Sept. 22, 2009 issue
I came to work at the Convocation Center
a year after the facility opened in 1998. When I first
started here, I was an outside contractor. During that
time, I got acquainted with Mark Monahan (then interim
director of the Convocation Center). After the contract ran out, I got
a call from Mark about six months later saying there was a job opening.
He encouraged me to put in for it. I thought it was too good to be true.
I was hired as an assistant to special operations, to help set up for
special events. For a concert, we usually start three or four days before
if we have time. If it's something scheduled the day before, then it's
a real hustle. We may have to arrange bleachers or build a stage. After
it's over, the work is all in reverse.
We set up for basketball games and graduations. After EMU's graduation
in the spring, we go on two or three more weeks with high school graduations.
Whoever wants to schedule an event in the Convocation Center calls Mark
or Marcy Szabo (assistant director, Convocation Center).
She's in charge of booking. We usually have at least two
persons on set-up. Depending on the size of the event,
that can go up to 10.
First, I usually find out what day and time an event is taking place.
I find out what the promoter wants set up and see how many people it takes
to do the job. My main contact would be through the (lighting) riggers.
I ask them how they want something set.
Over the years, different events have come and gone. The one thing I
remember about the circus is that the docks stunk for a week after. The
docks were turned into a large stable for the animals. The St. Joe's holiday
ball is interesting. It takes a week to set up for that. You have to see
it in process. You're amazed at how it ends up. They have a different
theme every year. Last year, they had a big pavilion and a castle.
I like my job. I like the people I work with. It's easy to come to work
when you get along with the people you work with. The job
sometimes brings out talents you didn't know you had. I'm
planning to stay here until I retire. — Contributed by
Ron Podell
