How I Learn by Doing
Making Memories
with ASI Events
A student manager at ASI Events talks about how she creates unforgettable experiences that make campus feel like home.
By Nicole Lopez, fourth-year experience industry management major
Photos courtesy of ASI Events
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Lopez directs her team while managing a recent campus performance by comedian Connor Wood.
Growing up, I played competitive soccer. As I got older, I transitioned into coaching younger players, and eventually into helping coordinate team events and tournaments. Seeing how much fun the little kids experienced at practice, the games and (of course) the team ice cream parties afterward made me realize that a memorable event can make a huge impact.
I chose to major in experience industry management, and found a job with the events team at Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) my freshman year. I got to help coordinate student-centered campus events ranging from weekly live music at the University Union, to interactive festivals serving hundreds of students, to performances by famous visiting musicians and comedians.
Last spring, I was the event lead for one of our biggest annual events: Mustang Mile, a campus 5K that honors a former Cal Poly student and educates students about the risks of substance abuse. It’s a very special event for the campus community.
I began my planning process by reviewing feedback from previous event staff and attendees, understanding what could be improved from last year’s event. I noticed that one of the challenges was getting attendees to stay and interact with the educational booths we host at the event. I implemented a new punch card system that encouraged attendees to visit the booths, learn more and participate in other fun interactive elements in exchange for free gifts and swag at the end of the day.
It was a success, and I was so happy and proud to hear how impactful the punch cards were in keeping participants engaged. The educational booths are such a key attribute to the purpose of this event, so improving the booth interactions felt like a huge success. Watching all those people gather at an event I coordinated and garnering so much positive feedback has been my proudest moment in this role.
Watching students make these memories and begin to feel connected to this place is what keeps me motivated. I know our events helped create that sense of belonging.
This year I became manager of the ASI Events student staff, coordinating multiple teams working on dozens of events throughout the year.
I’ve learned a lot about the background details of event coordination that most attendees don’t consider, as well as how to create a detailed event overview — something that wasn’t covered as much in my classes. I’ve learned how to create and manage budgets, how contracting requirements and procedures work, and the overall organization of an event. I’ve truly gotten a hands-on experience.
Another unique aspect about this job is being a student manager and learning how to lead my peers. I lead a lot of meetings and event briefings with people my age that I also know outside of work. I’ve learned how to separate professional and personal relationships by setting boundaries early on. As much as I’ve learned how to give direction, I’ve also learned to rely on others and follow directions from other leaders on the team.
My days on campus are generally 9 to 5, alternating between work and school before homework in the evenings. As I finish up my senior year, I’ve learned how to balance all this along with my personal and social life.
Hundreds of students gather for the 13th annual Mustang Mile, one of the biggest and most complex campus events Lopez has managed.
After graduation, I’m planning to begin a career in event planning in professional sports. I’m drawn to sporting events because of the memorable impact it can make on a person — something that’s been close to my heart ever since I helped out with youth soccer teams.
I love this job because I love seeing the impact each of our events have on people’s lives. At every ASI event, we see students connect with each other and find a safe sense of community. I can’t express in words how amazing it feels to coordinate a successful event where you can see everyone having a great time with their friends. Watching students make these memories and begin to feel connected to this place is what keeps me motivated. I know our events helped create that sense of belonging.
I love the idea that I have the potential to create unforgettable experiences that can become key memories for the people who share them, and I’m excited to see where this motivation takes me.
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