experience I had so far would definitely be our African American History Month Reception. For this specific event, I helped bring in a youth orchestra from the local D.C. area to play. It鈥檚 fulfilling to know that it was more than simply putting on an event; it also touched lives.

Do you feel Rosen College prepared you for this opportunity? Are there any skills or lessons you learned that you鈥檝e been able to apply to your work at the White House?

Rosen College provided so many opportunities to grow as an event professional! The professors are honestly the most influential part. In an industry where experience and working in the field are where you gather the most information and knowledge, the staff is what makes the difference. Don鈥檛 get me wrong, the education behind the industry has helped me prevent myself from making mistakes that ignorance could have caused and helped me gain a worldly perspective on the industry that I love to be a part of, but there is no comparison to the professors/mentors that I have gained through my time at Rosen College. Ms. A鈥橰ion Raymond 鈥� I took every one of her classes that I could 鈥� was one of the most inspiring and down to earth professors. She graciously wrote one of my letters of recommendation for this internship. Ms. Deborah Weissberg was a gem from my first Intro to Hospitality class in my first semester at Rosen College to my senior year Communications class. She was such an inspiration and a driving force behind my confidence to apply. She also edited my resume before I submitted my internship application. I cherish the professors so much and the education they are willing to instill in their students 鈥� they truly love us.

What鈥檚 next for you after the internship ends? What are your plans?

I recently accepted a full-time position as a sales assistant at The Jefferson, a luxury hotel in D.C. I am currently applying to graduate schools and public relations programs to complement my Event Management degree. In addition, I am taking this time to really enjoy this new phase of life and being back home with my family. The possibilities are endless in D.C. and honestly, that is one of the most invigorating feelings.

Visit Rosen College’s website to learn more about event management education.

2015 Order of Pegasus – Todd Currie

The Order of Pegasus recognizes exemplary performance by 麻豆原创 undergraduate students in the areas of academic achievement, outstanding university involvement, leadership, and community service. Because of the breadth of accomplishments required for this award, the Order of Pegasus is the most prestigious and significant student award that can be attained at the university.

During his time at 麻豆原创, Todd has made an impact on campus and in the community through numerous extracurricular activities and leadership roles, including the LEAD Scholars Program, Volunteer 麻豆原创, the President鈥檚 Leadership Council and 4EVER Knights Student Alumni Association. Todd plans to pursue a career in community relations and hopes to eventually lead community relations for a sports team.

鈥淥verall I believe that my 麻豆原创 experience has prepared me to be successful in life,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s a student, I have been able to grow personally and professionally, and have developed as a leader.鈥�

Founders鈥� Day Award – Taylor Dudley

The Founders鈥� Day Awards honor students from each of 麻豆原创鈥檚 colleges for their dedication to excellence in academics, leadership and community service during the annual Founders鈥� Day ceremony.

In addition to being an outstanding student, Taylor has been highly involved in the campus community, applying her event management skills to roles with the Campus Activities Board, the Knights Special Events Society and MPI Knights. After graduation, she plans to begin her career in the trade show industry and eventually be a show manager or general service contractor.

鈥淭he biggest lessons I have learned have been during my college years at 麻豆原创,鈥� said Taylor. 鈥淚 have learned that the most important values to me are working hard, staying true to myself, and commitment.鈥�

For more information about event management education at Rosen College, please visit hospitality.ucf.edu.

Hastings gave Rosen College students an inside look at the inner workings of the multifaceted facility and their risk management strategy, a critical aspect of venue operations. Through this unique experience, the students saw the concepts they learned in class come to life.

“The goal was to show the students that quality event locations incorporate risk management policies and procedures into everyday operations policies and procedures– they are never separate if you intend for them to work,” said Avery. “Some of the concepts I discuss in class seem far-fetched…that is until you see them in place, being used and working.”

Hastings’ assistant Josh Blackman, ’13, who attended Rosen College and double majored in event management and hospitality management, accompanied the students and discussed Amway Center security, emergency management and essential operations. Blackman is currently a 麻豆原创 graduate student studying emergency management, but says Rosen College gave him the necessary foundation to excel in his current role.

“My education at Rosen College provided me with instructors who had a balance of academic and industry specific experience, and could offer insight about what to expect in the workplace as an event and venue operator,” said Blackman. “It is very different seeing what you are learning in action rather than simply reading or hearing about it in the classroom. This is why I was so excited about the opportunity to give the Amway Center tour and share my experiences with current Rosen College students.”

For more information about hospitality and event management education at Rosen College, please visit .

This $5,000 scholarship is sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (Reno Tahoe USA). 聽Clark will receive the funds and be recognized at the 5th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland, Ohio.

“TSNN and the awards鈥� sponsor, the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, both want to support students who have a clear path into the trade show industry,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “Besides being an exemplary student at 麻豆原创’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Shauna also has a true passion for the trade show industry and already has one foot firmly planted in it. We applaud her successes and look forward to watching her excel in an even brighter future!”

Clark currently works as an assistant show coordinator at TT Publications, which produces shows and conferences for the towing and recovery industry. She hopes to pursue a career in the trade show industry.

The 2015 scholarship application process will open in early May. For more information on the TSNN Awards, please visit .

To learn more about event management education at Rosen College, please visit .

Current event management students will host the event for members of Rosen College鈥檚 advisory boards to recognize and honor their contributions. Rosen College鈥檚 advisory boards are comprised of over 100 industry professionals from the lodging, restaurant, event management, timeshare and theme park segments who help shape the college鈥檚 curriculum and provide insight.

The event will take place on Thursday, July 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Disney Dining Room at Rosen College, located at 9907 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. During the event, attendees will go on a journey around the United States celebrating the country鈥檚 most fascinating cities as they enjoy regional food and entertainment. This event is by invitation only.

For more information about event management education at Rosen College, please visit .

A group of 16 Rosen College students are participating in the through , a 5,000-square-foot facility for the American film community at the Cannes International Film Festival. Over 900 students from all over the world apply to The American Pavilion鈥檚 highly competitive student programs, but only about 30 percent are accepted. This is the first time that Rosen College students will participate in this program and as a result, 麻豆原创 will be the most represented institution in Cannes with the largest group of students.

Students will travel to France in May, arriving on May 11 for a two-week program during the festival, which runs from May 14 -25. Prior to the start of the Festival, students will participate in a two-day orientation and tour of Cannes, as well as workshops and seminars designed to help them gain a greater understanding of producing a global event. Once the festival begins, students will have the opportunity to learn and practice their skills at one of the most glamorous events in the world, assisting in the planning and execution of VIP meals, parties and private events.

鈥淭he students in this program witness a microcosm of a much bigger dance of events going on right outside the door with people doing business there from around the world,鈥� said Michael Bremer, director of student programs for The American Pavilion. 鈥淲hen you put on an event, you think of venue, food and entertainment, but then a celebrity might make a spontaneous request that requires you to think on your feet.聽 Students will come back with a more expanded view on how so many events can coexist on the same day and in the same place.鈥�

For Gabriel Huntting, a graduate student pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in hospitality and tourism management, it鈥檚 a chance to gain international experience without sacrificing his studies.

鈥淪tudying abroad is pretty inconvenient for grad students, so I saw the internship with The American Pavilion as an ideal alternative,鈥� Huntting said. 鈥淚t鈥檒l be an effective way for me to travel, network abroad and intern without missing any class time or delaying pursuing my degree.鈥�

For others like Ralph Mahalak, a junior majoring in hospitality management, it鈥檚 the ultimate learning experience.

鈥淚 hope to learn some new skills in dealing with such a large-scale event, as well as gain some valuable real life experience working with VIPs at one of the most luxurious events in the world,鈥� said Mahalak.

Rosen College instructor and Chef , who attended the Cannes Culinary Program as a student 15 years ago, is serving as a mentor for the Hospitality & Event Management Program. She and a group of about a dozen mentors, which include faculty and industry professionals, will volunteer their time to guide students through this uniquely intense experience.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been fifteen years since I last crossed the pond to the French Riviera as a culinary student, said Wilson. 鈥淚 am so excited to be going back once again as a hospitality and events/culinary mentor with 16 wonderful Rosen College students.鈥�

Students are responsible for all program fees, transportation and meals. Housing and breakfast are provided. Although the costs might be prohibitive for some, others feel it helps ensure that those who attend are truly invested in the experience.

鈥淚t is a steep financial commitment and I am fortunate enough to have some additional scholarship money that I could put toward the cost of the program,鈥� Mahalak said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 mind the cost too much because it really filters out people that truly want to be there and have a great experience since we are all sacrificing so much.鈥�

鈥淚 see this program as a worthwhile investment because it relates specifically to what I hope to pursue in my career in hospitality,鈥� said Huntting. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned from experience that opportunities like this are simply too advantageous to pass up. Just being able to learn and network at an event of this caliber is rare.鈥�

“Our relationship with Rosen College and its students is very important to us as we prepare the next generation of cruise industry leaders,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. “Through this unique class, we’re able to educate them, answer questions and share Disney’s commitment to service and the guest experience.”

Hospitality management and event management students boarded the Disney Wonder in Miami and departed on Sunday, March 2. Immediately after check-in, their study aboard experience began. Over the five-day cruise, the group聽ventured behind the scenes to experience the inner workings of a cruise ship and attend a series of educational seminars by Disney Cruise Line executives on a variety of topics. They met representatives from various operations areas, including the terminal manager, assistant cruise director, guest services manager, hotel director, restaurant manager, crew activities manager, groups manager and human resources manager. They also toured the medical area and even visited with the captain.

“I’ve been on cruises before, but never like this,” said Zachary Tranter, a senior majoring in event management. “The cruise on the Disney Wonder my Cruise Operations class took me on聽a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Not only did I meet some amazing crew members, gaining tons聽of knowledge about leadership, dedication and the cruise industry聽along the way, but I got to better connect with my classmates while exploring new places and having loads of fun. [This experience] will聽shape my career as I graduate and move forward聽into this聽growing聽hospitality industry.”

Student volunteers assisted with various event management duties during the games, including sponsorship and branding compliance, maintaining the locker room and cheer warm-up areas, and staffing the media holding area and key access points throughout the arena. This unrivaled opportunity to go behind the scenes gave students firsthand insight into managing a high-profile, large-scale event involving multiple agencies, vendors and the local organizing committee, in addition to valuable networking opportunities.

鈥淚 am a sports fanatic and when I saw that the NCAA March Madness tournament 聽was going to be in Orlando I was extremely excited to get to work there,” said Gabriela Freitas, a senior majoring in event management and minoring in sport business management. “My main goal was to gain as much experience and talk to different individuals within the industry that I want to work in, which is sporting events. Knowing what goes [into an] event such as this one was very interesting and hectic, but very worth the moment and [I enjoyed] every aspect of it.鈥�

For Rosen College students, being at the right place at the right time translates into unique learning experiences. One student working the media holding area was recruited to help escort teams from their locker rooms to conduct interviews.

“It was such a cool experience, interacting with the teams, the coaches and their media reps,” said Morgan Willis, a senior double majoring in event management and hospitality management. “I’m really glad I decided to volunteer for the event and experience what goes on behind the scenes of some of the major events that happen in the Amway Center.”