July 26, 2017

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Imagine how excited I was when I found out that I got the Marketing Internship with Infinite Energy Center! How many people can say they spent their summer learning the ins, outs, and in betweens of what goes on behind the scenes in preparation for a concert? The people who work in the marketing department (the “Marketeers”) made me feel comfortable from the start. I quickly learned just how exciting this job would be when I realized that my responsibilities included spending time researching celebrities such as Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull, attending a Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners meeting, and shopping for artist gifts online.

I had a few short weeks of preparation before the ultimate challenge: 7 days, 5 shows, 1 intern. The first thing I realized was that in no way were my sandals up for the challenge. This meant ditching them for a pair of more “sensible and mature” shoes. For me, that meant shoes without heels.

Our first show was James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt. It began with a main component of my job on show days, which is escorting media to either the pit or soundboard to take pictures. Who knew that they could only take pictures during the first three songs during each set? On nights like these with multiple performers, that means escorting the media back and forth several times. Show days make it easier for me to hit my 10,000 steps! That night I was thankful I ditched the sandals. This show was just a warm-up for show number two.

Paul McCartney was the next show. I was excited to see how all of our hard work would come together. Weeks of sorting through fan submissions, preparing his gifts, attending a county meeting, and decorating the Arena would finally come together. it was great to see the hard work that goes in to having a street named for a celebrity. Next time you’re at the Arena, be sure to look for Paul McCartney Boulevard. Working that concert was an experience I will never forget! From the roar of the crowd, to the incredible energy in the Arena, to the amazing presence he had – it was a night I will always remember!

Show three took us back to the 90s. I loved seeing the extra excitement from the women in the office for New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, and Boyz II Men. After the media finished that night, we danced the night away in our denim jackets.

Performer four was Roger Waters. That night was the first night that the media was able to photograph from the pit. It’s amazing how different a concert is when you’re that close to the stage.

Finally, we made it to performer five, day seven. The last show of the week was Kendrick Lamar. I was fortunate enough to have more input regarding the gift he received. After doing that research mentioned earlier, I discovered that he likes Fruity Pebbles. I was able to find a custom bowl and spoon that was designed for him with his nickname and concert logo. I was nervous to hear about his reaction to the gift and was relieved to find out he appreciated the gift.

It was quite a week! As crazy as it was, everything the Marketeers taught me prepared me for all that was required of me. It was a great experience and I enjoyed bonding with my co-workers. I am so thankful for this internship and all that it has taught me. I am also thankful for my sensible shoes!