I have been teaching from time to time at Columbia College, and at Roosevelt University here in Chicago.  Usually I get a call from an industry colleague, an old friend, asking if I can come in for a session or two and speak to their students about careers in the special events industry. 

Thanks to my friend Bob Higa, I recently spoke to his Roosevelt University HOSM 324 Special Events Management class, at the Manfred Steinfield School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.  This is a mixture of undergrad and graduate students, with a broad range of ages, experience, backgrounds and interests.

At Columbia College, my old friends David Puszkiewicz and Mick Thomasen have brought me in to talk to their “Creating a Career in Tech and Design” students.  We look at the production management process, career paths, industry hazards and related war stories. 

Both these colleges have resulted in numerous internships over the years with Fort Production Management, and I have been meeting young professionals that first met me in this context.  It’s always a thrill to see the next generation take their place in the ranks of the working showbiz folks.