From Torch Relay to Podium Finish: The Art of Volunteer Management and Recognition

Are you ready to take your event from good to gold? Unleash the incredible power of volunteers with this immersive training session designed for event planners! Just like a well-trained swimmer glides effortlessly through the water, a well-managed volunteer team creates a smooth and impactful experience for everyone involved.

Leave this session with actionable strategies to:

• Develop a "gold medal" volunteer recruitment plan
• Craft engaging training programs that empower your volunteer team
• Effectively manage volunteers and foster a positive work environment
• Implement a robust volunteer recognition program

Presenters:

Colleen Douglass, Beyond Monumental

Colleen Douglass joined Beyond Monumental in April 2023. Before joining the team, Colleen worked in TV and video production with networks like ESPN, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel. She also produced fitness and lifestyle programs for magazine brands including Oxygen, Clean Eating and Yoga Journal. 

Colleen graduated from the University of Dayton with a BA in Communications. In 2020, Colleen moved back to the Midwest from Denver. When she's not convincing people to volunteer at Monumental races, you can find her meeting up with friends for trivia nights, cheering on her nephews at their baseball games, constantly working on DIY house projects, or hanging out at the dog park with her Bernese Mountain Dog Reilly.

Andretta Erickson, Vice President and COO, MBSA Events
Andretta Erickson came to MBSA the summer of 2014 after almost ten years with Indiana Sports Corp in the events department where she was a Director of Events and the Executive Director for the Local Organizing Committee of the Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. In those years, Andretta also coordinated hospitality and ancillary events, as well as the look and décor, and acted as the hotel liaison. A graduate of North Dakota State University, Andretta graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration. She was a member of the North Dakota State track and field team. In her free time, Andretta enjoys most outdoor activities and competes in the Irish sport of hurling with her local Indianapolis club.

Julia Martinez, Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement, Indiana Sports Corporation
Julia Martinez joined Indiana Sports Corp’s staff in May of 2022 as Volunteer Coordinator and has served as Volunteer Engagement Coordinator since October of 2023. In this role, she oversees the volunteer program including recruitment efforts, volunteer administrative requirements and management of volunteers on site. Martinez provides top notch service to volunteer throughout each Indiana Sports Corp event.

Ashleigh Newbold, Vice President of Engagement, Indiana Sports Corporation
Ashleigh Newbold joined the Indiana Sports Corp staff in January 2017 and now serves as the Vice President of Engagement. Previously, Ashley worked as the Director of Events where she led the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships and Big Ten Basketball Tournaments on behalf of ISC. Previously, Ashleigh served as the Programs and Exhibits Manager at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center. She is a member of IndyHub and Chief of Staff for Women in Sports & Events Indy.

This program qualifies for 2 CEUs.

BONUS: All attendees will have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets in advance to the US Olympic Trials – Swimming, at Lucas Oil Stadium, immediately following the session (11 a.m.- 1 p.m.) to see volunteers in action!  The $15 ticket can be added to your registration during the registration process.

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