As a Director at HVS Convention, Sports, & Entertainment (CSE), my week revolves around various projects related to different types of venues, from national convention centers and professional stadiums to regional conference venues and performing arts spaces. In my three years with the firm, I’ve worked on everything from economic impact studies to site analyses, all of which require a deep understanding of the markets and facilities involved.
Collaboration is key to our team’s success. Every day begins with a full-team morning meeting, which lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. This is where we update each other on ongoing projects, share new analysis methods, and brainstorm solutions. The routine of working closely with other team members and our Executive Director ensures that we’re always learning and pushing the boundaries of what we can deliver for our clients.
Most of my time is spent analyzing and modeling data. This is typically done in Excel, where I synthesize information from external databases and specialized modeling software to assess project feasibility, operational recommendations, and economic impact. Whether I'm building financial projections for a new convention center or assessing the performance of an existing sports venue, data is at the heart of what we do. Report writing and creating slide-deck presentations are other significant parts of my work week. These communication methods allow us to effectively share our findings with clients verbally and visually, with engaging and concise language.
In addition to Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, I use tools like ArcGIS for mapping, locational analytics software to analyze foot traffic and tourism trends, and survey platforms to gather critical market data. Economic impact modeling software is also vital to our work, helping us generate insights that are both data driven and strategically sound.
Travel is an essential aspect of the job. About once a month, I visit project sites or potential locations, typically involving a day or two in the field. These site visits are invaluable for gaining firsthand knowledge of the market and venue, offering a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities in each location.
What I enjoy most about my role is the variety. Each project is unique; no two venues or markets are the same. This constant variation keeps the work challenging and broadens my experience across the hospitality, meetings, and events industries. Another perk of the job is flexibility. As someone who predominantly works remotely, I have the autonomy to structure my day in a way that allows me to balance professional commitments with personal life. Of course, calls/appointments with clients, interviews with project stakeholders, and fieldwork require more rigid scheduling, but overall flexibility is one of the aspects I truly appreciate.
My role at HVS CSE is dynamic, fast paced, and intellectually rewarding. With the chance to collaborate with a talented team and work on projects that span the globe, every week is different and always filled with new challenges and learning opportunities.
