Behind the Curtain: How to Streamline Your Gala and Create a Magical Guest Experience
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CST
Speaker(s): Laura Schumacher, Director of Development, Seminole State College of Florida, John Gyllin, Vice President, Resource and Economic Development Executive Director, Foundation for Seminole State, Seminole State College of Florida
Competencies: Strategic ThinkingRelationship Building
Experience Level: Level 3- Practicing Mid Level Career
Elective Session
Step behind the curtain and discover the secrets to planning a gala that feels effortless, enchanting, and unforgettable. In this how-to session, you’ll learn how to reimagine your guest experience from the moment they arrive—starting with a check-in process so smooth, it feels like a disappearing act. See how leveraging student and college volunteers can transform your team’s capacity and add a spark of hospitality. Plus, explore creative, budget-friendly ways to surprise and delight your attendees throughout the night. Whether you’re a seasoned event wizard or a new magician-in-training, you’ll leave with practical tools to make your gala more efficient and magical than ever.